So What Can a T1 Do For Me?

by, Rose Wyman, President, ValuLink Technology Solutions

The Entire World’s A Stage – for a T1 prop, that is. . .

So, really, what can a T1 do for me, you ask?

Well, let’s take a look at how many different types of T1s exist.

And, what do they do?

The reliability of a T1 line is superior to standard telephone lines or DSL so give a much greater level of service. Most T1’s come with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that guarantee speed, uptime, and latency (the time it takes for the signal to travel from one point to the other).

A Voice T1 handles up to 24 calls simultaneously, or more if voice compressed.  There is no limit to how many telephone numbers that can point to a T1. These numbers are called DID’s, short for Direct Inward Dialing.  DIDs operate on the assumption that not everyone in the company will be on the phone at the same time.

A Channelized T1 is split up into 24 equal channels. Each voice grade channel Digital Signal, level zero (a DS0) can plug directly into a PBX for phone service and features.   ISP’s (Internet Service Providers) use this type of service to connect customers using dial up modems.

Another type of T1 is an ISDN-PRI (Integrated Services Digital Network-Primary Rate Interface) or simply stated, a PRI.  A PRI uses one of 24 channels available to carry call information and control signals rather than an actual call.  This provides the information for Caller ID and screen pops, customer information and history that “pops up” on screen prior to incoming calls being answered.

A Data T1 is configured to transport data signals rather than voice traffic. Data T1’s have become increasingly more popular with the increased demand for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services. VoIP requires a reliable and stable internet connection to work properly.

A Private Lines is a dedicated circuit between two or more locations. The terms point-to-point and point-to-multipoint are used to describe this service. Private lines are used for direct and secure access between locations; to connect PBX’s or multiple servers; to restrict internet access to a single location.

The Fractional T1 is limited to a predetermined number of channels or bandwidth. Fractional T1’s are typically used for small businesses and small branch offices and carry the same reliability and guarantee as a full T1.

An Integrated T1 combines both voice and data services on the same T1. The voice channels simply lay dormant when no phone calls are being made or received.

A Dynamic T1 will instantly allocate bandwidth to a phone call on an as needed basis.  When a call comes in or when an outside line is accessed, the required bandwidth needed for the call is dedicated to that conversation. When the call is completed the bandwidth is released back for data use.

A Bonded T1 combines multiple T1’s to make them work as a single circuit.

So, what makes one T 1 different from another? It’s the equipment at each end. The equipment and its configuration will determine the speed, routing, type, cost, etc. of the T1. Each T1 provider will vary in their services offered, provisioning, service guarantees, footprint, etc. T1 prices also vary greatly.