Internet T1
Since the Internet has become such an essential part of daily business, many companies are switching to an always-on broadband connection. One of the most popular types of always-on connections, a T1 line, permits reliable communication and data exchange at speeds up to 30 times faster than standard dial-up.
A T1 line is a high-speed digital telephone line that transfers signals at 1.544Mbps and accommodates up to 24 telephone lines or trunks. A single T1 connection can support dozens to hundreds of users, but as the number of users increase, its speed and efficiency drops.
Levels of T1 service
There are several levels of T1 lines, including:
- Full T1 line - Transmits at speeds of up to 1.54Mbps and can be used to handle either your voice or data needs.
- Integrated T1 - Capable of transmitting voice and data on the same digital circuit at speeds of 1.54Mbps for easier and faster access, an Integrated T1 line is a popular choice because of its full connectivity and economical costs. You decide how many of the 24 channels will be reserved for local and long distance voice calls, and the rest is used for data.
- Fractional T1 - Subscribers have the freedom to choose from different bandwidth speed configurations as a Fractional T1 uses only a portion of a Full T1 line for a discounted rate.
- Burstable T1 - A "pay as you go" service, a Burstable T1 provides a set amount of bandwidth at all times, but is also scalable, allowing you to increase bandwidth during high traffic spikes.
- Bonded T1 - Consists of several T1 lines bonded together, providing more bandwidth than two separate T1 lines, and better performance.
Downside of T1
Although businesses that rely heavily on access to data and applications will all agree a T1 line is worth the investment, the high-cost for a reliable connection with guaranteed uptime is the most obvious drawback of a T1 connection.
Service Level Agreements
While it's impossible to maintain 100% availability, most T1 providers aim for the renowned standard of "four nines" - 99.99% uptime over the course of a year. Service level agreements (SLAs) protect customers and ensure providers pay penalties to those who experience downtime exceeding specified totals.
Contracts
The contract you sign for T1 access should be all-inclusive, with no unwanted surprises or hidden fees - detailing all costs, length of service, and the SLA.
Standard contracts are often set for three years, and include all installation and set up fees as well as equipment rentals. Be sure to read the cancelation policy as well; often if you decide to break a contract early, you'll end up forking over anywhere from several hundred dollars up to the balance left on the contract.
Getting set up
Set up typically takes anywhere from 30 to 45 days from the contract signing to set up your office, so remember to plan accordingly. Once you sign a contract, a qualified contractor will come to your office and test the necessary circuits before installation. They will then put in routers, connect your LAN, configure IP addresses and firewall security, and set up any other equipment as stated on your contract.
Internet access pricing
Monthly T1 prices vary drastically - Fractional T1s run around $100-$200; Full T1s from $250 to $1,000; Bonded T1s are generally priced at a multiple of a regular T1 line, so three Bonded T1s would be around $750 to $3,000, - all with a similar cost for the initial setup. Standard T1 Internet prices include the phone company's local loop charge - typically $150 and up.
Most vendors will either provide the equipment - routers, T1 pipes, Ethernet cables - for free, or tie them into the monthly pricing. Certain setup fees may also be waived based on the length of a contract.
Still Wondering if You Should Consider a T1?
Initial costs for T1 equipment and installation are high, however it may be a cost-effective option if you:
- Need at least 10 to 15 voice-grade channels that connect to your local or long distance service provider
- Host Web or FTP sites on your network
- Require high-capacity data bandwidth (256Kbps to 1.544Mbps)
