Q:What is T-1 or DS-1?
T1 is a member of the T-carrier system. T-carrier is a communications system used for carrying voice and data transmissions in a digital format. T-1 meets the needs of businesses having multiple users on a system requiring fast speed and broad bandwidth. For a fixed monthly rate, businesses with 20 or more users can communicate via both voice and data. A Full T1 line can accommodate as many as 24 users working at 64 Kbps .

T1 provides high speed, point-to-point digital transmission line (up to 1.544 Mbps). It is widely deployed and readily available in most regions. It is currently the most common way that large companies connect their LAN to the rest of the world.

Q: How does T-1 work?
T1 uses pulse code modulation and time-division multiplexing to deliver voice and data information simultaneously. T1 is a digital transmission service that can be divided into 24 voice channels for carrying voice and data. The entire 1.544 Mbps bandwidth, or any portion of this, can be used as a single high-speed data channel. A T1 line can carry both data and voice signals on the same line with the data part of the line continuously connected.

Q: What type of service is a DS1 line?
DS1 is a dedicated high-speed digital line.

Q: Does T-1 have more capacity than ISDN?
Yes, T1 has more than 10 times the capacity of an ISDN connection.

Q: Are there any special equipment requirements for T1?
Yes. To use T1-connection, you'll need a router with a built in T1 link and a Network Interface Card (NIC). You'll also need a CSU/DSU.

Q: What is a CSU/DSU?
T-1 is made up of 24 digital channels. This requires a digital connection device (CSU/DSU {customer switching unit/digital switching unit}) to connect to four wires to carry the information. All T-1lines require that a Channel Service Unit (CSU) be connected between your Data Terminal Equipment (DTE), i.e., a personal computer, and the T-1 line. A CSU serves both as a surge protector (to protect your equipment from voltage anomalies such as lightning) and a monitor of the line itself.

A CSU is used to connect Non Data Terminal Equipment to a T-1 line. A CSU/DSU [Channel Service Unit / Data Service Unit] is a piece of equipment that connects a leased line from the telephone company to the customer's equipment (such as a router). It performs line encoding and conditioning functions and often has a loopback function for testing. If your DTE doesn't provide a "T-1 Out" for a CSU, then a combined DSU/CSU will be required. Many of these devices include sophisticated performance monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. For full T-1 service, you must provide a Channel Service Unit (CSU).

Q: Does T-1 work with my existing phone wires and equipment?
Yes, but it may require special jacks and connections, or changes to your inside wiring. Your service provider may need to install new wire.

Q: Is T-1 installed only on wire?
No. T-1 can be installed on any of the following:

• Twisted-pair copper wire.
• Fiber optics.
• Coaxial cable.
• Digital microwave.
• Infrared lighting.

Q: Can I install T-1?
Due to the complexity of the technology, T-1 is usually installed by your service provider.

Q: I've heard T-1 referred to as DS-1. What does this mean?
T-1 lines are frequently referred to as DS-1. "DS" stands for digital signal level, i.e., the actual speed of each T carrier service. Each flavor of T-carrier has a different speed. DS-1 is the entire bandwidth of the T-1 service, 1.544 Mbps. DS-0 refers to the speed of each of the 24 channels of the T-1 service, i.e., 64 Kbps.

Q: Can I lease a portion of T-1?
Yes. If your business doesn't require a full 1.544 megabit connection, then you can opt for a portion of T-1. This is called fractional T-1. You can get fractionalT-1 and then flexibly grow to the full 1.544Mbps as your network expands or as your needs change.

Q: What can I do with T-1?
T-1 lines are high-capacity lines used to carry voice and data, and access the Internet. These lines are also used to connect individual networks to the Internet. T-1 circuits are frequently used to link remote LANs . Also, T-1 can be used to bring Centrex service from the telephone company's central office (CO) to your business.

Centrex is a telephone company central office-based service provided by a local service provider (i.e. your local telephone company). Centrex, brought to you by T-1, can route and switch your calls. It can give you PBX-like enhanced services such as conference calling, call forwarding, caller Id, and other vertical features. Using Centrex, you can save money since you don't need phone operators, administrators, and other resources needed to manage your phone lines. Another plus is that you do not need to use on-site switching equipment. With Centrex, some of the automated features that you can get include Direct Inward Dialing, Direct Outward Dialing and Automatic Identification of dialed calls.

Q: Can I use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) with T-1?
Yes. In conjunction with the proper software, FTP will allow your computers that are connected to the Internet to exchange files regardless of the computer platform. This will increase efficiency for your business.

Q: Can I run my own servers?
Yes. You can run your own Domain Name System (DNS), mail, or web servers.

Q: What are some features of T-1?
Fast Internet access, very high bandwidth and speed, reliability, "always on" service and increased security make it highly desirable for many businesses.

Q: What are some benefits of T-1?
T-1 is a cost effective solution for many small to medium sized businesses and has many benefits including the following:

• It's efficient, very fast, and cost-effective for your growing business.
• The connection is always on!
• Multi-users can talk on the phone and use the Internet simultaneously on one phone line!
• Multi-users can download files at a speed that will achieve all your business objectives!
• You can host your own services (such as an Email, File transfer Protocol (FTP), or Web server).

Q: Is T-1 more expensive than a standard telephone line?
Yes. T-1 is a premium service. It is an extremely high-quality, state-of-the-art communications service. This increased expense will be offset by the increased productivity you'll experience.

Q: How much does T-1 cost?
T-1 is a very fast (10 times faster than ISDN) leased service and this may come at a premium, but it provides a cost-effective solution for many businesses. Setup and installation will probably be your biggest out-of-pocket expenditure. Click here to get Free Quotes .

T-1 is an excellent solution for companies, especially those that can initially use fractional T-1.

Q: What if I want to know more?

You can either email us or call, We'll be happy to answer any questions you have about this efficient, cost-effective way to communicate with your customers!