T1

T1 represents an Internet connection that occurs at speeds up to 1.544 Megabits per second. Because this connection speed is so fast, it's a service that is commonly reserved to connect (1) businesses to the internet or to an intranet (a private network within a office structure), (2) organizations that want to provide email, ftp (file transfer protocol), and/or website services, (3) VPN (virtual private network) users, or (4) those who can not access DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) services. To accommodate for specific customer needs, some Internet service providers will fraction off the use of this type of connection to smaller groups. Phone companies have even started to offer T1 Internet connections that incorporate voice communication as part of their service and it is in fact, somewhat similar to DSL services.

T1 differs from DSL however, in particular because it has no geographical restrictions. DSL is offered only in specific areas of the country. T1 on the other hand is available all over the United States. DSL makes use of a single phone line and no extra equipment. T1 however, requires the use of a router with an internal or external CSU/DSU.

Short for "Trunk Level 1, T-1 carrier, or T-1 line," T1 offers the highest level of connection reliability. Reliability and speed are two things that are guaranteed through the use of a T1 Internet connection. This is due to the fact that T1 connections transmit data over a group of multiple phone lines to send and receive information rather than over just one line. A fractional T1 connection (referred to as "Frac T1") can grant users a 384 Kbps connection, a 512 Kbps connection, a 768 Kbps connection or a 1.1 Mbps connection.

As a result, T1 Internet connections are ideal for:

a) small companies (up to two hundred employees) who want

to connect their local area network to the Internet with

a single connection.

b) those who have the equipment to (and want to) host an

email server, website, or FTP site

c) those who participate in a virtual private network

d) those who are restricted from DSL because of geographical restrictions

Of course, each of these situations require the use of a router (a high powered modem) with an internal or external CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit). This router acts as a "go-between" from your current network to your special T1 phone line jack (supplied from your telephone company). Routers are provided by your Internet service provider either at no charge, or at a low monthly cost in addition to the fee for your connection service.

As enticing as T1 sounds, it does have its share of problems. T1 operates under high regulation and has to meet stringent standards set by individual states. Public Service Commissions require that T1 service providers have a technician available for line repair within a twenty four hour period. Consequently, this high maintenance requirement raises service costs, ultimately making T1 much too expensive for the sole Internet user. This high expense is the reason that this type of connection is reserved for business users. However the more users who subscribe to T1, the more likely future costs will eventually decrease.