Evaluating Bandwidth Choices....Fractional DS3 vs DS3
Looking for bandwidth? That can be a daunting and frustrating
task even in the best of situations. There's lots to consider in
order to make the right decision for your needs. Below you'll
find some help when evaluating Fractional DS3 vs DS3. Factors
covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application,
Pros, Cons, and Cost.
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Technology: Fractional DS3
Speed: 3 Mbps - 44.736 Mbps
Description: A fraction of a full DS-3, which is comprised of 28
T-1s or 672 channels.
Application: Provides access from a location into the Internet
for a large business or ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Pros: Provides very high speed access directly into the
carrier's backbone. Bandwidth guaranteed by SLA (Service Level
Agreement). Very reliable.
Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.
Costs: A Fractional DS3 will likely start at around $2,000 for a
stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider)....not
including the local loop. A required router is additional unless
provided as a "freebie" incentive by the vendor. Price climbs as
distance from the providers Central Office (CO) increases.
However....the pricing for these connections can vary widely
depending on the carrier, location of service and the
application for which the connection is being used. For
example...Tier 1 providers will probably cost more than
local/regional Tier 2 and Tier 3 providers but are much more
stable and reliable. A Tier 1 provider should be the provider of
choice for any business serious about the quality of their
network. Also, expect to pay more if you are in a rural area or
need integrated (voice and data combined) DS3 service.
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Technology: DS3
Speed: 44.736 Mbps
Description: dedicated connection made up of the equivalent of
28 T-1s.
Application: Provides access from a location into the Internet
for a large business or ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Pros: Circuit runs directly into the carrier's backbone.
Bandwidth guaranteed by SLA (Service Level Agreement). Very
reliable.
Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.
Costs: A full DS3 obviously will cost more than a Fractional
DS3. Expect cost to start at around a $3-5,000 for a stable,
reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider).....not including
the local loop. A required router is additional unless provided
as a "freebie" incentive by the vendor. Price climbs as distance
from the providers Central Office (CO) increases. However....the
pricing for these connections varies widely depending on the
carrier, location of service and the application for which the
connection is being used. For example...Tier 1 providers may
cost more than local/regional Tier2 and Tier 3 providers but are
much more stable and reliable. A Tier 1 provider should be the
provider of choice for any business serious about the quality of
their network. Also, expect to pay more if you are in a rural
area or need integrated (voice and data combined) or bonded
(multiple DS3s bound in 1 network....option vs full OC3) DS3
service.
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Technology: E3 (Europe)
Speed: 34.368 Mbps
Description: European equivalent of T-3. Made up of the
equivalent of 28 T-1s.
Application: Provides access from a location into the Internet
for a large business or ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Pros: Circuit runs directly into the carrier's backbone.
Bandwidth guaranteed by SLA (Service Level Agreement). Very
reliable.
Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.
Costs: A full E3 usually costs more than it's North American
counterpart. Expect cost to start at around a $6-8,000 for a
stable, reliable 45 Mbps system (e.g. from an equivalent Tier 1
provider). A required router is additional unless provided as a
"freebie" incentive by the vendor (not common in Europe). Local
loops range from $1,000 - $3,000/month. Price climbs as distance
from the providers Central Office (CO) increases.
However....just as with the North American version the pricing
for these connections varies widely depending on the carrier,
location of service and the application for which the connection
is being used.