Evaluating Bandwidth Choices....Fractional T-1 vs T1
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 T1 vs T1. Factors
covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application,
Pros, Cons, and Cost.
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Technology: Fractional T1
Speed: 128 Kbps - 1.544 Mbps
Description: Same service as a full T-1 provisioned in
increments of 64 Kbps. A full T-1 is 1.544 Mbps or 24 channels,
Fractional T-1s start at 128 Kbps or 2 channels.
Application: Used to connect a company to the Internet when less
than a full T-1 is required. Circuit runs from the location into
the Internet.
Pros: Provides access straight into the carrier's backbone.
Unlike DSL and Cable Modem, there is no aggregation. Fractional
T-1s have unused channels which can be turned up on demand.
Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.
Costs: Fractional T1 cost starts at around $100-200 for a
stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider). 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.
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Technology: T1
Speed: 1.544 Mbps
Description: A 24 channel cirucit that can be used for Frame
Realy, Private Line, VPN or, most commonly, Internet access.
Application: Connects a company's LAN into the Internet or
carrier's Frame Realy network.
Pros: Provides access straight into the carrier's backbone. Only
slightly more expensive than a Fractional T-1. 99% availability
in U.S. Very reliable.
Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.
Costs: A full T1 obviously will cost more than a Fractional T1.
Expect cost to start at around a $400 for a stable, reliable
system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provder). 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. Also, expect to pay more if you are in a
rural area or need integrated (voice and data combined) or
bonded (multiple T1s bound in 1 network....option vs full DS3)
T1 service.
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Technology: E1 (Europe)
Speed: 2.048 Mbps
Description: The European equilivent of the T-1.
Application: Connects a company's LAN into the Internet or
carrier's Frame Realy network.
Pros: Provides access straight into the carrier's backbone. Very
reliable.
Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.
Costs: A full E1 usually costs more than it's North American
counterpart. Expect cost to start at around a $800-1000 for a
stable, reliable system (e.g. from an equivalent Tier 1
provder). A required router is additional unless provided as a
"freebie" incentive by the vendor (not common in Europe). 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.