OC3, OC12 & OC48 Bandwidth....Ideal Solution For High End Users
The ideal solution for high end bandwidth users where
connectivity is essential for operations isn't a simple T1 or
DS3 dedicated line...you need an "OC" fiber optic network. So
just what is OCx, what can it do for you, and what do you need
to know?
What is an OCx Circuit?
'OC' stands for Optical Carrier and is used to specify the speed
of fiber optic networks conforming to the SONET standard. SONET,
(Synchronous Optical Networks), includes a set of signal rate
multiples for transmitting digital signals on optical fiber. The
base rate (OC-1) is 51.84 Mbps. Certain multiples of the base
rate are provided below with bandwidth amounts. Asynchronous
transfer mode (ATM) makes use of some of the Optical Carrier
levels.
Optical Carrier lines provide content providers, ASP's, ISP's &
large enterprises with dedicated Internet connectivity. These
Optical Carrier Level circuits are an ideal solution for high
end bandwidth users where connectivity is essential for
operations. Some examples are large data centers, high tech
research facilities, university infrastructure, airport complex,
and casino video security and data systems.
What is an OC3?
An OC3 can be three DS3s (T3s) or as one 155M pipe. The benefit
in using DS3s is that each can be separated back out as
individual T1s (each with 24 channels). To put it into
perspective, the speed of an OC3 connection is 155Mbps. This is
equivalent to 3 T3 lines or 100 T1 lines. An OC12 connection is
622Mbps, equivalent to 14 T3 lines or approx. 414 T1 lines.
What is an OC12?
An OC12 is approximately equal to 4 OC3s and runs at 622 Mbps.
which makes it an excellent point-to-point IP delivery
connection. The greatest benefit to an OC-12 is that bandwidth
can be added to a business as it grows without any major system
overhauls. An OC12 can also allow a business to have unlimited
IP addresses which insures that growth is never limited...
What is an OC48?
An OC48 works as a reliable fiber optic backbone for large
networks which require volume extensive voice/data/video
traffic. It is a long-haul backbone fibre connection capable of
transmitting data at 2.45 Gbps. To put it into perspective the
speed of an OC48 is the equivalent of having 48 T3's OR 1,344 T1
lines
The pricing for these type of connections can vary widely
depending on the carrier, location of service and the exact
application for which the connection is being used. Due to this
complexity it is suggested to use the services of a consultant
such as DS3-Bandwidth.com to research available providers and
find the best fit to meet a specific requirement.