Frame Relay:

Frame Relay (a packet-switched protocol), sends information in packets called frames through a shared Frame-Relay network. Instead of being allocated a fixed amount of bandwidth, Frame-Relay services offer a CIR (committed information rate) at which data is transmitted. Also, Frame Relay is entirely digital, which reduces the chance of error and offers excellent transmission rates (typically 56 kbps to 1.544 mbps). Frame Relay's were also developed to connect to LANs and WANs.

What is a T1?

A T-1, or DS1 line, is a private dedicated line that goes directly from your office or business to your Internet Service Provider (ISP), providing transmission at 1.544Mbps, roughly 60 times more data than a normal residential modem. It is also extremely reliable, much more reliable than an analog modem. Depending on what they are doing, a T1 line can generally handle quite a few people. For general browsing, hundreds of users are easily able to share a T1 line comfortably.

Unlike Cable Internet, ISDN or a Dialup connection, a T1 line provides guaranteed bandwidth, since the line is not shared with other users. The T1 / DS1 standard is used in the North American and Japanese marketplaces.

For voice & data, a T1 line can carry 24 digitized voice channels, or it can carry data at a rate of 1.544 megabits per second. If the T1 line is being used for telephone conversations, it plugs into the office's phone system. If it is carrying data it plugs into the network's router.

 

Other Types of T1 Lines

Fractional T1:  Fractional T1 is a private, dedicated leased line that goes directly from your office to your Internet Service Provider (ISP), providing a guaranteed transmission speed.  Leased lines provide guaranteed bandwidth, since they are not shared with other users.  Fractional T1 lines are cheaper than at full T1 (1.544Mbps). The most common fractional T1 speeds are  256 Kbps and 384 Kbps.

Full T1:  As stated above, a Full T1 is a complete dedicated circuit of up to 1.544Mbps total speed. The full circuit can be either data or voice, but not both.

Point-to-Point T1:  A Point to Point T1 is the best application for such business applications as hosting web and email servers as well as and conducting audio and video conferencing over the Internet. Because point-to-point offers the most guaranteed dedicated connection available, this service is also recommended for companies transferring private files or using corporate VPNs  and WANs.

Integrated T1:  An integrated T1 is designed for businesses that need to run multiple services over the same line. This service usually consists of dedicated long distance voice services (local, regional...), and high-speed Internet access. This integration of local, long distance, and Internet allows increased efficiencies to end users and greater flexibility to carriers.

Also known as a Channelized T1 because it contains 24 individual channels, each capable of carrying voice or data. The full set of channels has the same speed as a full T1, but the individual channels may be split into voice lines or data lines using a device called a Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit.

Burstable T1: A Burstable T1 service is the ideal solution for customers requiring very high bandwidth in bursts. The full T1 bandwidth is available all the time, but we tier our pricing so customers who typically use less than 512 Kbps of bandwidth pay a lower rate.