|
What is T1?
T1 is a term for a digital carrier facility (A.K.A. a leased line) most commonly used in the United States, Canada, and Japan, to transmit DS-1 (Digital Signal) formatted digital signals at 1.544 megabits per second. Developed by AT&T in 1957 and implemented in the early 1960's to support long-haul pulse-code modulation (PCM) voice transmission, the primary innovation of T1 was to introduce "digitized" voice and create a network fully capable of digitally representing what was up until then, a fully analog telephone system. Traditionally, T1 circuits were used to connect a voice PBX (Private Branch Exchange) to the telephone company's central office. A T1 is made up of 24 digital channels each of which supports 64Kbits per second. Each 64Kbit/second channel can be configured to carry voice or data traffic. Most carriers (telephone companies) allow you to buy just some of these individual channels, known as fractional T-1 access. To implement a T1 or fractional T1 for your company you'll require a digital connection device known as a Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit (CSU/DSU), to connect to the wires that carry the information. A router will be required to connect the service to your local area network.
How it Works
After the telephone company installs the line and performs provisioning testing, a jack will be installed at your facility. This jack is also known as a D-Mark. (The D-Mark or Smart jack is the circuit termination box the Telco uses to mark the point of demarcation of the data circuit.) A cable will connect the signal from the D-Mark to a CSU/DSU. At the other end of the Telco wire is the termination equipment that the ISP (Internet Service Provider) uses to connect your office to the Internet. A T1 service is a "point-to-point" connection between your office and the ISP. It is installed and maintained by your local telephone carrier. The digital signal from the D-Mark jack comes into the CSU/DSU and then goes to a router. From there it goes into your switch or hub and to your Local Area Network. Your Local Area Network will have to be setup and configured to allow users to access the Internet via the T1 connection.
What is a CSU/DSU?
A CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit / Data Service Unit) is a piece of equipment that connects a leased line from the telephone company to the customer's equipment (such as a router). It performs line encoding and conditioning functions and often has a loopback function for testing. Although CSU/DSU's look similar to modems, they are not modems, and they don't modulate or demodulate between analog and digital. All they really do is interface between a 56K, T1, or T3 line and serial interface (typically a V.35 connector) that connects to the router. Many newer routers have 56K or T1 CSU/DSUs built into them. CSU/DSU's for 56K, T1, and T3 lines are not the same and are not interchangeable as a general rule. MetComm can provide your company with a full or fractional T1 service. Unlike most companies who just order the service from the local carrier, MetComm orders and follows-up on the line installation and provision and making sure the line termination (D-Mark) is at the closest proximity to the computer room, or computer equipment. Once the line is installed and provisioned, MetComm will assume full responsibility for providing the service. MetComm has the experience and expertise to select the right equipment (CSU/DSU, router) as well as the knowledge to setup and install the service from the server to the individual workstation. Once the service is installed and functioning, any issue related to the service from the telephone company to the ISP to the workstation, can be address by calling the MetComm SPOC (Single Point Of Contact) help desk.
Other Services That Can Be Added
Beyond the Internet Line, businesses and schools usually require a whole range of services, which MetComm.Net can provide as part of a T1 package with competitive pricing:
For more information Please CALL US at:
1 (201) 342-5100
|
