Internet Access - T1, DS3, OC3, Ethernet and Co-Location
Are all Internet service providers (ISPs) equal? Internet access technology may be similar, but you'll find big differences in implementation, operations and customer care.
Evaluating Internet options for your business? Please contact us.
Business Class ADSL and SDSL
ADSL is appropriate for small office and home offices (SOHO.) ADSL (Asymetric DSL) download speeds run up to 6-7 Mbps, but upload speeds are generally limited to 384-768 Kbps. Most often, ADSL shares a line with phone service. However, your location may qaualify for dedicated line ADSL with a more robust service level agreement (SLA.)
SDSL (Symetric DSL) has equal download and upload speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. SDSL is delivered over a dedicated line and includes a stronger SLA. The consistent speed, dedicated line and SLA make SDSL more appropriate for mid-sized businesses.
Both ADSL and SDSL have strict distance limitations. If your address is more than 10,000 feet to a DSL-equipped Central Office (CO), chances are DSL may not be available.
See if your location qualifies for business class Internet DSL.
Internet T1, Bonded NxT1, DS3 and OC3
Internet T1 service has 1.5 Mbps symetric bandwidth, is delivered over dedicated 4-wire access, has no distance limitations and comes with a comprehensive SLA. These features make T1 access a common choice for business Internet service.
A single Internet T1 has 24 DS0 channels, each with 64 Kbps bandwidth. Bandwidth from multiple channels is aggregated to deliver a Fractional T1 (6 channels = 384 Kbps, 12 channels = 768 Kbps) or a full T1 (24 channels = 1.5 Mbps.)
Multiple T1s can be combined or bonded into a single 'fat-pipe' using CEF, MLFR or MLPPP protocols running on customer and network edge routers. Internet service providers (ISPs) limit bonded T1 capacity to 4xT1 6.0 Mbps, 6xT1 9.0 Mbps or 8xT1 12.0 Mbps.
DS3 or T3 access can support up to a 45 Mbps Internet port delivered over co-axial or fiber cables. OC3 can support up to a 155 Mbps Internet port over fiber facilities. Only available where the ISP point of presence (POP) is equipped for DS3 or OC3 access.
A DS3 access loop and T3 router can be 10x the cost of a single T1 loop and router. Therefore, a bonded T1 solution is often more cost-effective up to 10-20 Mbps.
Our real-time T1 Quote tool can show you prices for fractional T1, full 1.5 Mbps T1 and bonded NxT1 Internet services. If you need lower DS3 or OC3 pricing, please contact us.
Ethernet over Copper or Fiber
Ethernet over Copper uses traditional copper pairs to deliver Ethernet access and up to 10 Mbps Internet port. Availability is limited to major metro areas, lit buildings or locations close-in to an Ethernet-equipped CO. Benefits of Ethernet access are lower overhead (vs. PPP or HDLC encapsulation) and lower cost. Network connection is via an RJ-45 Ethernet jack and a T1/DS3 DSU is not required.
Ethernet over fiber can provide Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) or Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) access. However, availability is limited to lit buildings with existing fiber facilities.
Co-location with DS3, OC3, Cat5E or GigE IP
If your application requires high bandwidth, needs carrier diversity and can be remotely managed --then you may want to look at co-location or managed service options.
Co-location provides secured, powered and evironmentally controlled rack space, low cost Internet bandwidth and carrier diversity. However, servers are self-managed. You need to go on-site if you need to perform maintenance, upgrades or even reboot a server. Many co-location customers get facilities close-by their technical support teams.
Manages services is a step up from co-location, in both features and cost. Managed service or managed hosting providers supply and manage server, storage, firewall, operating system and database infrastructure. Services are located in major data centers, co-location facilities or carrier hotels. You get all of the environmental, bandwidth and diversity features of co-location, plus remote hands to manage servers.
Home - Providers
|
