Part II - What Are the Pros & Cons of T1, DS3, OC3, and Ethernet Bandwidth Solutions For Voice-Data

This is part 2 of a 3 part series that will hopefully help guide you to making better decisions on bandwidth solutions (T1, DS3, OC3, And Ethernet) for your voice and/or computer data network. Read closely and soak up every tidbit from all three parts.

With regards to T1, DS3, OC3, and ethernet circuits...

Some carry more bandwidth and are more expensive....and others carry less bandwidth and are less expensive. That may sound simplistic but it gets to the core of the real differences. It's a starting point .... but where you go from there is the more important.

However, focusing on that "simplistic" explanation is probably the wrong view to take. Primarily because service level agreements will define your experience and cost as much as the carrier technology. In other words .... there's much more than bandwidth to consider in the equation for deciding what's best for your network. Whether it be for voice ... or computer data ... or both.

For example .... some agreements allow for very high latency and this would make conferencing and voip insufferable, no matter the bandwidth. Others allow the service to degrade under certain circumstances. Others provide for uptime guarantees or the lack of them. Symmetric or asymmetric service may be to your liking or not depending on what you do.

All these and more service level terms apply to all the types that are mentioned. Ultimately you want or need a certain bandwidth either in bursts or continuous and you will make your contract accordingly. It really doesn't matter whether they use OC3 bandwidth or Applesauce to meet the agreement.

As with all things, decide what you want, what you need, and then go shopping.

If you'd like some help with your shopping expedition .... take advantage of the free assistance available from FreedomFire Communications.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm

Part I - What Are the Pros and Cons of T1, DS3, OC3, and Ethernet Bandwidth Solutions For Voice-Data

This is part 1 of a 3 part series that will hopefully help guide you to making better decisions on bandwidth solutions (T1, DS3, OC3, And Ethernet) for your voice and/or computer data network. Read closely and soak up every tidbit from all three parts.

This is one of those questions that just begs to be answered with "It Depends..."

These are really physical layer technologies and the benefits of each will depend on how they are used and what data link layer technologies they transport (ATM, Frame Relay, MPLS). Then there is always the question of availability.

T1 Bandwidth, for example, can be used as an access circuit into a multi-node network like Frame Relay or MPLS or as a point-to-point circuit. In a large multi-site MPLS network, a T1 may be an appropriate choice smaller locations with a small number of users. However, A point-to-point circuit may be appropriate to connect a small satellite office to a regional office that is connected the larger network.

Knowing the size of the business only provides part of the information required. What kind of traffic do they have? Are they running voice and video on the network? Do they have an IT staff capable of managing routers? What facilities are available in each location (copper/fiber)? Do they have replicating servers in different locations?

I think this question puts the cart before the horse. In my opinion, you need to understand your network traffic, establish bandwidth requirements, and allow the carriers to make recommendations on the transport technology based on what's available in the locations required.

It's kind of like asking what's better, a pick-up truck, a tractor-trailer or a freight train?

Each of them can carry cargo over long distances, but each one will have advantages and disadvantages based on payload, availability and cost.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications - including DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm