What is a T1 Line Internet Connection?
T1 Basics of High Speed Internet for Business Explained
Aug 25, 2009
If trying to find out exactly what is a T1 internet line connection, an internet search provides a multitude of results. However, most are for the T1 internet service providers themselves and the information is often written in technical terms that can leave the reader more confused than they were before. So, in layman’s terms, here are the basics of what a T1 internet line actually is.
What is a T1 Line? – Internet T1 Basics Explained in Layman’s Terms
T1 internet lines are not as common as the DSL or broadband connections that are generally spoken of. This is because T1 internet connections are normally used for business networks rather than for home or small office connections.
Originally developed by Bell Labs for use in North America and Japan, a T1 line is a copper or, more recently, fiber optic, high speed digital telephone line. These high speed lines are capable of carrying more data at greater velocities than conventional telephone lines.
A T1 line can connect directly to a business, bypassing the traditional telephone lines used for standard internet connections. Here is an analogy to help imagine what a T1 line is. Imagine the electrical grid supplying all the homes in a city with power; a T1 line is like a direct link to the generating station.
The T1 line is made up of 24 digital channels and provides both voice (telephone) and data (internet) links. The T1 internet transfer rate, the speed of the connection itself, runs up to 60 times faster than an internet connection on a traditional modem.
The Benefits of a T1 Line for Business Internet Connections
Knowing the basics of what a T1 line is also requires knowledge of the benefits involved. The price of a T1 line is far higher than that of a standard connection, but the T1 line has more benefits than simply high speed internet for business networks.
A T1 internet connection provides what is known as Dedicated Internet Access or DIA. It is an ‘always on’ connection dedicated to the recipient. As a T1 line bypasses the more conventional telephone lines it provides a very reliable high bandwidth link. Service interruption is not a problem, so a business minimizes the risk of losing valuable time, resources, and information due to loss of connectivity.
Being what is known as a ‘business class service’, a T1 line is provided with certain contractual agreements that guarantee a higher degree of service. This, importantly, assures a high rate of performance and, in the event of problems, rapid repair. These are clauses not often found in standard home services.
Large businesses may actually save money with a T1 line when considering the cost of multiple telephone lines, while at the same time gaining a high speed internet connection.
A T1 Internet Line Gives Reliable High Speed Internet for Business Needs
A high speed internet connection has many benefits for businesses. Employees can work faster due to higher upload and download speeds for files and other vital information. A company website can be updated faster. A more reliable all-round service also minimizes the risk of idle time for employees waiting for a lost internet connection to re-establish itself.
Standard DSL or cable internet remains the best, and much more cost effective, option for home use. However, even small businesses could consider a T1 line as an alternative internet connection. The potential is there for making a more efficient, reliable, productive and perhaps more cost-effective business.
 |
 |
 |
