Tuesday, July 15, 2008

What's The Difference Between DS3 And T3 Bandwidth?

Don't be confused about the difference between DS3 and T3 circuits. These terms are really synonymous. Instead you should focus on what they can do for you...and the best scenarios for application.

Digital Signal (DS) is a system of classifying digital circuits according to the rate and format of the signal (DS) and the equipment providing the signals (T). DS and T designations have come to be used synonymously so that DS1 implies T1, and DS3 implies T3.

A DS3 line (also known as a T-3) is an ultra high-speed connection capable of transmitting data at rates up to 45 Mbps. A DS3 line is equal to approximately 672 regular voice-grade telephone lines, which is fast enough to transmit full-motion, real-time video, and very large databases over a busy network. A DS3 line is typically installed as a major networking artery for large corporations and universities with high-volume network traffic. Other example applications include large call centers, enterprise wide VoIP and IP PBX systems, Internet service providers, research labs, video conference centers and software development companies. A DS3 is the second fastest, non optical connection offered in North America. A DS3 line is comprised of 28 T1 lines, each operating at total signaling rate of 1.544 Mbps.

DS3 circuits provide businesses and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with up to 45 Mb/s of dedicated Internet connectivity. This is an ideal solution for users who have outgrown their T1 connections and are in search of unlimited, high-capacity access. A DS3 line actually consists of 672 individual channels, each of which supports 64 Kb/s. DS3 lines are extremely high bandwidth connections into a carrier's backbone. They typically include SLAs (Service Level Agreements) that guarantee uptime and performance.

The DS3 signal itself is composed of 28 DS1 signals and is constructed using a two-step multiplexing process. First, the 28 DS1 signals are multiplexed into seven DS2 signals. Second, the seven DS2 signals are multiplexed into one DS3 signal. Each multiplexing step uses bit stuffing to handle the different input frequencies. Overhead bits provide alignment, error checking, in-band communications, and bit stuffing control information.

Line rate: 44,736,000 b/s

Signals: 7 DS2 signals = 28 DS1 signals

Overhead bits:

56 bits total/frame

F-bits (framing) 28 bits/

M-bits (multiframing) 3 bits/

C-bits (stuffing) 21 bits

X-bits (message) 2 bits/

P-bits (parity) 2 bits/

Data bits between overhead bits 84

A DS3 connection is comprised up of two monthly charges: the local loop and the port charge. The local loop charge is the cost of the circuit provided by the Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) that allows DS3 access into the carrier's network. The loop charge is based on the distance from the customer's location to the edge of the carrier's network; the farther the customer is from the network, the more the loop will cost. Nearly every carrier prices loops differently so it is in your best interest to price DS3 service with several providers to ensure that you get the best deal.

DS Internet Access is the ideal solution for businesses that require high-bandwidth access at a reduced price. Whether you host high-traffic Web sites, support Web hosting or need high-capacity bandwidth on an as-needed basis, there's a level of DS3 service (Full or fractional) that will meet your needs. Fractional to full DS3 or T3 circuits run from speeds of 3 Mbps up to 45 Mbps.

For customers that require more bandwidth than a T1 line can provide but do not yet require the capacity of a full DS3 line, a fractional DS3 connection is the ideal solution. A fractional DS3 is similar to a full DS(T)3, only with some of the channels turned off. This reduces the total monthly cost and provides additional capacity that can be turned up in a matter of days. Unfortunately, the DS3 (T) loop is still required for this service.

If a full DS3 line is more bandwidth that you really need, it is also possible to get Fractional DS3, which gives you a portion of full DS3 bandwidth at a lower cost. Of course, DS3 is also available in multiples to increase bandwidth, similar to bonded T1 service.

DS3 service can be deployed for a wide verity of applications. The most common uses are DS3 point-to-point, DS3 internet, DS3 frame relay, DS3 voice and DS3 VPN. The pricing for these connections varies widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used. Visit DS3 Bandwidth to obtain current "real time" rate quotes for your location.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFireCommunications....including Business-VoIP-Solution.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.

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Broadband - Usage & Technology

According to statistics released by the BBC during the summer of last year, nine out of ten users connect to the internet using a broadband connection.

The simple reason for this is that over the year's broadband has gotten cheaper and faster. Exactly how fast and how cheap your broadband package will be is influenced by a number of factors.

Availability and how exactly the broadband reaches your home will play a large role, with ADSL and cable being the most established methods of connection within the UK.

ADSL has proven considerably popular for home users and small businesses as it allows for far faster download speeds when compared to traditional dial-up services; ADSL is also "always on", meaning users don't need to dial in.

As its popularity has grown, so has the demand for faster download speeds, in response to this various new technologies are emerging such as ADSL2 and ADSL2+. These technological advancements will allow providers to offer download speeds of up to 24Mbps.

The other gripe users have with ADSL is the slow uploading speed, which is where SDSL comes in; as this allows for much faster upload speeds. This is particularly useful for businesses or those hosting websites; however, it does require a separate line.

The second major broadband technology is cable, with an estimated 45% of broadband users connecting to the internet this way. Its popularity is likely to be linked with its convenience, as providers often bundle broadband, TV and telephone services into one package.

The difference with cable is that it does not make use of your telephone line, but a cable and modem that is provided as part of package. Also, availability depends on whether or not a provider has cabled your street.

For the more remote user requiring broadband access, there is satellite broadband This broadband technology however, often works out considerably more expensive than ADSL and cable.

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Broadband - Are You Content With Your Contention?

It's not a term most of us are familiar with, but the contention ratio is something that is quite important when looking for a broadband service. Taken into account with the stated top speed, it's a good indicator of how fast you can expect your connection to be.

Simply put, a contention ratio indicates how many people share your bandwidth. If your provider lists a ratio of 50:1, this means that when you're online, 49 other people are potentially competing with you for bandwidth. If some of those people are downloading mp3's or playing online games, your connection could drop quite noticeably.

A contention of 50:1 is the standard for home internet, and can usually provide a reasonably fast connection. Most businesses opt for a slightly lower contention of 20:1, and ratios of 1:1 are not unheard of.

Of course, just because broadband providers list a contention of 50:1 doesn't mean that all 50 people will be online at the same time. People have different requirements for the internet, and varying times they like to be online. Some never download anything but are quite content to sit and surf, so they don't use much of the available bandwidth at all.

If you're unsure what your current ratio is, ask your provider or check on their website. It may be that you have been having trouble with a slow connection and this could be the problem. If so, look around for a cheap broadband package with a lower contention rate. Broadband is meant to be fast. If you are only experiencing dial-up speeds with a broadband modem, investigate it. There could be a simple solution.

Want broadband? Find cheap broadband by comparing broadband providers online.

J Tillotson is a UK author specialising in technology and communications.

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