Once you have decided that a T1 connection is what your business needs, you still have to decide what type of T1 connection is most suitable for your situation. From the Full T1 which is a complete circuit of either voice or data at 1.54Mbps, to an integrated voice and data service, and with a number of options in between.
A T1 Data Service provides for high data needs, and a Voice T1 provides for 24 voice channels of duplex digital phone service. They both carry only the one type of signal.
Integrated T1
For the ability to combine a voice service and a data connection, an Integrated T1 connection is needed. Of the twenty four available voice lines, only a limited number are assigned. The remaining carrying capacity for the T1 connection is allocated for data transfer. This gives a great deal of flexibility and can accommodate up to thirty data users.
Fractional T1
One of the most self explanatory connections is the Fractional T1. This is a smaller T1, with just a fraction of the bandwidth. It is still dedicated and hence still guarantees its bandwidth, and is suited to the needs of up to twenty users.
Point-to-Point T1
Where two locations need to be constantly connected to each other, a Point-to-Point T1 connection may be used. This provides dedicated T1 service between two locations, with free calls or data between them. Though two local loops must be paid for, there can be huge savings over using external services for heavy communication use between two locations.
Frame Relay Service
A Frame Relay Service gives more flexibility than a Point-to-Point service but operates similarly. It allows there to be several locations and provides for the use of lower speeds, hence lowering the overall cost of the service. Speed can be upgraded as and when needed.
Bonded T1
Finally, if your needs are greater than that which can be accommodated by a single T1, then you can have two T1s (or more) running together in a bonded connection. This increases the speed by 1.5Mbps for every line you bond. Bonding more than 4 T1's together is not advisable. At that point it may be best to look into a fractional T3 connection.
Burstable T1
If you are not sure how much you will need, but are sure that you will only ever briefly go above you might choose a Burstable T1 connection. This provides you normally with a certain bandwidth but will allow bursts of higher bandwidth at times of heavy load. This is a premium service with a price tag to match.
There are a large number of providers for T1 connections today, and that provides business users more choice than ever. With so many choices available, a T1 broker can be a big help. They can help you decide which service is most suitable for your company and which one gives the best value.
