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 helpis connected the larger network.
guide you to making better decisions on bandwidthKnowing the size of the business only provides part of
solutions (T1, DS3, OC3, And Ethernet) for your voicethe information required. What kind of traffic do they
and/or computer data network. Read closely and soakhave? Are they running voice and video on the
up every tidbit from all three parts.network? Do they have an IT staff capable of
This is one of those questions that just begs to bemanaging routers? What facilities are available in each
answered with "It Depends..."location (copper/fiber)? Do they have replicating
These are really physical layer technologies and theservers in different locations?
benefits of each will depend on how they are usedI think this question puts the cart before the horse. In
and what data link layer technologies they transportmy opinion, you need to understand your network
(ATM, Frame Relay, MPLS). Then there is always thetraffic, establish bandwidth requirements, and allow the
question of availability.carriers to make recommendations on the transport
T1 Bandwidth, for example, can be used as an accesstechnology based on what's available in the locations
circuit into a multi-node network like Frame Relay orrequired.
MPLS or as a point-to-point circuit. In a large multi-siteIt's kind of like asking what's better, a pick-up truck, a
MPLS network, a T1 may be an appropriate choicetractor-trailer or a freight train?
smaller locations with a small number of users.Each of them can carry cargo over long distances, but
However, A point-to-point circuit may be appropriate toeach one will have advantages and disadvantages
connect a small satellite office to a regional office thatbased on payload, availability and cost.