VoIP Broadband Telecommunications Provider

DSL vs T-1

Bandwidth
DSL typically offers a download speed of 1.536mbps and an upload speed of .768mbps. In some cases download speed is 3Mbps or even 6Mbps. Our VoIP routers control and regulate the data stream like a spigot (see F1). This means that, if data is exchanged over a DSL line and SIMULTANEOUSLY a voice communication (i.e. telephone call) occurs on the same DSL line, the system gives priority to voice data, so that telephone calls have no interruptions. The only potential effect (of concurrent data and voice exchange) may be an occasional fraction-of-a-second delay FOR DATA, but so short as to hardly be noticeable.	A T-1 line offers 24 channels with 64kbps each. This equals the the same download speed (1.536mbps) as DSL, but an upload speed of 1.536mbps. T-1s can be split with 12 channels dedicated to voice and 12 to data. These channels are permanently fixed and there is no equipment to regulate the flow. In practice, this effectively makes a T-1 connection speed only 0.768MBps upload and 0.768Mbps download with 12 fixed voice lines. A third possible configuration is illustrated in F3. Here the user has a T-1 line with predefined allocation of telephone lines (via the Channel Bank) and computers (via a Generic Router). However, the user may need additional telephone lines . If so, he may consider re-allocating the ‘remaining’ T-1 bandwidth partly to data communication and the balance to voice data. In this configuration, however, the VOIP router (downstream from the Generic Router), COMPETES with the ‘End-user Computers’ for the already reduced bandwidth. Unlike the case illustrated in F1 (DSL connection), there is no automatic bandwidth voice allocation in F3. The consequences for voice communications are delays and interruptions.
Cost
On average DSL service costs $50.00 to $80.00 including taxes and one copper-wired telephone line.	T-1 connections typically run from $300 to $500.00, including taxes for just the data portion of the connection. The voice set-up is extra depending on the location, service provide and features.

In Conclusion

T-1s used to be the staple of broadband connections as there were no alternatives until the introduction of DSL. As far as the end-user is concerned, he/she can hardly tell the difference between a DSL or T-1 connection because both systems use the same cable-transmission lines and similar equipment.
In turn, this enables unscrupulous providers to supply DSL service billed at T-1 (more expensive) rates.

With a DSL connection, our VOIP system dynamically regulates bandwidth allocation as needed, thus making optimal and most efficient use of the bandwidth. T-1s, however, have a fixed allocation of dedicated data channels and dedicated voice channels. Therefore, when telephone traffic is not present, the user still pays for the unused telephone channels. Similarly, the user still pays for the unused data channels when data transmission is absent.

There is one further benefit when using DSL instead of a T-1 line. Typically, telephone companies bundle DSL with a standard telephone line, so that even if the power goes out, user can still receive calls on that one line through the normal copper wiring.

Q & A

Q. Does this mean that the DSL based system that I have at home is faster and as reliable as the T1 configuration shown in figures F2 and F3?
A. Yes. In some cases DSL or ADSL is up to 30 times faster than a full T1 for download and the same for upload.

Q. Why would not everybody switch to DSL or ADSL?
A. Because there is a lot of T1 compatible equipment deployed in the field. Replacement takes time and is expensive. However there is an ongoing switch from T1’s to faster solutions.

Q. Is there any advantage at all of T1 service?
A. If (in the field of technology) you think that the old is better than the new yes. But technology is the very field when tradition is always an obstacle. In the chronicles of ancient computer times, first there was DOS and then Windows. Many entrenched DOS users, at the time, looked down on Windows, a position now unthinkable.

Q. Why do my ISP/Telco representatives try to convince me that T1 is a better option?
A. Because they have a lot of spare capacity that they wish to sell at much higher margins

Q. It appears to me if I lose internet connection and/or power goes down then all my telephone lines will go dead?
A. In configuration F1 all lines EXCEPT "LIFE LINE" will go dead. You will still be able to make outgoing calls - we re-route your incoming calls to your lifeline free of charge. When the Internet service is restored we re-route your calls to your regular lines. With configurations F2 and F3 ALL your T1 lines will be dead and you will NOT be able to make or receive calls.

Q. They tell me that voice T1 has better quality than VOIP?
A. Although it is true with other VOIP providers in our case your digital signal would physically be IDENTICAL to T1. Why? We use exactly the same encoding as T1 and simply transport the signal from our office to yours over the Internet.

Q. How many telephone lines can be used with a DSL connection?
A. Assuming 0.768MBps upload speed, up to 10-12 lines with no more than 7 used simultaneously. We recommend to limit to 7.

Q. What if I need more telephone lines?
A. Simply add a second DSL line.

Q. Is it more complicated to add a second DSL line?
A. No.

Q. Still… I know how to set up a DSL connection but I have not done 2 or more. Do you provide technical support if I need it?
A. Yes, for a one time fee of $100.00 we will configure your equipment to run over multiple DSL lines.