What Is a T1 Internet Connection?

T1 is a high speed internet connection achieved though a phone line. Initially developed using copper wire, T1 has evolved into using fiber optics and thus is capable of transferring more data at higher speeds than a regular telephone line.

Cost

T1 service can range in price from as low as about $199 per month to $400 or more. Factors influencing price include variation amongst service providers, the number of computers requiring connection and desired connection speeds.

Speed

Low-end T1 speeds range between 384 kbps and 1.5 mbps. The most powerful T1 now offers transfer speeds of 3 to 6 mbps.

Who should use T1?

T1 networks are most commonly used by businesses or schools that require at least 16 high speed connections in one location.

Advantages

The biggest advantage to a business using T1 instead of a DSL or cable Internet connection is its reliability. With DSL or cable, if the connection goes down there is no telling how long a business could be offline; T1 can be up and running within a few hours at most. This is at least in part attributable to the fact that every T1 customer has dedicated service, while with DSL or cable several hundred customers are generally being covered at once.

Disadvantage

A T1 connection is much more expensive than a traditional cable or DSL line.

References

• Telepacific.com: Internet T1 FAQs
• Covad.com: Business T1 Service