Posts Tagged ‘Dynamically Allocated Bandwidth’
Defining T1 According to its Local Trunk Group
Businesses requiring at least 18 or more voice-grade channels for local or long distance calls, or those with a bill of approximately $1000.00 per month should consider a T1. T1s offer major economic advantages over alternative means of access, especially when utilization is heavy or near full capacity for extended times.
In essence, there are two groups of local trunks based on how they transport traffic between parties. Accessibility is obtained as it consolidates the needs for separate local trunks and lines. T1 is capable of accommodating up to 24 telephone lines or trunks and can operate either as a one-way or two-way trunk.
Ancillary services such as OPS/DA, mass calling, and 911 can be established between a CLEC Tandem or End Office switch and an SBC- 13STATE Tandem through a one–way trunk group. They utilize Signaling System 7 (SS7) or multi-frequency (MF) signaling protocol, with SS7 signaling preferred whenever possible. CLEC will have administrative control of one-way trunk groups from CLEC to SBC-13STATE (CLEC originating).
Groups of two-way trunks for local, IntraLATA, and InterLATA can be established between a CLEC switch and an SBC-13STATE Tandem or End Office switch. This group utilizes Signaling System 7 (SS7) or multi-frequency (MF) signaling protocol, with SS7 signaling preferred whenever possible. CLEC will have control for the purpose of issuing Access Service Requests (ASRs) for administrative consistency. Two-Way Local Trunks feature free Local Calling, DID, E911, & Directory Listing.
No Comments »Fundamental Differences between T1 Bandwidth and DSL Services
There are basic considerations that need to be thought of when deciding on any service – T1 bandwidth or DSL – one wishes to render. Like any competing services, there are pros and cons that should not be taken lightly.
Basically, T1’s are business connections while DSL services work best for residential connections. T1 has unlimited throughput, guaranteed uptime per month, no port blocking, uploads 2-5 times as high as cable/DSL, faster repair times, and dedicated line. DSL on the other hand, generally has an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) or Terms of Service (TOS) that limits servers and has high downtimes.
In regards to uploading or downloading of files, DSL does have higher download speeds; however, T1 can upload a lot more. T1 also works better when updating a website or frequently sending files. For instance, in a business setting there are less complicated tasks performed to keep up with operations, such as checking emails, browsing the web, and updating database records. In doing so, there is not much need for downloads.
In addition, DSL has a bandwidth shared with a lot of people in a community. Therefore, many customers are paying for a limited resource. The number of users may affect Internet connections by lowering the speed and performance. Conversely, T1 is a dedicated service with consistent speed and performance. However, the amount paid for T1 depends upon the distance from the service area.
Finally, when compared to DSL, a T1 connection frequently has a very strict Service Level Agreement (SLA), guaranteeing businesses a specific “uptime” performance. A T1 line also resolves connection difficulty with fast resolution that usually takes 4 hours. With DSL, if something goes wrong with the connection, the subscriber may wait days for a resolution. This is the main reason for the significant price difference between the two. That being said, before choosing one should consider what network performance best serves his/her needs.
Integrated Access Provides Next-Generation Internet Connectivity to Users
Nowadays, most residences and small businesses utilize standard DSL connections with up to 1 Mbps of connection speed. However, online applications and processes are gradually becoming more complex, and require increasing bandwidth over the years. Integrated Access technology provides users with high bandwidth connection speeds as well as simultaneous high-speed voice, video, and data transmissions.
Businesses can profit from Integrated Access services, especially those with clients and consumers abroad. Integrated Access services use cutting-edge VoIP technology for voice transmissions. VoIP allows analog voice data to be sent through the Internet in its digital form. VoIP also lets users utilize wireless and fiber optic technology for long-distance calling functions. The use of the World Wide Web for long distance calling has greatly reduced the costs for such voice transmissions; hence, businesses with international contacts can take advantage of the cheap calling functions offered by Integrated Access.
Moreover, Integrated Access allows businesses to reach bandwidth connection speeds of up to 4.5 Mbps to allow the simultaneous transmission of voice, video, and data during critical business processes such as conferences and webinars. The most advanced Integrated Access services also feature dynamic bandwidth allocation to automatically shift bandwidth to more critical business applications, such as voice transmissions.
A decade ago, DSL was the dream for online residential and business connectivity. Today, with the advent of next-generation Internet technologies such as Integrated Access, DSL is a thing of the past. A decade from now, businesses may very well require the installation of Fractional T1 lines to keep up with the ever evolving market
Gain Security by Dealing with Network Hackers
Any connection from the outside world gives access to network intruders – whether its through the Internet, dial-up modems, and even physical access. For instance, software intended to help with data entry may actually be a hacker looking for passwords, data, phone numbers, or anything else an attacker may use to access the equipment.
To adequately address security issues, it is necessary to identify and evaluate all possible avenues of entry. Also, the security of that entry point must be consistent with the stated policy of acceptable risk levels.
Practices to Prevent Security Disasters
Here are some practices that will help prevent intruders and control damages in the case that preventive measures fall short in blocking an attack:
- Secure backups – helps recover data when a break-in happens.
- Don’t put data where it doesn’t need to be – by not putting data in a location accessible from the outside world, you will prevent the increase of network damage.
- Avoid systems with single points of failure – redundancy is good, especially when handling very important data and information. A system that can be broken through any one component is not very strong.
- Stay current with relevant operating system patches – exploiting an old system is still one of the most common and effective means of breaking into systems.
- Monitor relevant security advisories – make sure that at least one person in your group is subscribed to the mailing list of advisories to keep up on what security vendors are saying about their products.
- Have someone familiar with security practices – it is important to have someone who understands network security advisories to keep abreast with security developments. This way, proper responses to security issues can be applied
Do Not Be a Victim, Be Cautious! Use Network Security
Networking is incredibly beneficial not only for businesses, but for people who want to keep in touch with friends or family. However, in a time where it is easy to send personal material online, network security is necessary to keep your information private.
Networking – particularly social networking – is becoming hugely popular. Sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, DropShots, etc. make long distance relationships easier to maintain, and friends can update each other by posting messages and photos. Essentially, these sites were created for two simple reasons – to keep in touch with friends/loved ones and to gain new friends. There are, however, various reasons to take extra care when joining such networking sites. For example, there are people who may access personal photos/videos posted in networking sites for self pleasure, or use the sites to deceit people for monetary gains.
On the contrary, it is good to note that there are some sites that take security measures to minimize, if not eliminate, such unrespectable acts. Some photo sharing sites have restricted access and only let their users identify people who may view their pictures.
Here are some tips to avoid being a victim:
- Be Skeptical – social networking is intended for sharing of interests and establishing network of friends. However, always bare in mind these new “friends” are virtual and faceless, and you can’t completely trust that they are who they say they are.
- Be Diligent – keep an eye on your profile and be diligent about the people who want to connect with you.
- Report Suspicious Behavior – if something is suspicious, report it immediately. There is nothing wrong with being cautious.
- Communicate – children should be properly guided especially when using the internet. Parents must educate them on possible threats to help keep them safe.
- Monitor – for peace of mind, install monitoring software to keep an eye on the online behavior all users. Use network security features to block malware and threats that are not commonly known and to avoid intruders hoping to meddle in your private information.
T1 Bandwidth or DSL: Which Works Best for Businesses?
Nowadays, data and information exchange is very important. It shapes the pace of most business undertakings.
T1 Bandwirdth vs DSL
In a typical office environment, networking is essential not just for Internet connections but for data/file and printer sharing which is usually availed with DSL or T1 bandwidth. Despite these simple needs, it is very important for any business to understand its data network needs to be able to make the best decision on which service best serves such needs.
DSL Internet for business uses a residential service technology. To get a faster output with uploads, it uses a digital line with compression protocols. It can download up to 3MD depending on the location. The same with residential access, business service suffers with distance. That is, if the business is far from the central telecommunications office, the throughput speed is affected. Aside from this, the service can be spotty and the number of subscribers may decrease.
Most DSL Internet providers say that a single DSL business line is not sufficient to support more than 20 people. Ten (10) is the most realistic number it can support. However, even with only ten users, slowdowns can transpire if everyone transfers data. In addition, DSL service does not guarantee no lag in transmission with additional users.
On the other hand, T1 is a dedicated service. It has a guaranteed and consistent uptime performance and speed. It is a large pipe used to transmit digital voice and data signals from a business location to the requested media. It can manage both voice and data, and has 24 fixed channels to transmit information. It can support up to 50 users with their own bandwidth to avoid disrupting other users. Finally, with T1, a Service Level Agreement (SLA) assures subscribers of a fast and prioritized solution to any Internet disruption ensuring uninterrupted business operations. With this guaranteed bandwidth, T1 is well worth its price but is prohibitive to small businesses. The absence of a similar agreement with a DSL package compromises business operations without much assurance. And basically, T1 is a business connection while DSL is a residential connection.