Finding an Internet Service Provider for Your Business:

A Look at T1 and ISDN

If you are looking for an Internet Service Provider or ISP for your business, you might want to consider either T1 of ISDN. Through this article, you will be provided with basic information about both T1 and ISDN to assist you in ascertaining whether one or another of the ISPs might be right for your business.

The Technical Definition of T1

When it comes to all things Internet, there is always a technical definition. The same holds true for a T1 Internet connection. Here is the standard T1 definition:

“A dedicated phone connection supporting data rates of 1.544Mbits per second. A T-1 line actually consists of 24individual channels, each of which supports 64Kbits per second. Each 64Kbit/second channel can be configured to carry voice or data traffic. Most telephone companies allow you to buy just some of these individual channels, known as fractional T-1 access.”

How T1 Works in Layperson’s Terms

In more readily understandable terms, T1 is an Internet connection protocol that utilizes a dedicated phone line. In other words, it uses a phone line that is not used for anything else. In this regard, T1 has something in common with DSL. On the other hand, it differs from dial up, in that with dial up a consumer uses the phone line for telephone communications as well as for connecting to the Internet.

The T1 system actually “divides” the phone line into different “channels.” As a result, the T1 line can convey more information via the Internet in a shorter period of time. It does so at a faster rate than can be accomplished through traditional dial up Internet access -- but, not as fast as cable and likely not as fast as DSL in most instances. Multiple users can access the Internet and World Wide Web simultaneously through a T1 ISP Internet connection.

Because of the manner in which T1 operates, and because it can allow for multiple users, it can prove useful in an office, business or workplace setting.

The Technical Definition of ISDN

The technical definition of ISDN is:

“Integrated Services Digital Network An international standard for end-to-end digital transmission of voice, data, and signaling. In a videoconference it is a system that provides simultaneous voice, video, and text transmission between individual desktop videoconferencing systems and group (room) videoconferencing systems.”

The Value of ISDN to a Business

ISDN can be beneficial to a business enterprise on a number of levels. Because ISDN can provide voice, video and text transmissions via the Internet from a personal computer, it can be a vital system of keeping a modern day business (with employees, clients and strategic partners geographically dispersed) connected and working together as a team.

Many businesses have started to incorporate ISDN with great success into their overall IT schemes and programs. Once again, it is providing a great methodology through which a geographically dispersed business enterprise can enhance its potential.