DS3 vs Multiple T1 Lines
Bonding T1 lines for greater bandwidth is a good value up to about
8x or 9x bonding. Above that, it makes better economic sense to
order DS3 service over fiber or T3 copper line. In metropolitan
areas with high levels of buildout, the decision point may be
less than 8 T1 lines.
Medical Imaging Transmission
Bandwidth
Medical images, such as those generated by Teleradiology equipment,
have large file sizes due to high resolution. Rapid transmission
between hospitals and medical centers requires high availability,
high bandwidth telecommunication services. For smaller offices
or infrequent use, a T1 data line or bonded T1 lines might suffice.
For medium and larger facilities, DS3, Fast Ethernet and OCx fiber
optic services are recommended.
DS3 as an Internet Backbone
DS3 service configured as an dedicated Internet port offers 45
Mbps of upload and download bandwidth. This is ideal for small
and medium size ISPs and WISPs. that have exceeded the capacity
available from multiple T1 lines.
How Does DS3 differ from T3?
The terms DS3 and T3 are often used interchangeably. Both refer
to a TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) digital telecom service
operating at 45 Mbps. Strictly speaking, DS3 is the digital signal
level that can be carried by either copper or fiber physical links.
T3 is the T-Carrier standard for DS3 over coaxial copper service.
What is Fractional DS3 Service?
Fractional DS3, as the name implies, is a fraction of the full
DS3 bandwidth of 45 Mbps. Companies order fractional DS3 when
they don't need or want to pay for the full bandwidth offered
by DS3. Even with fractional DS3, you still need the full coaxial
or optical hardware support for 45 Mbps signaling. At low fractional
requirements, bonded T1 lines offer a more cost effective solution.