Data Lines can be DIA (Direct Internet Access) Lines or PtP (Point-to-Point) or MPLS Service
If you need Internet Access better than a dialup connection, then a DIA circuit is probably what you want. This service can be provided via various technologies: DSL, Cable, Satellite, Microwave, Wireless, T1, Fast Ethernet, DS3, GigE, and OCx line service.
In many cases, offices with 4 to 24 phone lines, find that a cost effective solution is an
Integrated T1. An Integrated T1 is set up to use part of the T1 bandwidth for phone service and the rest of the T1 bandwidth for Internet Access. Often Integrated T1s are implemented with DBA (Dynamically Bandwidth Allocation). DBA allows any bandwidth set aside for voice to be used for Internet Access if the phone is not in use. For those needing 8 or more phone lines, often the savings in phone costs can pay for the Internet Access. You can see which Integrated T options are available for your location at the
T1 Real-Time Line Service Quote site by choosing "Integrated (Bundled Data/Voice)" on the drop down menu.
If you are connecting two or more locations, you could do it via the public Internet using
VPN. However, for many business requirements, it is better to have a
Point-to-Point (PtP) circuit or
MPLS service. These are discussed further down on this page.
How to Decide on the Best Internet Access Plan for Your Needs
 | We will help you decide which Internet Service Provider and which plan best suits your needs and your budget. Here is some info that gives a rough idea of what is available. Pricing and availability are very much location dependent. A building across the street may be eligible for one of these options at a great price but your building may not be eligible at all or the pricing may be much higher. This is determined by the length and condition of the wiring to your building and by equipment availability in the Central Office to which it is connected.
Here are sample Internet connections. Pricing and availability vary greatly as a function of location.
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| | Bandwidth/Speed | Cost (varies with location) | Reliability | Consistency |
Dial-Up | To 56 Kbps Down | $7.95 to $29.95 per mo. | Medium | Medium |
DSL | To 10 Mbps Down x 2 Mbps Up | $17.99 to $299.95 per mo. | Medium | Medium |
Cable | To 12 Mbps Down x 2 Mbps Up | $19.95 to $399 per mo. | Medium | Low |
T1 | 1.5 Mbps Down and Up | $283 to $775 per mo. | High | High |
DS3 | 45 Mbps Down and Up | $1,999 to $12,000+ per mo. | High | High |
Fast Ethernet | 3 Mbps to 100 Mbps Down and Up | Where Available, cost is highly variable; Varies to as low as $20 per Mbps per mo at the higher speeds | High | High |
OC3 | 155 Mbps Down and UP | $6,699 to $29,000+ per mo. | High | High |
Gigabit Ethernet | 100 Mbps to n Gbps Down and UP | Where Available, cost is highly variable; Varies to as low as $12 per Mbps per mo at the higher speeds | High | High |
Between T1 and DS3 speeds, there are additional options. A
bonded T1 is a circuit which has a number of T1s bonded together so that they appear as one pipe. However, for more than 4 to 6 T1s, it is often more economical to go to a
fractional DS3, which is a portion of a Full DS3. A fractional DS3 can easily be upgraded to a DS3. Additional T1s can not always be added to a bonded T1 - it depends on the capabilities of the carrier involved and on the facilities available. For more information on various types of T1 circuits, see
T1, DS1, T3, DS3, OC3 and Dedicated Service Glossary. For explanations of Telecom abbreviations, see
Telecommunications Abbreviations Explained.
Ethernet for distributing bandwidth is becoming very popular in Metropolitan areas. For more descriptive information on Ethernet options, see
Explanation of Ethernet options. A very limited number of buildings are wired for Ethernet but the number is rapidly increasing. If you
request a Fast Ethernet or GigE quote, we will show you, in real time, the nearest Ethernet connected building(s) to the location that you enter. If you wish, we will then discuss pricing info if Ethernet is available in or near your building. In any case, we will be glad to present you with the most cost effective options to fit your bandwidth requirements.
For pricing and for placing orders for Dial-Up, DSL, T1, DS3, Ethernet and OC3, click on the service in the table above. For bonded T1, you can obtain quotes by starting on the T1 page. Likewise, for fractional DS3, you can start on the DS3 page.
If you run a DSL quote and it is clear that DSL is not available at your location, our quote system will show you Cable and/or Satellite options. Normally, Satellite is only used for remote locations where neither DSL nor Cable is available, and T1 service is cost prohibitive. This is because of the latency of Satellite signals and the adverse effect that weather can have on the service. Another use for Satellite service is as an emergency backup for other service.
How to Determine if a PtP or MPLS service will best suit your needs
| | We will help you decide which Carrier and which plan best suits your needs and your budget. Our automated systems can not always give you real-time quotes for PtP and MPLS. However, they are very close. If you enter the address and a landline phone number for one of the locations at the T1 or DS3 link above, you will see that you can choose VPN or PtP on the Broadband page. Although currently we might not send you a Real-time quote, we will contact you shortly at the contact number you provide and we will obtain the info needed to develop a quote for you. |
| See Telecom Abbreviations for brief explanations of PtP and MPLS. A PtP circuit is a private line between two locations. MPLS is a service between two or more locations that is a modern replacement for IP, ATM and/or Frame Relay. MPLS allows appropriate priority to be given when various types of data are transmitted between the locations; voice, video, application (for example, Citrix) and/or other data services can be accomodated with priorities assigned for suitable handling. |