In voice communication, T-Carrier (T-CXR) technology enables you to save on the cost of having to provide filters, modulators and demodulators for each voice channel. By using a combination of pulse-code modulation (PCM) and time-division multiplexing (TDM), T1 lines enable an array of voice trunks to all share one coder and one decoder and carry 24 conversation at one time.

In addition to revolutionizing the throughput of voice communications, T-CXR has made Internet access what it is today. Upstream Internet providers, by combining the T-Carrier information of multiple T1's into higher T-number transmission systems, are able to provide the throughput to afford thousands of computers ample throughput to comfortably navigate the Internet and download data. T1 (or DS1) provides over 1.5 Mbit/s of throughput, while DS5 provides more than 400 Mbit/s of throughput, supporting a lot more DSL customers or 5,760 simultaneous phone conversations. When considering T-CXR:

1. Set up your own T-CXR system.

2. Select and order business T-CXR service.

3. For eCommerce, order bonded T-CXR service.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get your T-Carrier system up and running

Many companies find the need to set up their own T-Carrier provider network. Because there are a lot of different possible configuration scenarios, it's good to find T-Carrier equipment providers and installers that are flexible and creative on configuration and that can provide you with the technical T-Carrier information you will need.

I recommend: Alamon Telco will install, test, and provide maintenance services for your T-CXR system infrastructure. Costcom Networks carries everything the T-Carrier provider will need to set up a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint T-Carrier telecommunications system.

For a non-eCommerce presence, order business T-CXR service

There are a few decisions to make when ordering business T1 service. The upload and download speeds, the length of the contract and the model of the equipment you will have installed all affect the monthly charges for the service.

I recommend: Covad offers T1 services ranging from 384 kbps to 3 Mbps with live customer service available every minute of the year. AT&T also offers a complete line of Internet access packages. WorldNet features both T3 voice and T3 internet services.

For an eCommerce presence, ask for bonded T-CXR service

For the added bandwidth commonly needed for eCommerce enterprises, it's good to find T-Carrier service that uses multi-link point-to-point protocol (MLPPP) technique to combine two T1s. This will give you 3 Mbps of bandwidth without the need to worry about load balancing over the two T1 lines. For enterprises that require this level of service, bonded T1 service can save them hundreds of dollars per month.

I recommend: Covad and MegaPath both offer T1 service as well as bonded T1 service, supporting the needs of the eCommerce enterprise.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When setting up a T1 system, make sure the service provider lists all the costs, such as the port, the service, termination at the central office, access coordination, the multiplexer, the local loop and any additional usage charges. Also, some T-Carrier providers won't supply all the equipment needed, leaving you to purchase the other items. Required items include the multiplexer or DS1 interface card, the CSU/DSU, the Smart Jack network interface, extension of inside wiring and the T1 circuit.