T1 Internet Access for Dummies
This particular T1 Internet Service has long been available for more than 40 years yet in no way have there been so many "flavors" obtainable. The quantity of vendors has leaped amazingly since deregulation in 1996 from a few dozen to several thousand. As the telecom shakedown that began in 2001 continues many of these businesses are attempting to stay afloat by capturing as many customers as feasible with low-cost products they claim being T1. Don't be fooled!
Numerous frantic businesses are putting together substandard solutions they claim are T1 products. Be leery of products using the strange titles like "burstable" and "reach". These products can be oversubscribed very similar to a DSL product. This suggests the provider puts a single T1 link in a CO (Central Office) and sells T1 connections to 3 or four clients hoping they don't all use the resource simultaneously. True, T1 access implies dedicated access to the Internet and you always have access to 1.54Mbps.
Be certain your T1 product for Dawes is a "clearchannel" product and isn't shared with other users. Also be sure you truly have a powerful SLA or Service Level Agreement from your supplier. A SLA will define the access you will receive and the expense the service provider will pay in the event that they do not supply this kind of service. If you need help, establishing the proper SLA gives you the help of an expert if you don't have one in house. It's much better to pay a small price up front than to enter a long term contract with an inferior carrier. You can also get professional help free of charge by just contacting one of the many T1 brokers on the web.
