T1 Internet Access for Dummies
The T1 Internet Service has long been available for more than 40 years but never have there been so many "flavors" offered. The amount of providers has jumped since deregulation in 1996 from a couple dozen to several thousand. Since the telecom shakedown that began in 2001 continues many of these companies are trying to stay afloat by getting as many customers as feasible with low-cost products they assert being T1. Do not be fooled!
Most of the frantic businesses are putting together substandard solutions they claim are T1 products. Just be wary of products with the funny titles such as "burstable" and "reach". These products are oversubscribed very similar to a DSL product. This suggests the provider places a single T1 link within a CO (Central Office) and provides T1 hook ups to 3 or 4 clients banking on the fact that individuals don't all make use of the resource at the same time. True, T1 access implies sole access to the web and you invariably have access to 1.54Mbps.
Be certain your T1 service for Kingston is a "clearchannel" item and is not shared with other users. Also be sure you truly have an SLA or Service Level Agreement from your provider. A SLA will specify the access you can receive and the expense the service provider will pay in the event that they do not supply this kind of service. If you need assistance, establishing the appropriate SLA gives you the help of a professional in case you don't have one in house. It's much better to spend a small price up front versus to enter a long term agreement with an substandard provider. You can also receive professional assistance free of charge by just contacting one of the many T1 brokers on the Internet.
