T1 Internet Access for Dummies
This particular T1 Internet Service has long been around for more than 40 years yet in no way have there been so many "flavors" obtainable. The number of vendors has leaped amazingly from deregulation in 1996 from a few dozen to several thousand. As the telecom shakeout that started in 2001 continues many of these companies are trying to stay afloat by getting as many clients as feasible with cheap solutions they assert to be T1. Do not be fooled!
Lots of the desperate companies are putting together substandard solutions they assert are really T1 solutions. Just be leery of products using the funny titles such as "burstable" and "reach". These products are oversubscribed very similar to a DSL product. This means the provider puts a single T1 link within a CO (Central Office) and sells T1 connections to 3 or 4 clients hoping they don't all use the resource simultaneously. True, T1 access implies dedicated access to the Internet and you invariably have access to 1.54Mbps.
Make certain your T1 product for Mineola is really a "clearchannel" item and isn't shared with other clients. Also be sure you truly have a powerful SLA or Service Level Agreement from your supplier. A SLA will specify the access you can receive and the penalty the service company pays in the event that they do not provide this kind of service. If you need help, establishing the proper SLA gives you the help of a professional if you don't have one already. It's much better to spend a tiny fee up front versus to enter a long term agreement with an substandard provider. You can also get expert assistance gratis by just contacting one of the many T1 brokers on the Internet.
