| The reason businesses use T1 lines vs. Ethernet | | | | It's also important to know there are differences |
| (Fast, Metro or Gigabit) is because of the differences | | | | between a T1 line and Ethernet services. A T1 voice |
| between these two services. Fast Ethernet refers to | | | | and data line is a form of internet connection while |
| the internal network traffic whereas a T1 line is an | | | | Fast Ethernet is the cabling they used in LAN (Local |
| external to internal network connection. While it may | | | | Area Network) environments, making them more |
| be true that many companies are offering options | | | | speedy and reliable. |
| like fiber to the home, which offer speeds | | | | In short, there are many reasons why businesses |
| significantly faster than T1 lines, T1 (and its siblings | | | | use T1 for their Internet, but this really is in no way |
| like DS3) still offers many advantages. | | | | comparable to Fast Ethernet. Your computer's |
| The following are advantages of deploying a T1 line | | | | network card is designed to handle more requests |
| over Ethernet: | | | | than just the Internet. For example, if you are |
| 1. Dedicated - A T1 line is dedicated, while your home | | | | streaming video from a server on your network, you |
| network is shared, meaning that depending on the | | | | need significantly more bandwidth than 1 Mbps which |
| data usage in your area, your speed will fluctuate. For | | | | is plenty sufficient for anything Internet. |
| a home user, this is a non-issue, but for a business | | | | On a future note, some ISPs are beginning to use |
| where servers are mission-critical, you cannot have | | | | CAT cable to hook directly into your house. This |
| insufficient bandwidth because there are too many | | | | technology is called Metro Ethernet. Look it up if you |
| people torrenting in your neighborhood. T1 lines | | | | want to learn more. |
| provide dedicated access and often have a higher | | | | This article isn't an all-encompassing discussion of the |
| priority when it comes to uptime and maintenance. | | | | advantages of T1 over Ethernet, but merely a |
| 2. Technology Limitations - Ethernet through CAT | | | | "scratching of the surface" look at what to think |
| cable has a limit of 100 meters (328FT). T1 lines can | | | | about when deciding which service is right for you |
| expand further. That's why ISPs can't hook your | | | | business' voice and data network. |
| house up with CAT cable. It's too far. | | | | Generally speaking, any business looking into what |
| 3. Cheaper - In general, a T1 line is about half the | | | | network technology makes the most business sense |
| cost of an Ethernet line, but this is only a | | | | for their employees, business suites, and conference |
| generalization and it all depends on the location of the | | | | activities needs to do their homework and not jump |
| network being set up. | | | | without a thorough analysis. |