Path: utzoo!utgpu!utstat!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!texbell!vector!telecom-gateway From: carlson@gateway.mitre.org (Bruce Carlson) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: T1 vs T2; and Info Message-ID: Date: 15 Nov 89 13:18:51 GMT Sender: news@vector.Dallas.TX.US Reply-To: carlson@gateway.mitre.org (Bruce Carlson) Organization: The Mitre Corporation Lines: 62 Approved: telecom-request@vector.dallas.tx.us X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@vector.dallas.tx.us X-TELECOM-Digest: volume 9, issue 513, message 5 of 5 In article lance@hermix.UUCP (Lance Ellinghouse) writes: >X-TELECOM-Digest: volume 9, issue 499, message 5 of 6 >Ok, dumb question time!! >I keep hearing about T1 and T2 service. I know that T1 carries more >(from previous posts). I also know that connecting to the Internet >takes a T1 line (from word of mouth). >Ok, now the questions: > 1) What exactly is the difference between a T1 and T2 line? T1 is a 1.544 Mbps line, which is often channelized into 24 64kbps channels, may be used at its full capacity, or may be split into odd increments. T1 provides a capacity and a few other technical characteristics, but how you use it is up to you. T2 is a 6.312 Mbps line, which can also be used in various channel setups, depending on the multiplexers and other equipment attached. > 2) What is the difference in Hardware that is needed to use them? The hardware will vary based on how you want to use the lines. Most people want to break the capacity up into channels and/or interface the T1 service to their computers and the exact equipment needed will vary. > 3) What is the difference in costs? (This is regional and I would like > a general idea if at all possible) I don't know the tariffs and I don't > have any estimates. A T1 line is roughly equal to the cost of 3 to 4 56kbps lines when comparing costs, but I don't have any dollar figures. > 4) How does one hook a computer to a T1 or T2 line? and what > software is needed? > 5) Who do you contact for T1 and T2 install/maintance? Local telephone company for local lines, long distance carriers for long distance trunks. > 6) Can a T2 be used for Internet? or only T1? is there something > cheaper? I think you are making a wrong assumption that you need either T1 or T2 to connect to the Internet. Most Internet host connections are in the 19.2 to 56kbps range and most trunk lines (between packet switches) are 56kbps. T1 is being used in some subnets, but it is not required unless you are running applications that need T1 capacity or want to test/experiment with high bandwidth communications. > 7) anything else you can think of.... Disclaimer: Everything I said above is rather general and I don't expect it to be taken as gospel. Trying to explain the Internet and how to connect to it in a few sentences is not that easy. I will try to find you a reference that will give you more complete information. Bruce Carlson MITRE Corp Mclean, VA