DS3 Line Providers, Fiber Networks and Ethernet over DS3
A Simple Definition Of DS3 Bandwidth
Now that almost every home has a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) for their Internet access and E-mail, more people are now familiar with the concept of bandwidth. This means that any explanation of DS3 Bandwidth will be understood by a wider audience.
In the past, digital circuits were classified by the codes T1, T2 and T3 which actually applied to the equipment processing the signals. The latest classifications DS1, DS2 and DS3 are really synonymous with the old T codes but now refer to the speed and the format of the signals themselves. The DS in the code refers to the Digital Signal and a DS3 circuit is the same as a T3 circuit.
A full DS3 circuit is a 45 Mbps line which is around 90 times faster than the average DSL line currently in common use. This means that 90 people can all surf the Net, or any other application, simultaneously, and experience fast response times just like a home DSL user. DS3 can exceed the speed of a T1 connection by more than 20 times, which is perfect for any companies that require very fast data transfer speeds between their offices and remote sites.
Fractional DS3 is available that enables a user to subscribe to a speed less than the 45 Mbps that is available with the resultant cost savings. Burstable DS3 means that a user may operate at less than the 45 Mbps for most of the day and will be allowed to operate at the full speed for certain agreed times of the day.
A DS3 line is capable of transmitting video in full-motion and real-time, as well as large databases, over busy networks. Universities and large corporations with high-volume data traffic are typical users of DS3 lines. Other users are busy call centres and suppliers of VoIP and small PBX systems. Companies supplying video conferencing facilities, research labs and software development firms are also prime candidates for this type of line.
This type of line typically incurs two charges monthly. The first is for the local loop, which is the line from the users premises to the local exchange. The second charge is the port charge which allows the user access to the carrier's network. The local loop charge is variable and will depend on how far the user is from the relevant exchange.
The speed of the DS3 Bandwidth signal is achieved by grouping 28 DS1 signals together and then multiplexing these signals into 7 DS2 signals which are, in turn multiplexed into the one 45 Mbps signal on the single DS3 line. This line carries the equivalent of 672 voice conversations.
