What is DS3?
DS3 or Digital Signal level 3 is a standardized TDM service offering
a bandwidth of 45 Mbps. It may be delivered over SONET fiber optic
service or over copper coaxial cable. When delivered over copper,
the line is generally referred to as a T3 line.
When to Use Pseudowires
A pseudowire is a virtual "circuit" that emulates a
traditional digital telecom service but on a packet switched network.
MPLS networks are especially suitable for pseudowires. By using
a pseudowire circuit, you can get the point to point connectivity
you desire without having to re-engineer your facilities to accommodate
a different protocol network.
DS3 as an Internet Backbone
DS3 service configured as an dedicated Internet port offers 45
Mbps of upload and download bandwidth. This is ideal for small
and medium size ISPs and WISPs. that have exceeded the capacity
available from multiple T1 lines.
How DS3 Relates to OC3
DS3 is a digital signal level originally developed to support
the copper based T-Carrier digital telephone trunking system.
DS3 offers about 45 Mbps of bandwidth . OC3 is a SONET optical
carrier standard running at about 155 Mbps. An OC3 link can transport
up to 3 separate DS3 services.
What is Fractional DS3 Service?
Fractional DS3, as the name implies, is a fraction of the full
DS3 bandwidth of 45 Mbps. Companies order fractional DS3 when
they don't need or want to pay for the full bandwidth offered
by DS3. Even with fractional DS3, you still need the full coaxial
or optical hardware support for 45 Mbps signaling. At low fractional
requirements, bonded T1 lines offer a more cost effective solution.