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.
Colocation is Often Cost Effective
Bandwidth
Colocation is locating your servers in a colocation facility,
also known as a carrier hotel. Advantages of this approach include
ready availability of low cost bandwidth including DS3, Carrier
Ethernet and SONET Fiber Optic OCx options. These data centers
also offer backup power, environmental control and high levels
of security.
DS3 for Call Center Telephony
DS3 voice service can support up to 672 simultaneous telephone
conversations without blocking. If your call center or large corporate
PBX system requires this number of outside lines, DS3 is likely
far more cost effective than ordering the equivalent 28 T1 lines.
DS3 as Ethernet Transport
DS3 bandwidth at 45 Mbps can easily transport 10 Mbps Ethernet
over SONET or T3 line, even with the additional overhead needed
to convert from packet to TDM back to packet protocol. For Fast
Ethernet transport, an OC3 service at 155 Mbps would be required.
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.