What is the difference between DS3 and T3 bandwidth?
Don’t get confused about the difference between DS3 and T3 circuits. These terms are really synonymous. Instead, you need to focus on what they can do for you … and the best scenarios for your application.
The digital signal (DS) is a classification system of digital circuits according to the speed and format of the signal (DS) and the equipment that provides the signals (T). The designations DS and T have been used synonymously, so that DS1 implies T1 and DS3 implies T3.
A DS3 line (also known as T-3) is an ultra-high-speed connection capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 45 Mbps. A DS3 line is equivalent to approximately 672 regular voice-grade phone lines, which is fast enough such as for streaming full-motion real-time video and very large databases over a busy network. A DS3 line is typically installed as a major network artery for large corporations and universities with high volume network traffic. Other example applications include large call centers, enterprise-wide IP PBX and VoIP systems, Internet service providers, research labs, video conferencing centers, and software development companies. A DS3 is the second fastest non-optical connection offered in North America. A DS3 line is made up of 28 T1 lines, each operating at a total signaling rate of 1,544 Mbps.
DS3 circuits provide businesses and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with up to 45 Mb / s of dedicated Internet connectivity. This is an ideal solution for users who have outgrown their T1 connections and are looking for unlimited high capacity access. In reality, a DS3 line consists of 672 individual channels, each of which supports 64 Kb / s. DS3 lines are extremely high bandwidth connections on an operator’s backbone. They typically include SLAs (service level agreements) that guarantee uptime and performance.
The DS3 signal itself is made up of 28 DS1 signals and is constructed using a two-step multiplexing process. First, the 28 DS1 signals are multiplexed into seven DS2 signals. Second, the seven DS2 signals are multiplexed into one DS3 signal. Each multiplexing step uses bit padding to handle the different input frequencies. The overhead bits provide alignment information, error checking, in-band communications, and bit stuffing control.
Line speed: 44,736,000 b / s
Signals: 7 DS2 signals = 28 DS1 signals
Pieces from above:
56 bits total / frame
28-bit F-bits (patterned) /
M-bits (multi-frame) 3 bits /
21-bit C bits (padding)
X-bits (message) 2 bits /
P-bits (parity) 2 bits /
Data bits between overload bits 84
A DS3 connection is made up of two monthly charges: the local loop and the port charge. The local loop charge is the cost of the circuit provided by the local exchange operator (LEC) that allows DS3 access to the operator’s network. The loop charge is based on the distance from the customer’s location to the edge of the operator’s network; the further the client is from the network, the more the loop will cost. Almost all carriers’ prices vary differently, so it’s a good idea to price your DS3 service with multiple providers to ensure you get the best deal.
DS Internet Access is the ideal solution for companies that require high-bandwidth access at a low price. Whether you host high-traffic websites, support web hosting, or need high-capacity bandwidth as needed, there is a DS3 level of service (full or fractional) that will meet your needs. Fractional to full DS3 or T3 circuits operate from speeds of 3 Mbps to 45 Mbps.
For customers who require more bandwidth than a T1 line can provide but do not yet require the capacity of a full DS3 line, a striped DS3 connection is the ideal solution. A fractional DS3 is similar to a full DS (T) 3, only with some of the channels turned off. This reduces the total monthly cost and provides additional capacity that can be increased in a matter of days. Unfortunately, the DS3 (T) loop is still required for this service.
If a full DS3 line has more bandwidth than you really need, it is also possible to get fractional DS3, which gives you a portion of the full DS3 bandwidth at a lower cost. Of course, DS3 is also available in multiples to increase bandwidth, similar to the linked T1 service.
The DS3 service can be implemented for a wide variety of applications. The most common uses are DS3 Point-to-Point, DS3 Internet, DS3 Frame Relay, DS3 Voice, and DS3 VPN. The price of these connections varies widely depending on the operator, the location of the service and the application for which the connection is used. Visit DS3 Bandwidth Solutions for current “real-time” rate quotes for your location.