What are T1 MPLS VPNs, and How Might a MPLS VPN Benefit Your Business?

Written by: Dennis Green - Jan 9, 2009

A T1 line is a high speed 1.54 megabit per second (Mbps) circuit which is comprised of 24 individual DS-O circuits. Each DS-O circuit has a speed of 64 kilobits per second (Kbps). For perspective, your home telephone line is likely a DS-O line. T1 dedicated lines are commonly interchangeably referred to as T1 or DS1. A T1 dedicated circuit is carried through two twisted pairs of copper wires. Virtually, all residences and businesses currently have two pairs of copper wires running to them. T1 lines are capable of delivering 1.54 Mbps simultaneously in both directions, one direction for each pair of copper lines. Because T1 dedicated service is repeater driven (signal is digitally reestablished about every 6000 feet), it is available to virtually every business in the United States. T1 lines are dedicated, in that they are always connected. They are also extremely stable. Most reputable providers include service level agreements which guarantee the reliability of the T1 circuits they offer. There are several types of T1 line. These include: full (1.54 Mbps), fractional (commonly 128 Kbps to 756 Kbps), burstable, integrated (one T1 line comprised of any combination the types of T1 listed here), channelized DS1 (a specific type of integrated T1), point-to-point (direct private T1 connection between to locations), data (internet), local (local phone service), PRI (voice service which includes many added features and direct inward dial (DID) numbers), and frame relay. Each of these types of T1 has advantages over the others, depending on the specific needs of your company. Also, the availability of each is based on the offerings of each T1 provider and the geographic location of your business. VPN service utilizes major advancements in technology to establish secure private communication channels, for the transfer of data, over shared networks such as private intranets or the public internet. VPN is an acronym for virtual private network. Currently, the most popular and state-of–the-art VPNs are based on MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) technology. MPLS provides any-to-any connectivity over T1 or higher bandwidth. Some providers can provide MPLS over SDSL as well. The best MPLS networks are facilitated within the closed systems of specific tier 1 providers. With this scenario, MPLS networks are as secure as point-to-point private lines. With quality of service (QoS), MPLS networks are extremely well suited for simultaneously facilitating VOIP, priority files, multiple location audio or video conferencing, and/or high quality video transmission. For two location networks, a point-to-point private line continues a bit less expensive than a MPLS VPN. However, point-to-point circuits are not normally managed by providers, so with point-to-point lines, obtaining customer premise equipment, and configuring and maintaining the equipment is commonly the responsibility of the customer. For multiple location networks, two location networks which are more than 1000 miles apart or two location networks which you know will increase in number of locations, an MPLS network can be far more functional, and far less expensive than a network comprised of point-to-point lines. In most cases, full T1 or DS3 MPLS VPNs are provided with all needed hardware and installation, configuration and management of the network by the provider for about the same cost, or just slightly more, per location, than managed internet service. Managed MPLS networks are pretty much turn key for the end user. There are also a variety of options for networking DSL or Cable service as well. As the authorized sales agents for the top 20 telecom providers in the country, we can provide free comparative quotes for completely managed VPNs for any locations in the US, regardless of the bandwidth needed at each location. We can also provide quotes for international VPNs (including MPLS options as well). (Click here to return to top of page)