Fractional and Full T3 and T1
Looking for bandwidth can be an ominous and frustrating task even in the best of situations. There is a lot to consider in order to make the right decision for your internet speed decision. When evaluating Fractional T3 and full T3, there are certain factors to look into such as technology, speed, description, application, pros, and cons. Fractional T3 is the same service as a full T-3 provisioned in increments of 64 Kbps. A full T-3 is 1.544 Mbps or 24 channels, Fractional T-3s start at 128 Kbps or two channels.
It is used to connect a company to the Internet when less than a full T-1 is required. Circuit runs from the location into the Internet. Unlike DSL and Cable Modem, there is no aggregation. Fractional T-1s have unused channels which can be turned up on demand. One downfall is that setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.
Fractional T3 can cost around $100-200 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider). A required router is additional unless provided as a "freebie" incentive by the vendor. Price climbs as distance from the providers Central Office (CO) increases. However, the pricing for these connections varies widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used.
Another option is a T1 line, which is 1.544 Mbps and is a 24-channel circuit that can be used for Frame Realy, Private Line, VPN or, most commonly, Internet access. It connects a company's LAN into the Internet or carrier's Frame Realy network. T1 Provides access straight into the carrier’s backbone. It is only slightly more expensive than a Fractional T1.
A full T1 will cost more than a Fractional T1. The cost will start at around a $400 for a stable, reliable system. A required router is additional unless provided as a "freebie" incentive by the vendor. Price climbs as distance from the providers Central Office (CO) increases. However....the pricing for these connections varies widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used. For example...Tier 1 providers may cost more than local/regional Tier2 and Tier 3 providers but are much more stable and reliable. Also, expect to pay more if you are in a rural area or need integrated or bonded service.
Full T1 usually costs more than its North American counterpart. Expect cost to start at around $800-1000 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from an equivalent Tier 1 provider). A required router is additional unless provided as a "freebie" incentive by the vendor (not common in Europe). Price climbs as distance from the providers Central Office increases. However, just as with the North American version the pricing for these connections varies widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used.
