Evaluating Bandwidth Choices....

[GeoQuote]

Feel free to add to this thread. It's meant as an information repository for members on the subject. Sort of a "1 stop resource" for everyone to share in.

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Looking for bandwidth? That can be a daunting and frustrating task even in the best of situations. There's lots to consider in order to make the right decision for your needs. Below you'll find some help when evaluating ADSL vs SDSL. Factors covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application, Pros, Cons, and Cost.

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Technology: ADSL

Speed: 768Kbps to 6.1 Mbps downstream. Upstream speeds range from 64Kbps-1Mbps.

Description: The most common type of DSL. Deployed over a copper wire pair in conjunction with an analog phone line.

Application: Commercial and consumer Internet service. Popular with consumers because of low-cost, short provisioning times and high download speeds.

Pros: High-speed access at a relatively low-cost. Availability is approaching 70% in most major metropolitan areas. Installation times are often less than 30days.

Cons: Not available in all areas. Slow upload speed. Bandwidth is aggregated at the Central Office and is subject to oversubscription. Not ideal for businesses or heavy users.

Costs: Consumer services starts at around $30-50. But....the pricing for these connections varies widely depending on the carrier and location of service. For example...it's likely to be more costly in rural areas and some local/regional providers may offer better rates than Tier 1 carriers.

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Technology: SDSL

Speed: Up to 2.3Mbps both ways.

Description: A form of HDSL, provisioned over a single twisted-pair of copper wire at distances up to 12,000 feet.

Application: Ideal for businesses due to symmetrical data transmission speeds and advanced features such as multiple IP addresses.

Pros: High-speed access at a low-cost when compared to T-1. Often provides more features than ADSL.

Cons: Not available in all areas. Bandwidth is aggregated at the Central Office and is subject to oversubscription. More costly and longer install times than ADSL.

Costs: Business service starts at around $50-80 and can be as high as a few $100 monthly. But....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...it's likely to be much more costly in rural areas. While some local/regional providers may offer better rates than Tier 1 carriers...you'll have to consider possible tradeoffs in stability and reliabilty.

[GeoQuote]

Feel free to add to this thread. It's meant as an information repository for members on the subject. Sort of a "1 stop resource" for everyone to share in.

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Looking for bandwidth? That can be a daunting and frustrating task even in the best of situations. There's lots to consider in order to make the right decision for your needs. Below you'll find some help when evaluating Frame Relay vs VPN. Factors covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application, Pros, Cons, and Cost.

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Technology: Frame Relay

Speed: 56 Kbps - 1.544 Mbps

Description: A high-speed, packet based, data transmission service used in wide area networks (WANs) to connect multiple locations.

Application: Used to connect multiple locations to a main location or to each other.

Pros: Cheaper alternative to private line connections. Ability to burst when needed. Widely available.

Cons: Up-front equipment cost can be prohibitive.

Costs: Frame relay monthly cost starts at around a few $100 per location for a stable, reliable system. Price climbs as speed 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.

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Technology: VPN

Speed: 56 Kbps - 1.544 Mbps

Description: VPN is a software-defined network that runs over a shared public network and offers the appearance, functionality and usefulness of a dedicated private network, at a price savings.

Application: A highly flexible method of communicating between locations via a secure tunnel on a large public network. Is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Frame Relay and Private Line.

Pros: A user can access the network from any Internet connection. VPNs often cost less and are more flexible and scaleable than competing technologies.

Cons: The availability and performance of a company's WAN is largely dependant on factors outside of their control.

Costs: VPN prices mirror that of dial-up or dedicated Internet Access. Cost of the VPN tunneling and encrypting is nominal. Expect to spend a few $100 at least for a stable, reliable system.

[GeoQuote]

Feel free to add to this thread. It's meant as an information repository for members on the subject. Sort of a "1 stop resource" for everyone to share in.

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Looking for bandwidth? That can be a daunting and frustrating task even in the best of situations. There's lots to consider in order to make the right decision for your needs. Below you'll find some help when evaluating Fractional T1 vs T1. Factors covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application, Pros, Cons, and Cost.

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Technology: Fractional T1

Speed: 128 Kbps - 1.544 Mbps

Description: Same service as a full T-1 provisioned in increments of 64 Kbps. A full T-1 is 1.544 Mbps or 24 channels, Fractional T-1s start at 128 Kbps or 2 channels.

Application: 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.

Pros: Provides access straight into the carrier's backbone. Unlike DSL and Cable Modem, there is no aggregation. Fractional T-1s have unused channels which can be turned up on demand.

Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.

Costs: Fractional T1 cost starts at 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.

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Technology: T1

Speed: 1.544 Mbps

Description: A 24 channel cirucit that can be used for Frame Realy, Private Line, VPN or, most commonly, Internet access.

Application: Connects a company's LAN into the Internet or carrier's Frame Realy network.

Pros: Provides access straight into the carrier’s backbone. Only slightly more expensive than a Fractional T-1. 99% availability in U.S. Very reliable.

Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.

Costs: A full T1 obviously will cost more than a Fractional T1. Expect cost to start at around a $400 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provder). 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 (voice and data combined) or bonded (multiple T1s bound in 1 network....option vs full DS3) T1 service.

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Technology: E1 (Europe)

Speed: 2.048 Mbps

Description: The European equilivent of the T-1.

Application: Connects a company's LAN into the Internet or carrier's Frame Realy network.

Pros: Provides access straight into the carrier’s backbone. Very reliable.

Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.

Costs: A full E1 usually costs more than it's North American counterpart. Expect cost to start at around a $800-1000 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from an equivalent Tier 1 provder). 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 (CO) 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.

[GeoQuote]

Feel free to add to this thread. It's meant as an information repository for members on the subject. Sort of a "1 stop resource" for everyone to share in.

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Looking for bandwidth? That can be a daunting and frustrating task even in the best of situations. There's lots to consider in order to make the right decision for your needs. Below you'll find some help when evaluating Fractional DS3 vs DS3. Factors covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application, Pros, Cons, and Cost.

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Technology: Fractional DS3

Speed: 3 Mbps - 44.736 Mbps

Description: A fraction of a full DS-3, which is comprised of 28 T-1s or 672 channels.

Application: Provides access from a location into the Internet for a large business or ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Pros: Provides very high speed access directly into the carrier's backbone. Bandwidth guaranteed by SLA (Service Level Agreement). Very reliable.

Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.

Costs: A Fractional DS3 will likely start at around $2,000 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider)....not including the local loop. 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 can vary widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used. For example...Tier 1 providers will probably cost more than local/regional Tier 2 and Tier 3 providers but are much more stable and reliable. A Tier 1 provider should be the provider of choice for any business serious about the quality of their network. Also, expect to pay more if you are in a rural area or need integrated (voice and data combined) DS3 service.

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Technology: DS3

Speed: 44.736 Mbps

Description: dedicated connection made up of the equivalent of 28 T-1s.

Application: Provides access from a location into the Internet for a large business or ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Pros: Circuit runs directly into the carrier's backbone. Bandwidth guaranteed by SLA (Service Level Agreement). Very reliable.

Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.

Costs: A full DS3 obviously will cost more than a Fractional DS3. Expect cost to start at around a $3-5,000 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider).....not including the local loop. 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. A Tier 1 provider should be the provider of choice for any business serious about the quality of their network. Also, expect to pay more if you are in a rural area or need integrated (voice and data combined) or bonded (multiple DS3s bound in 1 network....option vs full OC3) DS3 service.


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Technology: E3 (Europe)

Speed: 34.368 Mbps

Description: European equivalent of T-3. Made up of the equivalent of 28 T-1s.

Application: Provides access from a location into the Internet for a large business or ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Pros: Circuit runs directly into the carrier's backbone. Bandwidth guaranteed by SLA (Service Level Agreement). Very reliable.

Cons: Setup and monthly costs can be prohibitive.

Costs: A full E3 usually costs more than it's North American counterpart. Expect cost to start at around a $6-8,000 for a stable, reliable 45 Mbps 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). Local loops range from $1,000 - $3,000/month. Price climbs as distance from the providers Central Office (CO) 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.

[GeoQuote]

Feel free to add to this thread. It's meant as an information repository for members on the subject. Sort of a "1 stop resource" for everyone to share in.

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Looking for bandwidth? That can be a daunting and frustrating task even in the best of situations. There's lots to consider in order to make the right decision for your needs. Below you'll find some help when evaluating OC3 vs OC12 vs OC48. Factors covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application, Pros, Cons, and Cost.

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Technology: OC3

Speed: 155.52 Mbps

Description: Optical carrier (fiber) connected by equipment capable of speeds up to 155.52 Mbps.

Application: Large enterprise or ISP backbone.

Pros: Extremely high speed and throughput.

Cons: Extremely high cost.

Costs: Expect cost of an OC3 to start at around a $10-30,000 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider).....not including local loop or extensive setup. However....the pricing for these connections can vary 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 Tier 2 and Tier 3 providers but are much more stable and reliable. A Tier 1 provider should always be the provider of choice for any business serious about the quality of their OCx network.

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Technology: OC12

Speed: 622.08 Mbps

Description: Optical carrier (fiber) connected by equipment capable of speeds up to 622.08 Mbps.

Application: Large enterprise or ISP backbone.

Pros: Extremely high speed and throughput.

Cons: Extremely high cost.

Costs: Expect cost of an OC12 to start at around $1-300,000+ for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider)..... plus several hundred thousand dollars in setup costs. However....the pricing for these connections can vary widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used. A Tier 1 provider should always be the provider of choice for any business serious about the quality of their OCx network.

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Technology: OC48

Speed: 2.488 Gbps (Gigabytes per second)

Description: Optical carrier (multiple strands of fiber) connected by equipment capable of speeds up to 2.488 Mbps.

Application: Large enterprise or ISP backbone.

Pros: Extremely high speed and throughput.

Cons: Extremely high cost.

Costs: Expect cost of an OC48 to start at around $3-500,000 for a stable, reliable system (e.g. from a Tier 1 provider)..... plus several hundred thousand dollars in setup costs. However....the pricing for these connections can vary widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used. A Tier 1 provider should always be the provider of choice for any business serious about the quality of their OCx network.

[GeoQuote]

You'll find more information for evaluating bandwidth choices at http://Broadband-Nation.blogspot.com

[keefe007]

Feel free to add to this thread. It's meant as an information repository for members on the subject. Sort of a "1 stop resource" for everyone to share in.

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Looking for bandwidth? That can be a daunting and frustrating task even in the best of situations. There's lots to consider in order to make the right decision for your needs. Below you'll find some help when evaluating Frame Relay vs VPN. Factors covered include Technology, Speed, Description, Application, Pros, Cons, and Cost.

~~~~~~~~~

Technology: Frame Relay

Speed: 56 Kbps - 1.544 Mbps

Description: A high-speed, packet based, data transmission service used in wide area networks (WANs) to connect multiple locations.

Application: Used to connect multiple locations to a main location or to each other.

Pros: Cheaper alternative to private line connections. Ability to burst when needed. Widely available.

Cons: Up-front equipment cost can be prohibitive.

Costs: Frame relay monthly cost starts at around a few $100 per location for a stable, reliable system. Price climbs as speed 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.

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Technology: VPN

Speed: 56 Kbps - 1.544 Mbps

Description: VPN is a software-defined network that runs over a shared public network and offers the appearance, functionality and usefulness of a dedicated private network, at a price savings.

Application: A highly flexible method of communicating between locations via a secure tunnel on a large public network. Is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Frame Relay and Private Line.

Pros: A user can access the network from any Internet connection. VPNs often cost less and are more flexible and scaleable than competing technologies.

Cons: The availability and performance of a company's WAN is largely dependant on factors outside of their control.

Costs: VPN prices mirror that of dial-up or dedicated Internet Access. Cost of the VPN tunneling and encrypting is nominal. Expect to spend a few $100 at least for a stable, reliable system.

Frame-relay can be higher than 1.544. I know SBC has a product called Premier Serv which can get you 10 Mbps or more on Frame. The negative of frame is that your data flows through a shared "frame cloud" so you are generally not guaranteed bandwidth.

[Zitibake]

Since this site is for datacenter discussions, and this thread is for bandwdith, then I'd focus on what people may need to get bandwdith to a datacenter. That probably starts with bonded g.SHDSL or 802.11ah; fractional DS3; multimeg frame/ATM; OC3, OC12 and gigE.

Another discussion is: who to buy from (which depends on: carrier neutral hosting center, or carrier-owned).

[GeoQuote]

Anymore comments to add? By all means please contribute whatever info you can share to enhance the thread "subject".

[Bosch]

hi, Im hust learning about the OC connection types and really appreciate this kind of post. I was chosing a hosting provider and have a choice between oc 48 and oc 12. only question I have

Q: is it possible for someone advertising OC-48 connection for their hosting not really using OC-48 fully? or they have rented out some few oc12 s out of the OC-48 network? in another wirds could they be just twisting words...

Q: Would it be notiable diffeence between OC 48 and OC 12 when running ecommerce site? or when would it be noticable.

I thank you in advance !!!

[Keith]

hi, Im hust learning about the OC connection types and really appreciate this kind of post. I was chosing a hosting provider and have a choice between oc 48 and oc 12. only question I have

Q: is it possible for someone advertising OC-48 connection for their hosting not really using OC-48 fully? or they have rented out some few oc12 s out of the OC-48 network? in another wirds could they be just twisting words...

Q: Would it be notiable diffeence between OC 48 and OC 12 when running ecommerce site? or when would it be noticable.

I thank you in advance !!!

Bosch,
In respect to your first question:
It is always possible for this to happen. If they are selling OC12s off of their OC48 network, they are not really "twisting words". When they advertize the OC48 they are telling you what kind of bandwidth they have coming in to their router. In theory you are not going to get a full oc48 to your server ever. The host will always run their OC48 to a router which will then run either 100mbps or gige to the switch that your servers will connect to. If they run an OC48 directly to the switch your server is connected to without a router, I would recommend walk, ney run, as their network probably is not setup as it should be. :)

The answer to your second question is dependant to the host's utilization of the circuit. If they have an OC-12 that is barely utilized you will likely not see too much of a degregation; this is primarily due to the fact that your average user will not be browsing the ecommerce site at 600mbps. If it is a situation where the OC12 is somewhat utilized, I would recommend going with the OC48 host to ensure that you are not part of a choked connection.

[Zitibake]

How the datacenter engineers its network makes more of a difference than what type of pipes they use to connect with carriers. With sufficiently large pipes (>OC3), it is unlikely that simple changes in usage patterns will congest any links, unless the operators are really asleep at the switch. Latency is not sufficiently different between gigE, OC12, OC48 for anyone to notice, unless you're trying to run iSCSI over it or something.

One differentiator is resilience to DoS attacks. All carrier links to a datecenter network need to support real-time black-hole features, to keep large DoS attacks from affecting too many customers. Datacenters which have a large amount of unused bandwidth on every carrier connection have a better chance of discarding traffic from small to moderate DoS attacks, without impacting most customers. Datacenters which can send the small/moderate attack traffic through a packet scrubber are even better; but that's not a guarantee.

If you're not in a major peering region, then if a datacenter connects locally to many carriers, and your customers are local, then that adds value. Even towns like Miami still have some Tier-1's hauling traffic to DC to exchange with other carriers.

[Bosch]

for the answer, i appreciate. I didnt really understand that enough to make decisions based on host connection types.

[JoeV]

if you colocate in their data center, ask them for "ethernet" connectivity. In fact, that's the norm in the hosting world that i'm dealing with.

as far as OCx, that's telco grade transport (connectivity to a data center). if you're looking for serious colocation, try to find a data center that is located in a "carrier neutral" facility. that means they will give you access to multiple IP uplinks (to the internet). hope this helps somewhat.

[GeoQuote]

You'll find more bandwidth related articles here:

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm

[GeoQuote]

Just added an article on ethernet transport here ... kind of long :

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm

[GeoQuote]

If anyone would care to add comments on OCx series bandwidth it would be a welcome addition to this thread.

[GeoQuote]

There are a number of related articles available in this list that may be useful:

Michael Lemm - EzineArticles.com Expert Author (http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm)

[GeoQuote]

I'd appreciate if someone would add comments on current OCx and ethernet applications to this thread. I could but prefer others input for balance and encouraging participation.

[GeoQuote]

For those of you in the US ... we can help you determine the best bandwidth solution for your application(s) at no cost. Meaning .... free of charge for this service.

Just ask for it here: Bandwidth Solutions (http://DS3-Bandwidth.com)

[benthomas]

Hi,

Even i have heard about the SBC product called Premier that gets you 10 Mbps but it sounds too good to be true.
Can anyone confirm it ?

I would really appreciate the effort.

Regards
Ben Thomas

[GeoQuote]

As I understand it Ben .... Premier is an ethernet based "product" but availability is somewhat limited geographically.

Also .... there are a number of related articles on the thread topic available at Broadband nation.