By Mitch Scott

A T1 is a digital trunk that carries data, voice or both.  In its most basic form a T1 is a tunnel that is capable of sending or receiving 1.5Mbps worth of data.   This can consist of strictly data, up to 24 voice channels (think phone lines) or a combination of both.  The phone company transmits your voice (which is analog) over the T1 (which is digital) by converting your voice to data and then sending it over the T1.  When the data reaches its destination it is then converted back to an analog signal.

When used for transmitting voice a T1 is divided into up to 24 64K channels.  Why 64K?  In order to digitally transmit your voice the sound wave that is created when you talk is sampled 8,000 times per second at 8-bit resolution (8,000×8=64,000).  Why 24 channels?  64 x 24 = 1.534 (1.5Mbps).

You can have a T1 that is strictly for the transmission of data or a T1 that is strictly for the transmission of voice but what really makes the T1 attractive is when you use a combination of both.  A dynamic T1allocates bandwidth for the voice channels (phone lines) ONLY when they are needed!  If there are 2 people on a phone call then 128K of the T1 is used for the voice conversation and the rest is available for your data (surfing the internet, streaming media, etc).  If no one is on the phone then the total 1.5Mbps is available for data.

About Emergent

Emergent, formerly Telecommunication Professionals, Inc., has been serving the Orlando – Central Florida region since 1988. Emergent is a network services, business telephone and data communications company that specializes in technology solutions that give clients a competitive advantage and increased profitability. The company implements technology plans by providing products that fit the needs of the client. The mission of Emergent is to provide cost justification and investment protection.

The company maintains a full staff of factory-trained, certified technicians, sales associates and customer advocates that believe the dimensions of service quality are time and timeliness of the delivery of the service, completeness of the service, courtesy of those giving the service, consistency of the service, accessibility & convenience of obtaining the service, accuracy of the service, and responsiveness to emergencies.

For more information on Emergent call (407) 834-2700 or visit www.askemergent.com.