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A DS3 line is a Telecommunications term for "Digital System 3" which represents a bandwidth capacity of 45MB. This line is carried by 4 copper wires (or via fiber and converted back to copper at the customer site) and can support a wide range of services to include voice, data, and video. A DS3 is also known as a T3. Through multiplexing (explained in detail later), this single line DS3 can carry a combination of all of these services into a single circuit, reducing monthly access costs. How and Where DS3 Lines are Used. DS3s are high capacity circuits, typically used by Telephone companies and large business users that require far more than a DS1 (T1 or 1.544Mb) of connectivity. In terms of capacity, a line DS3 is equal to 28 DS1s (T1s) of capacity. Due to equipment multiplexing limitations, most business users that need more than a few T1s of capacity opt for the next "level" of service as a DS3 line, because access costs on NxT1 vs. a DS3 will typically break-even at about 4 T1s (6mb). Once the (45mb) DS3 is leased, adding T1 capacity requires very little lead-time, and no additional monthly cost for the access facility. DS3 bandwidth is sufficient for carrying 672 telephone lines, broadcast-quality video, a wide array of data services, or combinations of all types. Common Names / Muxing Levels:
Typical Applications . DS0s are typically used as voice-level or dial-up data channels. DS1s are typically used as either private point-to-point circuits between facilities, or more typically, access from a business to either their local or long distance provider. DS3s are typically used where more than one DS1 is needed for capacity. While a DS3 might be deployed for capacity reasons, not all DS1s must be activated, so if a company needs 6MB of capacity, a typical installation might have a DS3 established for "access" and only 4 DS1s "activated" on the DS3 facility. Please see our multiplexing page for an in-depth tutorial about multiplexing schemes. |
DS3 Line
