Why Ethernet over Copper Solution will soon Replace T1 Line Services

Ethernet is a well-established technology used to distribute data around local networks. Ethernet over Copper (EoC), also referred to as Business Ethernet, is delivered via the same twisted pair copper facilities that are utilized for T1 lines.

T1 lines have been considered the standard business bandwidth connection for years, however EoC is quickly gaining popularity due to its many advantages, including:

• Scalability – Unlike a T1 line, EoC can scale up to 45Mb without requiring additional equipment at the customer’s location. This is a huge advantage for businesses that employ bandwidth intensive services and applications, such as web and video conferencing
• Reliability and security – As with T1 lines, EoC offers competitive Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that cover items such as, guaranteed uptime (generally 99.99%), jitter, latency, etc. and offer compensation to the customer when standards are not met
• Easier installation – EoC is as easy to install as a traditional T1 line and significantly easier to install than a T3 line, which not only can take up to months, but also calls for costly infrastructure improvements
• More affordability – When compared to a T1 or T3 line, EoC offers more ethernet bandwidth for your buck. This is mainly due to the way Ethernet is designed, and the efficiency and flexibility of its packet switching protocols

T1 and T3 lines utilize time division multiplexing (TDM) wherein data is delivered in a fixed order, and pre allocated to sub channels of a particular circuit. EoC, on the other hand, utilizes packet switching, which allows bandwidth to be allocated dynamically. This not only maximizes efficiency, but also makes it less expensive to deliver.

T1 and T3 services do have one major advantage over EoC: a considerably larger availability footprint. T1 and T3 connections are virtually omnipresent and are not distance sensitive, as in the case with EoC which is only available to businesses that reside within 10,000 to 12,000 feet of the provider’s Point of Presence (PoP). That being said, EoC is currently available in many metropolitan areas, and its availability footprint is steadily increasing as more network infrastructure is deployed.

With all of the advantages that it provides, it’s easy to see why Ethernet over Copper will soon replace T1 lines. If you are interested in finding an EoC solution for your business, give us a call today. Our team of professional account managers will work with you to customize a solution that meets your company’s unique needs.