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T1 vs. Fiber Optics
2:27 PM EST 2/13/08
We have 55 public computers. We also provide wireless in the Quiet Room using the same T1 line. Usually, there are five to eight users in the Quiet Room. Since we set up the wireless, the internet almost comes to a halt during 12 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily. When I unplug the wireless, the traffic seems improve quite a bit. I am considering to switch from T to Fiber Optics. The vender told me the speed could be double with a little more. Is there any libraries use Fiber Optics. How viable is it?
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Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics
2:28 PM EST 2/15/08
as a reply to Bob Watson.
Hi,
We are replacing the T1 line with Fiber Optics offered by the local cable company. It allows us to have 3 Mbps for $1,029/month for 42 months contract. One time install is $990. How is Fiber Optics's speed compared with the Internet Cables services?
T1 line is only 1.5 Mpbs. If we continue with T1 line, the same vendor offer us an second line T1 line Router PAK MLFR (Multiple Loation Frame Relay)for $1,477/month.
I am not sure what else is involed in switching except we need to configure the change of IP addresses.
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Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics
3:08 PM EST 2/15/08
as a reply to Evena Shu.
Fiber speed *can* be a *lot* more than copper: http://www.lanshack.com/fiber-optic-tutorial-network.aspx
One issue here, I suppose, will be your upgrade path. 3 Mbpd sounds like a lot but a lot of people with DSL get that for download at home. Nowadays, as more and more people access video (for various legit reasons) there's the issue of many library computers needing near-simultaneous high download speeds.
By the way, an overview on copper speeds (T-1, etc.) can be found here: http://ckp.made-it.com/t1234.html
Again, I'm not a techy. I'd be sure to get a second independent opinion.
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Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics
9:40 PM EST 2/15/08
as a reply to Evena Shu.
In this instance, it sounds like the bandwidth / speed you would be getting under this setup would be similar to a business class cable offering. Depending on the service options of the cable company, they might be able to offer you more bandwidth for a lower cost.
One factor I would want to include is whether you need to provide content to the external world (i.e. a web server or other type of content / media server). If you are just looking for more bandwidth so the public computers can access external / internet resources faster, then obviously downstream speeds are of a greater interest than other factors.
My advice would be to look not only at the speed offered, but also at things like a service level agreement (SLA) offered by the provider. This should be some type of measure of latency, packet loss, response time in case of downed lines or outages, etc. Usually with "consumer" or SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) internet connection services, you pay less, but the guarantees for service and reliability are not guaranteed, but instead "best effort".
Depending on your location, you might be able to get a dual/bundled T1 service for less than $1,477mo. Foe example, Speakeasy is offering a similar connection offering 3Mbps for $749/month for 36 month contract with free installation. The offer is located here:
http://www.speakeasy.net/promos/bondedt1749/
Standard disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Speakeasy, but have heard generally good things about them, but that was before they were acquired by Best Buy.
Also, the thing that I like about Speakeasy is they put their SLA right on their web site: http://www.speakeasy.net/sla/
The text for the T1 SLA is pretty straight-forward.
Hope this helped, but let us know if you have other questions.
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