DS3 WAN connections are a popular choice for businesses that need more bandwidth than T1 lines offer but aren’t ready for a full OC-3 fiber optic SONET service. However, exploring alternative options might be beneficial due to cost or performance considerations.

There are several bandwidth options available today that might be a better fit than your existing DS3 connection. Let’s explore some alternatives.

DS3 bridges the gap between copper wireline and fiber optic bandwidth services. Originally part of the Bell System’s T-Carrier specifications for telephone trunking, DS3 service operates on T3 physical circuits. Today, the terms DS3 and T3 are often used synonymously, despite the scarcity of actual T3 physical circuits. While the interface to your router consists of two coaxial cables with BNC connectors that plug into a DS3 interface module (limited to a 450-foot distance), fiber optic cabling overcomes this distance limitation by carrying the DS3 signal over longer distances. This is often achieved by multiplexing the DS3 signal onto a higher bandwidth OC-3 SONET circuit, which may be shared with other DS3 services. At your location, the signal is converted back to the standard coaxial connections.

Before considering alternatives, ensure you’re getting the best price for your current DS3 service. Due to deregulation and increased competition, telecom service prices have dropped significantly. Compare prices from multiple providers, including bandwidth brokers like Telarus, Inc., to ensure you’re getting a competitive rate.

Evaluate your actual bandwidth needs. Did you choose DS3 because your T1 line was insufficient? Consider whether you fully utilize the 45 Mbps offered by DS3. If you need around 10 Mbps, scaling up from T1 or down from DS3 might be more cost-effective. T1 lines can be bonded to achieve higher bandwidths (up to 10-12 Mbps), while DS3 service can be rate-limited (fractional DS3) to provide lower speeds such as 10, 20, or 30 Mbps.

Ethernet offers another attractive option. Ethernet over Copper provides bandwidth ranging from 3 Mbps to 45 Mbps (and sometimes higher), often at lower costs per Mbps than T1 or T3 technologies. However, its distance sensitivity limits achievable speeds as distance from the CO increases.

Ethernet over Fiber provides higher bandwidth options ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps, with popular choices including 10 Mbps standard Ethernet, 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, and 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet. The installed port speed at your location determines the maximum achievable speed. While fiber connections aren’t universally available, carrier competition has led to increased fiber network coverage. Ethernet over Fiber’s scalability allows for easy bandwidth upgrades. Ordering your current bandwidth needs with a port speed capable of handling future requirements is a common practice.

If available, Ethernet over Fiber offers significant cost advantages over other telecom options. Alternatively, SONET fiber optic service might be available, with the lowest speed service being OC-3 at 155 Mbps (which can sometimes be rate-limited for fractional OC-3 service).

Lastly, fixed wireless, a line-of-sight microwave service offering speeds of 50 Mbps or higher, is available in major metro business districts. If your location qualifies, fixed wireless offers fast and cost-effective installation compared to installing new fiber optic lines.

To determine the best solution for your needs, research available options and compare pricing. Consider using online business bandwidth availability checks to explore competitive options. You might be surprised by the new options now available.

Note: Photo of BNC connector courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.