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Types of ethernet private lines:
Ethernet private lines can be provided in bandwidths between 3 mbps (megabits per second) and 1000 mbps. When these circuits are provided at 20 mbps or less, they are often provided over copper telephone lines. For bandwidths above 20 mbps, fiber is usually used. When ethernet is provided over fiber, it can often be burstable. This allows a customer to commit to and pay for a minimum amount of bandwidth but burst above the minimum as needed to accommodate peak business needs. For example, a business can commit to pay for 100 mbps, but during peak times, bandwidth usage can burst as high as 1000 mbps when needed. When bandwidth bursts above the minimum bandwidth committed to by a business, the customer only pays extra for the amount of bandwidth above 100 mbps that is actually used, and they only pay for the time that they use the extra bandwidth.
Uses of ethernet private lines:
Ethernet bandwidth can facilitate a multitude of applications such as voice traffic, data traffic, video streaming, audio streaming, and/or video conferencing.
Ethernet private lines compared to T1 point-to-point lines:
Ethernet private lines provide many advantages over T1 private ( point-to-point) circuits. T1 private lines can only transfer data at a rate of 1.5 mbps, and they are not burstable. As mentioned earlier, ethernet private lines can transfer data at rates from 3 to 1000 mbps. The price per megabit of ethernet is often about 1 quarter the price of t1 per megabit.
Ethernet private lines compared to DS3 point to point circuits:
DS3 private lines are limited to 45 mbps and normally cannot provide burstable bandwidth. As mentioned above, ethernet is far more flexible and usually far less expensive per mbps.
Ethernet private lines compared to OC 3 point to point circuits:
OC3 is limited to 155 mbps and is usually not burstable.
Equipment advantages of Ethernet:
T1, DS3 and OC 3 circuits require sophisticated, expensive customer premise routing equipment. As an advanced technology, ethernet circuits utilize simpler and far less expensive routing equipment.
Ethernet private lines compared to MPLS networks:
Ethernet circuits can facilitate both private lines and MPLS (multiprotocol label switching). For networks that connect many locations, use multiple applications simultaneously, and are separated by long distances, MPLS networks are often far more efficient than private lines. For two location networks that are relatively close (less than 1000 miles), and are not required to facilitate multiple applications simultaneously, private lines are often less expensive and more efficient than MPLS networks.
Availability of Ethernet private lines:
Availability is dependent on access. For bandwidths below 10 mbps, ethernet can often be obtained over copper telephone lines if the distance from the telecom central office is not too great. For bandwidths of 20 to 1000 mbps, fiber is often required. Urban areas are commonly rich with fiber lines so fiber is often within a reasonable proximity of most businesses. In rural areas, fiber is scarce, and its availability is unpredictable. The pricing/availability tool at the top of this page can provide ethernet pricing and availability for any location in the US, without obligation.
Price of Ethernet private lines:
Ethernet pricing varies based on location (business location proximity to the central office). Generally, the closer a customer is to a fiber fed central office, the better the pricing. 3 mbps circuits can be obtained for as low as $299, 100 mbps circuits can be obtained for as low as $2500.
To check prices and availability for any of the services listed above, please use the pricing tool at the top of this page. It’s free, real-time, easy to use and there is no obligation.
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