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DS3 Point-to-point Networks:
Large networks can be comprised of a number of point-to-point circuits. Unless a hub and spoke type of network is preferred, point-to-point is no longer the most efficient service to facilitate large networks. Point-to-point has many limitations, when compared to more modern networking methods such as MPLS. Point-to-point is not often offered with managed routers. Also, there are only a few bandwidth options with point-to-point. Excluding ethernet, point-to-point can only be provided as T1, DS3, or OC. Additionally, for point-to-point to be efficient, both ends of the circuit must have identical bandwidths (ie, T1 point-to-point, DS3 point-to-point, or OC 3 point-to-point). Point-to-point can at times be the best deal for connecting two locations, especially if there is not too much distance between the two locations.
DS3 Point-to-point Applications:
With the proper equipment, DS3 can facilitate applications such as video conferencing, routine data transfer, high priority shared data, voice traffic or video streaming.
DS3 Equipment Needs:
DS3 routers are expensive, and can be a huge challenge to configure for all but expert staff. If a company has an IT department that includes expert staff for router acquisition, configuration and maintenance, then DS3 is a viable option. However, by comparison, an ethernet circuit requires far less sophisticated routing equipment on the customer side. For this reason, there are many situations where ethernet circuits are preferred over DS3.
DS3 Point-to-point Compared to DS3 MPLS:
As touched on above, MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) enjoys many advantages over DS3 point-to-point. To start with, for point-to-point, there is a significant charge for the distance between locations on the network. With MPLS, there is no charge for distance between facilities. For example, with a point-to-point DS3 circuit between Miami and Seattle, there would be a huge cost for the long haul circuit between these two locations. With MPLS, there is no cost for the long haul, just the loops. Another huge advantage of MPLS is redundancy of any-to-any connectivity. Let’s take the above example of Seattle-Miami and add network locations in Boston and San Diego. With point-to-point, to enjoy true any-to-any connectivity, you would need to pay for six long hauls circuits, and local loops for each location. Whereas, with MPLS, you can enjoy true any-to-any connectivity without paying for any long hauls. MPLS networks are often “turn key” with routers provided and configured by the provider. Another huge advantage of MPLS networks is that they can include virtually any kind of bandwidth. A few a few providers are now offering MPLS over DSL circuits. This means that small locations can now be included in the network, without wasted bandwidth. For example, one MPLS network can include locations which utilize DSL, T1, bonded T1, ethernet, fractional DS3, wireless, full DS3, and OC circuits. Please remember that not all providers can offer MPLS that includes all bandwidth options. The number of providers who can will continue to grow. One last advantage of MPLS over point-to-point is that with the packet prioritization included with CoS ( Class of Service), often referred to as QoS (Quality of Service), MPLS can effortlessly facilitate many applications over a single bandwidth pipe. For example, one MPLS network can now simultaneously facilitate VoIP, video conferencing, private voice (location to location), public voice (to the public outside the company), routine data transfer and high priority server access over one data pipe.
DS3 Point-to-Point Compared to Ethernet:
Ethernet is developing many advantages over DS3 point-to-point. With metro ethernet over copper, the cost of a 10 mbps point-to-point can be as low as $1500 per month, depending on location. This can be an extreme advantage over DS3 point-to-point if the customer does not need the full bandwidth of a DS3 circuit. Most DS3 customers only use a fraction of the bandwidth they pay for. Also included in the advantages of this scenario, is that because it is provided over copper telephone wires, ethernet can be offered with no install charge, no fear of the extremely expensive build-out charges that usually accompany DS3 installation, and ethernet does not require expensive DS3 routers for interfacing with customer local network equipment. When comparing ethernet over DS3 point-to-points circuits to non-ethernet DS3 point-to-points, ethernet enjoys the advantage of being offered at 88 and 100 mbps, as well as 44 mbps.
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