T1 Vs. DSL Connection

A T1 Internet connection uses copper or fiber optic lines to send and receive data. These lines are separate from your phone lines, though phone calls can also be made over T1 cables. DSL uses paired copper phone line and special hardware at the sending and receiving ends of the line to provide a digital connection over your phone lines.

A T1 connection operates at 1.544 Mbps total. The line can have up to 24 users working simultaneously, each using 64 Kbps. DSL lines have different speeds depending on whether the line is sending or receiving information. Sending speed ranges from 16 to 640 Kpbs, while receiving speed can be anywhere from 1.5 to 9 Mbps.

Businesses that need multiple users to be online or using the phone at the same time, or which need the capability to download several large files simultaneously, generally used by T1 lines. T1 connections tend to be more expensive compared to other Internet connections, so they typically are not used for home internet purposes. DSL is more often used for small businesses or for personal use at home, where the lack of multiple access capability will not affect the user.

T1 is more expensive than other Internet connections, which can be restrictive for use in personal or small business situations. DSL is more affordable, but speeds decrease the further you are from the provider's central office. The condition of the transmitting wires can also slow DSL connections.