When deciding on what technology to utilize for small businesses, T1 lines are turning out to be rather favorable. With a consistent speed of 1. 5 Mbps for both uploading and downloading, it is obvious why many have gravitated to T1 lines above any other technology. All businesses have different requirements and there are different variations of T1 lines to provide customers with exact technology that they need. There is a T1 line of 24 dedicated voice channels, an integrated line that combines data and voice transmissions and a bonded line that is made up of several T1 lines.

The two variables that will determine the cost of T1 technology are the amount of competitive T1 providers in your area and the actually mileage between you and the T1 provider. The median cost for T1 service is anywhere from $300 to $1000 per month. T1 technology will not restrict the growth of any business; however, a major upgrade may take up to a good month.

There are a couple of other technologies that businesses are examining in order to save some money where they can. Fiber optic technology is less expensive on a month to month basis. The most expensive cost is getting the necessary fiber optics from the T1 provider to the customer.

There usually is an issue of availability to most areas, so before deciding on fiber optics, it is recommended to do your homework before becoming too invested. However if it is available, fiber optics can handle voice, data and video traffic all on one line. Even during times of heavy traffic, speed and quality are never degraded.

In some circles, DSL is the preferred method of internet and network connectivity. DSL has advertised itself as providing faster speeds at a lower cost. Most of the time, it can delivery on its claim; except during busy times of the day. Utilizing DSL technology means that you are on a shared loop with other customers, so you are never guaranteed of certain amount of bandwidth at any given time. The upload and download time are often not the same, one will be obviously slower than the other because DSL is not bi-directional. Another point to consider is that downtimes for DSL have been as long as two weeks and that is hardly acceptable for any growing business.

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