An OC12 is a type of high-speed dedicated circuit. The OC12 transmits data at a speed of 622 Mbps. It is a large group of circuits that is equivalent to 4 OC3's or 1344 T1s. The term OC stands for Optical Carrier. The OC12 circuit is a specific range of digital signal that can be carried on SONET fiber optic network. There are various levels of OC circuits depending on the data rate bit stream that can be carried by the signal.

A T1 is a high-speed dedicated circuit that consists of 24 channels. Each channel is flexible and is available to anyone when not in use. This makes the T1 extremely useful. The amount of T1 circuits required to provide service to your office is less than the amount of dedicated circuits that previously may have been needed. Each T1 can provide service to approximately 50 to 100 typical telephone users.

The T1 is the smallest unit of dedicated digital circuits and transmits at a speed of 1.544 Mbps. The T3 is equal to 28 T1s and transmits at a speed of 43.232 Mbps. An OC3 consists of 100 T1s and transmits at a speed of 155 Mbps. An OC12 transmits at a speed of 622 Mbps and equals 4 OC3s. An OC48 equals 4 OC12s and transmits at a speed of 2.5 gigabits per second. An OC192 is the largest grouping of T1s available and consists of 4 OC48's transmitting at a speed of 9.6 gigabits per second.

OC12 circuits are typically used in large network backbones. Because of the large bandwidth of the OC12 you will be able to run most any application. You will be able to transfer large data files with ease as well as run streaming video and graphics. It can be used for any bandwidth intensive application. OC12 circuits can be used for voice, data or a combination of both. Because of the extremely large bandwidth you will be strategically placed for implementing new applications as they become available, keeping you on the cutting edge of technology. An OC12 can also be used as the backbone for large applications such as for an ISP provider.

When evaluating your business to determine what type of service you need take several things into consideration. First, understand the amount of traffic, both voice and data, that you intend to put over the circuits. You can find this information from current usage reports or bills. Second, take into account the possible growth potential of your business. Always add on at the very least 10% for future growth. If your company is experiencing fast growth patterns you should add on more, up to 25%. Finally, consider the applications that need to run over the circuits. Be sure to consider possible future use of new applications. Think about Internet access, web sites, streaming video, graphics and other potential bandwidth-heavy applications.

A technical support specialist can help you determine which type of circuit will work best for your potential application. Using your information, they can aid you in appropriately sizing your telecommunications services. Be sure to allow plenty of time for engineering and installation. A large installation of this magnitude can take months to complete, depending on the capacity of your local central office, where the lines need to originate.

Consider the service plan needed to ensure proper ongoing service on your OC12. Make sure that the service options include hours and days that your business is open. If your business is open 24/7 (such as an ISP) you will need to ensure that service corresponds to this requirement.

With careful planning and execution the OC12 can save you money in the very first year. Then, plan on monthly and yearly savings that will be significant.

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Article written by Van Theodorou, you can receive a free analysis to see if you qualify for his guaranteed lowest T1 long distance rates and receive more T1 information at his T1 Learning Cen