Opening a fract T1 for modem access in Linux

[Jared]

No, I didn't know how a fractional T1 is composed, only that if I wanted
to, I could make a single phone call and upgrade to a full T1, which
they would upgrade remotely using the same hardware as my wee little
256K install.

I'm working with NuVox, previously Gabriel. They are not only very
friendly, but technically competent, and are setting me up for 6
phone lines as well, carefully giving me all the information I ask
for, and some unsolicited as it is obvious I work with software more
than hardware. I will mention to them again that I intend to
use at least one of those lines for dialin, but I think they're
already expecting to configure the CSU/DSU as you described.

I really appreciate your information, and will start looking for a
digital modem instead of a regular analog. Is there a site I can
go to for more of this kinda information?

-Jared

>>I am purchasing a fractional T1 which I want to allow users
>>to dialup and use. I will also be using it for a local network,
>>and am getting a fracT1 because of its scalability, rather than
>>a cable modem. At this early point, I am open to all kinds of
>>suggestions on how best to utilize this small pipe. I think I can
>>find my way around getting wireless access into to it, once it
>>"greens up" in late October.
> 
> 
> Quick question for you... I'm hoping you already know about this but it 
> didn't become real evident in your line of questioning.
> 
> You are aware, I presume, that a fractional T1 is a handful of digital
> ISDN circuits right?  A full T1 is essentially 24 channels of 64Kbps
> each. (Frequently called "B" channels [BRI, or Basic Rate Interface in
> ISDN speak], and there are "D" channels which control what data goes on
> what channel, etc.)  
> 
> If you are wanting a telephone number assigned to one of these circuits
> so other folks can "dial in" on it, you will need to make sure the phone
> company knows this, and splits that channel out for you on your
> CSU/DSU... you then are faced with purchasing a digital modem that
> allows full use of the 64Kbps on that line.  (You can do this yourself 
> actually, but must have the telco assign a number to the channel you 
> intend to break out for dial-in use.  Once they have, your CSU/DSU does 
> the rest - configured for such.)
> 
> This is going to cost a bit more than you might think... and folks 
> connecting via a standard analog modem won't likely get "killer" speeds 
> on it.  Just sticking a plain old external modem on this will never 
> provide more than 33.6 Kbps - you'll have to go with something that 
> works digital.  Then, if folks dialing in have a 56Kbps modem, and they 
> hold their mouth just right and chant, they might get 45-50Kbps.
> 
> I hope this helps out...  I know this stuff can be really exciting, but 
> I would hope the phone company isn't bullshiting you into thinking this 
> comes off super easy.
> 
> Cheers,
> Dustin