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Here's a quick description of the distinction between T1 voice vs PRI...

PRI or Primary Fee Interface is a switched service delivered OVER a T1 connection . If somebody had been to say "I wish to order a PRI to location X." What's being requested is a connection to a trunk facet module capable of ISDN protocol to a Telco change delivered to location X by way of a DS1 fee (T1) circuit.

Now if somebody were to say "I need to order a T1 to that SAME location X." ... well... That would not be sufficient info... A T1 from where to the place? A T1 for what? By just asking for a T1, nothing is understood or implied about where or what the circuit would be used for. A T1 can be utilized to truck data on the charge of 1.544 Mbps from one location to another... With channel banks and acceptable DS0 stage cards, a T1 can be used to truck up to 24 separate and distinct DS0 signals (analog knowledge, analog voice, or Digital Knowledge Service) from one location to another... A T1 can be utilized to attach one location to an ISP Internet Edge gadget to connect a customer to the World Extensive Web... In different words, a T1 is a multi use pipe....

With a point to point T1 you need to use it for voice and/or knowledge depending on the tools you've gotten at every end. They are basically just offering the "Pipe" and it is as much as you what it's used for.

The thing with T1's and PRI's is all of it will depend on what equipment is related to it on each end.

As quoted above, a T1 is just a 24 channel circuit that can be used for multiple things. A PRI is a protocol that makes use of the twenty fourth channel to manage what the opposite 23 channels are used for.

In a nutshell - a T1 has 24 channels utilizing 56K for knowledge and 8K for signalling. A PRI has 24 channels and makes use of 23 for information and the 24th for signalling. Also you may break down the channels on a T1 for different kind of service. On the PRI all 23 channels should be the same.

The features.... or lack of.... completely rely on the place the circuit goes and what it is connected to on the other end.

Protecting it on easy terms....

PRI is a diffrent protocol to be used with voice services over the T1 line. Where as a t1 line may also be used for voice however without using the PRI protocol and doubtless utilizing diffrent tools at the different end to get the dial tone....

Of course....there are a lot more technical details coping with ISDN traces (PRI's/BRI's) but you've got got the fundamental idea.

The best strategy to finding one of the best answer is to request infrastructure design and price quotes for PRI and/or T1 voice service.... evaluating suppliers available in your area....using the free consultative support of: FreedomFire Communications. Getting knowledgeable consultation on this manner will save you time, effort, frustration....and money.          

MF