Learn More About PRI Line, PRI Lines and PRI Services
Primary Rate Interface or PRI is the standard connection in telecommunications for many businesses. A PRI line is based on a T1 line in the US and an E1 line in Europe. A single PRI line in the US provides bandwidth of up to 1.544 Mbps or 64 Kbps per channel. An ISDN PRI T1 line has 23 B-channels and 1 D-channel for signaling and caller ID. In Europe, A PRI E1 line has 30 B-channels and 2 D-channels with speeds of up to 2.048 Mbps. Outside of the US, most of the world use E1 PRI line as the standard. PRI is also available in partial variants such as 10 B-channels and 1 D-channel although the most common usage occurs with the 24 channel configuration.
Integrated Services Digital Network or ISDN is a telecommunication standard that enables traditional phone lines to carry voice, data and video traffic. Prior to ISDN, phone systems primary transported analog voice with some special services available to data. There are two primary variations of ISDN which include ISDN PRI and ISDN BRI. However, ISDN BRI is not as popular of an option as a PRI line. A T1 ISDN PRI line is used by mid-sized businesses and large enterprises. The breakeven point for an ISDN PRI line occurs when a business has more than 9 analog phone lines. With an ISDN PRI, you can add additional bandwidth such T1 line pairing or an OCn to accommodate more users and bandwidth. It would be important to have more than 1 D-channel in this case for redundancy reasons. A PBX, IP-PBX or other device is needed with a PRI to connect to the PSTN or Public Switched Telephone Network and segregate the PRI channels. Please see the diagram below for an overview of how a PRI line works.
There are many benefits in addition to costs savings associated with PRI. A PRI line provides access to an all digital network which can enhance the productivity of your office by offering high speed, high capacity digital connectivity. A PRI line also offers intelligent call handling and the flexibility to assign channels to different applications including voice, data, video, toll free and more. PRI signaling and data allow for caller ID which identifies incoming callers. PRI providers typically offer Service Level Agreements or (SLAs) with a PRI line which guarantees the clarity of the calls, service uptime and network monitoring.
Find out more about PRI lines, PRI line services and PRI providers today by contact GlobalQuotes™. We specialize in PRI solutions and have a dedicated team of PRI specialists to assist with all of your business telecommunication and technology solutions. Simply fill out the form or call us toll free at (877) 708-8900 for more information.
