One T1 CSU for Multiple Inbound T1's? 2

[mikej97204]

We currently have 11 PRI T1's coming into our Definity G3. 8 of these has a Adtrain T1 CSU Ace unit on the wall and 3 are using the Lucent 120A3 CSU unit plugged into the slot on the back of the PBX. We will be increasing this by at least several more T1's in the next 6 months or so.

My question is, is there a single multi T1 CSU unit that can replace all of these single units? It doesn't matter if it's wall, shelf or rack mountable. We are going to be moving to a new location in Dec., which will have everything pre-wired so all we have to do is unplug our PBX, take it to the new location and plug it back in with minimal downtime. Since I have to buy about 8 or so CSU's so we can set up the bulk of our T1's prior to the move, I got to thinking that a multi-T1 unit might make it a lot easier and save wall space and wiring on the wall board.

2 8 port units would work or a 16 port unit if they make anything like this. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Mike

 

[Esmerelda]

Paradyne Comsphere 3000 Rack Mount, 16 unit shelf, 19", AC powered.

 

[TivoNut]

With so many T1s, you should consider buying your own fiber DS3 from your local carrier. A DS3 carries up to 28 T1s. Once you're around 10 or so T1s, you usually start saving money by having them all ride a DS3. The local carrier normally waives one end of the local loop charge since you now essentially own your own local loop. In addition to this, the fiber is highly reliable over copper. We've had a DS3 for 5 years and not once had any of the T1s on it fail.

With the DS3, you then buy a DS3 Multiplexor (Mux) which is a small box that will mount in your rack, 1U, and has 28 RJ-48 Ports on it. We use an Adtran MX-2800.

We still have CSUs on each DS1 card on our equipment. The Mux we use will provide CSU functions so it's possible a CSU may not be needed on each DS1 card. I've never tried it that way, but it's probably worth asking Adtran.

If you're moving, a DS3 will make the move much easier, but installation times can be extended, so get moving on it now.

If you want to stick with your existing T1 setup and get some rack mountable CSUs, Adtran certainly has something that will work for you. Just check out their web site,

http://www.adtran.com.

Where are you located (general area)? We're in Orange County, California.

Good luck.
-Steve

 

[mikej97204]

Esmerelda, thanks. I'll look that one up.

Steve, our plan is to go to a DS3 in the near future, although we are close to that point, it probably won't be till next year some time... probably when we need to expand to 2 or 3 more T1's that will be the incentive to go with the DS3.

We are lucky in that the building that we are moving into also houses MCI, Electric Lightwave (now owned by Intergra) and a couple of other telco service providers. So we won't have any local loops to worry about (and a good cost savings). We will probably end up going with a fiber link from the MCI floor to our floor when we go with a DS3. But going DS3 is definitely in the plan at some point.

We are located in downtown Portland, OR.

Thanks Steve.

Mike

 

[lopes1211]

Stay away from the comesphere rack. Complete junk and way overpriced with few features. Adtran makes a smart16e shelf dirt cheap, redundant power, a crazy warrenty (either 5 or 10 years) and it's full of features including ethernet connectivity to each csu for configuration, loopbacks, error logs, and status indicators. We use them for all of our remote EPNs so we can look at both ends of the circuit right from our desktop without needing anyone on site. It can hold up to 16 csu cards and takes up about 12U in a 19" rack.

-CL