P21 -- What is T1 and E1 ?

T1 

T1 is a digital carrier signal that transmits the DS – 1 signal. It has a data rate of about 1.544 megabits / second. It contains twenty four digital channels and hence requires a device that has digital connection. This digital connection is called as the CSU / DSU – Customer Switching Unit or Digital Switching Unit. The scalability of the T1 is up to 200 and above users. It also provides some services similar to the internet provider. Most of the computer uses a T1 connection. This technology makes your modem to have higher speeds and it is an affordable technology.  

E1
E1 is similar to the T1. T1 is the North American term whereas the E1 is the European term for the transmission (digital). The data rate of E1 is about 2 mega bits per second. It has 32 channels at the speed of 64 Kbps. It is important to know that 2 channels among the 32 are already reserved. One channel is used for signaling while the other channel is used for controlling. The difference between T1 and E1 lies in the number of channels here. The speed remains the same. There may be inter – connection between the E1 and T1 lines. This is interconnected because it is used for international purpose.