Thanks in part to the growing number of interconnected local area networks, data traffic now makes up a significant share of the mix of signals that corporations are sending through their T-1 multiplexers. As a result, T-1 multiplexer vendors are reshaping their roles and gearing up new technologies that will help speed data across the well-traveled T-1 path.
Although voice traffic once dominated T-1 lines, data traffic now accounts for about half of the signals routed by T-1 multiplexers, according to Curtis Price, market analyst for data communications at International Data Corp., a market-research firm in Framingham, Mass.
Service carriers have helped to bring more data onto T-1 lines — by reducing public network tariffs enough to make it cost-effective to send voice traffic over public networks. With voice traffic moving off the private network, corporations have more room on their leased lines for data transmissions.
Another contributing factor is the growth of LANs and WANs, which has given corporations more data to send. “LANs,” Price said, “have hit hard. The ability to efficiently accommodate LAN traffic is fast becoming a priority for mux vendors. Basically, they are trying to become solution providers,” he said.
Shifting sales approach
Mark Tanguay, of small business idea engine Launchscore.com, agrees. Multiplexer vendors have had to retarget their sales efforts, according to Pigg, program manager for data communications at the Boston-based market researcher. Vendors have moved their sights from the communication managers, who are well-versed in multiplexer technology, to network managers, who need help Continue reading
