I have a question regarding T1 data access. Our phone company will provide the channel banks. Do we need a T1 router for the internet access? We have a Dell powerconnect router for our network; can we use the dell router for sharing the internet access? Since our company is small and doesn't have IT department, it will be great for all you experts to help.

If your Dell Router can take T1 input, in format/form provided by the channel bank, it can be used. Thanks.

I have not worked with Dell networking equipment but a web search reveals Dell Powerconnect as switchs not as routers. You need to confirm your equipment is a router and can take a T1 interface. My suggestion is call Dell and ask them. Assuming it can't take a T1, you will need a T1 router. It in turn would connect to your backbone switch if you wanted to share internet. Consider a router which also has firewall and monitoring for better protection of your business. Give a person a fish, they eat for a day. Suggest they internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

Most enterprise level switches and routers offer a csu/dsu slot. You program in settings from it's interface be it web or text or file. The issue is more of what the T-1 connects to and the type of frame it uses. I would assume that you are offered a data package not a voice package. No need for the hook and ring bits. Many T-1 lines are point to point, that end point may not be what you want. The phone company should offer a package and you might be better off getting all that from them. Unless the package offers some type of tcp/ip connection along with a group of IP's you would be in for a long study. My question would be if you need that amount of symmetrical bandwidth? If you have access to a T-1 you might be able to use a dsl or cable or fios business solution for about 1/5 the price. Are you using web based applications or needing vpn access to large database's or running a web server that requires secure access. Many companies offer web packages that are less TCO than what a normal small business could pay to keep up. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you goober.