T3
A T3 (or DS3) line is a digital communication circuit that transmits data a rate of 44.736 mega bits per second (Mbps). A DS3 may be split into 672 individual channels (DS0s), each of which transmits data a a rate of 64 Kbps. DS3 services are also provided by many carriers at "fractional DS3" speeds that range from 3 Mbps to 45 Mbps.
Under the North American standard for DS-3 (Digital Signal Level 3), a T3, or often spelled T-3, is equivalent to 28 T-1s and is commonly referred to as 45 Mbps circuit. T-3s run on fiber optic or microwave transmission over long distances and are usually "handed off" at the customer premise over coaxial cable with a BNC connector.
Ethernet circuits are gradually replacing T3 circuits when 10 Mbps or more bandwidth is required if fiber is available to the customer premise.
