What services do I receive when I order Fractional T1 internet access?
Your Fractional T1 service will typically come with the basic internet services including:
* High Speed browsing of the world wide web
* Email account(s)
* Other Internet compatible functions such as,
- the ability to do file transfers using File Transfer Protocol (ftp)
- the ability to remotely access and control a computer through a Telnet session
- and traditional internet bulletin boards and news servers
In some cases, your service provider may require you to order your internet connection separately from your Fractional T1 line. Fractional T1 services also can be ordered with advanced features that are typically not necessary unless you are wanting to host your own web site. These services usually have additional charges associated with them and include but not limited to web hosting, an allocation of internet addresses for your site, and other web site support functions.

What should I know about Fractional T1 internet access?
* Fractional T1 service is NOT typically recommended for connecting a single computer directly to the internet. Instead, Fractional T1 is usually a connectivity option for a courthouse with multiple computers sharing a connection to the Internet. Please run the wizard included in the Price a connectivity option section of this website to see what Fractional T1 Bandwidth is a good option for you based upon the number of computers to be connected to the internet, your monthly budget for internet service and the availability of service providers in your area.
* Fractional T1 may take 4 to 8 weeks for your service provider to install. Make sure to ask your service provider to quote to you an installation date when you decide to order Fractional T1 service.
* Fractional T1 services require a great deal of coordination between your Internet Service Provider and the local telephone company to install and maintain your service. Your Internet Service Provider should be your single point of contact for all installation, service and billing issues.

More information about the equipment I need to connect my computer(s)
Since Fractional T1 is typically configured as a connection shared by multiple computers, you will need to connect your computers to a Local Area Network, commonly referred to as a LAN (see diagram). The LAN is then connected to the Fractional T1 circuit through a network device called a router.
LAN Equipment. There are many technologies for constructing a LAN, but the most commonly deployed and affordable LAN technology is ethernet. An ethernet LAN requires a technician to install a specific type of copper cable (Category 5) to each computer, connect the cable to a Network Interface Card (NIC) on the computer on one end and connect the cable to an Ethernet hub or switch on the other end. If you do not already have a LAN installed in your building, then contact your local computer store, electrical contractor or telephone company. 
Connecting the LAN to Fractional T1 Service. Once your ethernet LAN is in place, then your Fractional T1 service can be connected to your LAN through a device called a router. There are many manufacturers and models of routers available today. Most Internet Service Providers will either recommend a router for you to purchase at your local computer store or will provide to you (for an additional charge) a router. A router requires electrical power and some software configuration to operate properly. Make sure to check with your service provider to determine if they will configure your router when installing the service. If the service provider does not configure routers, you will need to contact a local computer store or technician to configure your router.
It is recommended that you purchase maintenance contracts for your LAN and router if you do not have in-house technical support.