Access Circuits and Access to the Internet
The Department of Information Resources (DIR) offers both access
circuits and access to the Internet for all State agencies and other eligible
customers. DIR offers a wide range of bandwidths for circuits and access services are available at speeds from
56K up to OC-3.
The Difference Between Access Circuits and Access to the Internet
Access circuits are physical data connections from a user's equipment to another location. On the other hand, access to the Internet refers to a service that allows customers to view Web pages on the World Wide Web (WWW), send and receive e-mail, transfer large files via FTP, etc.
About Access Circuits
Access circuits go either to another office site within a city, or to a location where a communications company has equipment and connectivity to other LATAs and more distant locations. Access circuits can either be point-to-point, Frame Relay, or ATM circuits. While point-to-point circuits can carry virtually any type of data, Frame Relay and ATM circuits carry only specially formatted data. Both Frame Relay and ATM circuits are often used to connect offices that are located in different LATA's. Using point-to-point circuits offers customers flexibility in designing their networks and service, but are usually more costly. Using either Frame Relay or ATM is often the most cost effective alternative for moving certain types of data.
Access Circuit Bandwidth
DIR offers access circuits in a wide variety of bandwidths. For more information or to order access circuits, contact the DIR Telecom Solutions design team.
About Access to the Internet
Access to the Internet can be obtained in one of two ways: One way would be via a point-to-point T-1 circuit from a location in Austin or surrounding areas to the DIR's Network Operation Center (NOC) in Austin. A second way would be via Frame Relay or ATM circuit to one of numerous points of presence (POPs) around the State. Each of these POPs has a permanent virtual circuit (PVC) pointed to a master circuit at DIR's NOC. DIR has a number contracts with major providers to obtain Internet for its customers. Customers can order any amount of Internet bandwidth they might need, from 56k to OC-3. For more information about Internet access or to order Internet Service, contact a member of the DIR Telecom Solutions design team.
Access to the Internet for both TEX-AN and WAN Services (HHSCN) Customers
In September 2004 DIR took over operations and maintenance of the Health and Human Services Consolidated Network (HHSCN). The HHSCN is now managed by the WAN Services section of the Telecommunications Division of DIR. And, the same routed data services once only offered to health and human services customers are now offered statewide to all TEX-AN-eligble customers.
Internet Access Bandwidth
Customers of both DIR TEX-AN and DIR WAN Services (HHSCN) can choose any bandwidth from 56 kilobits per second to optical carrier speeds up to 155 megabits per second. DIR contracts with vendors for enough bandwidth to satisfy all of its users. Currently, DIR has contracts for bandwidth to the Internet equivalent to an OC-12, or 622 Megabits per second. "Access" to the Internet is only one of five components in the path through the virtual network that is the Internet. A DIR Telecom Solutions design representative will help choose your vendor and the access required for your particular needs.
Rates for Access Services
Rates for access services depend on several factors:
Customers of both DIR TEX-AN and DIR WAN Services (HHSCN) can choose any bandwidth from 56 kilobits per second to optical carrier speeds up to 155 megabits per second. A DIR Telecom Solutions design representative will help choose your vendor and the access required for your particular needs. Rates for access services depend on several factors:
- The selected vendor
- Desired use or type and quality of service
- Required bandwidth and possibly distance from the nearest port to the virtual network
More information on rates for access and circuits is available on the DIR Telecom Rates Web page Web page.
For More Information and To Order Access Services
For more information about either access circuits or Internet access, or to order or change services please call 512-463-7800 or send and e-mail to our DIR Telecom Solutions design team.
Questions, Comments or Suggestions
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about DIR Telecommunications Products or Services, please send an e-mail to our DIR Telecom Solutions staff or call 512-463-7800.
Comments or suggestions about this Web page or the DIR Web site in general may be directed by e-mail to: DIR Info.
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