What is PRI Connection

Primary Rate Interface or PRI connections are the standard for business telecommunication configuration in the United States, Europe and Asia. PRI connections are based on a T1 connection in the US and an E1 circuit in Europe and other parts of the world. An ISDN T1 PRI connection provides bandwidth speeds of up to 1.544 Mbps or 64 Kbps per channel in the US. ISDN T1 PRI connections provide 23 B-channels and 1 D-channel for data and signaling. PRI connections based on E1 connections provide 30 B-channels and 2 D-channels with bandwidth speeds of up to 2.048 Mbps. More than one ISDN T1 PRI connection can be combined through pairing to increase the number of channels to 46 B-channels and 2 D-channels. Additional bandwidth and PRI connections can be added in increments as mentioned above. The diagram below on PRI connections visually presents how a PRI works.

There are many features and benefits associated with PRI connections. A PRI connection provides an all digital, high speed, high capacity network for the transmission of voice, data and video applications. PRI connections are widely used by mid-sized and large enterprises with high call volumes. Call centers, hospitals, financial firms, schools, manufactures, and auto dealerships are just a few examples of industries utilizing PRI connections. PRI connections provide increased flexibility with the option to assign channels for specific purposes such as only voice, data, and video or even toll free applications. There are a lot of options when it comes to customizing PRI connections to meet your requirements. You can assign channels for voice during the day and data during the night depending on traffic patterns and other factors. A PRI connection also provides fast call transmissions, digital clarity and value added features such as caller ID. Most PRI connections come with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that ensure service uptime and call quality.