The primary rate interface (PRI) is a telecommunications standard for carrying multiple DS0 voice and data transmissions between a network and a user.
All data and voice channels are ISDN and operate at 64 kbit/s.
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T1 vs. E1 Systems
PRI is the standard for connections to offices. It's based on a T1 line in the US, and E1 line in Europe. The T1 consists of 24 channels, the E1 of 32.
PRI has varying number of channels depending on the country. In North American and Japan it's 23xB (B channels) + 1xD (D channel) (23 64Kbps digital channels + 1 64Kbps signalling/control channel) on a T1 1.544 Mbps In Europe and Australia it's 30xB + 1xD on an E1 2.048 Mbps (One timeslot on the E1 is used for synchronization purposes and is not considered to be a B or D channel.)
See T-carrier for DS0, T1, E1, T3, E3 and other carrier communications terms.
PRI vs. BRI
In the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), there are two levels of service: the Basic Rate Interface (BRI), intended for the home and small enterprise, and the Primary Rate Interface (PRI), for larger users. Both rates include a number of B-channels and a D-channel. Each B-channel carries data, voice, and other services. The D-channel carries control and signaling information. The Basic Rate Interface consists of two 64 kbit/s B-channels and one 16 kbit/s D-channel.
The Primary Rate Interface (PRI)consists of 23 B-channels and one 64 kbit/s D-channel using a T1 line (North American and Japanese standard) or 30 B-channels and one D-channel using an E1 line (Europe/Rest of World). A T1 Primary Rate Interface user would have access to a 1.472 Mbit/s data service. An E1 Primary Rate Inteface user would have access to a 1.920 Mbit/s data service.
Larger connections are possible using PRI paring. A dual PRI could have 24+23= 47 B-channels and 1 D-channel but more commonly has 46 B-channels and 2 D-channels thus providing a backup signaling channel. The concept applies to E1s as well and both can include more than 2 PRIs. Normally, no more than 2 D-channels are provisioned as additional PRIs are added to the group.
Fractional T1
Fewer active B channels (also called user channels) can be used for a fractional T1. More channels can be used with more T1s, within certain design limits.
Application
The Primary Rate Interface channels are typically used by medium to large enterprises with digital PBXs to provide them digital access to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The 23 (or 30) B-channels can be used flexibly and reassigned when necessary to meet special needs such as video conferences. The Primary Rate user is hooked up directly to the telephone company central office.
See also
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C".
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