What is a PRI?
A PRI (Primary Rate Interface) is a telecommunication standard
used in the Integrated Services Digital Network or ISDN, for
carrying multiple DS0 voice and data transmissions between two
physical locations. PRI was developed specifically for industrial
or large quantity users. PRI is an industrial ISDN line while the
Basic Rate Interface, or BRI, is used to cater to home and small
enterprises.
Both Primary Rate Interface and Basic Rate Interface are made up
of a number of B channels and D channels. B Channel or the Bearer
Channel is used for data transmission, including voice, and D
channel is meant for signaling and control. A PRI is made up of 23
B-channels and one 64 Kbps D-channel in a T-1 configuration and 30
B-channels and 1 D-channel using an E1 line.
The T-carrier system is standard in Japan, US and Canada, while
E1 is popular across Europe and Australia. In other words, in North
America and Japan PRI is represented as 23B+D with a total bit rate
of 1.544 Mbit/s (T1) while it is 30B+D in Australia and Europe,
which is equivalent to a bit rate of 2.048 Mbit/s (E1). The Primary
Rate Interface makes use of the Q.931 protocol over the D
channel.
A PRI is typically used to establish communication between a
PBX, or a private branch exchange, which is a telephone exchange
operated by the customer of a telephone company, and a Central
Office of the telephone company or an Inter Exchange Carrier or
IXC, a long distance telephone company. The advantage of primary
rate interface or PRI is that the 23 or 30 B channels can be used
in various combinations for specific data transmission needs, such
as a videoconferencing, allowing bulk data transfer to be achieved
more flexibly.