Using a TI span with the LTX expands the LTX's maximum configuration from 120 to 144 ports. As a business grows, management doesn't have to look for another, more expensive system to replace the LTX. With the TI and LTX, businesses have the ability to move data faster, use fewer trunk lines, cut down on trunk line costs, and grow without fear of outgrowing all of the features of Protegé.

Not only can using the T1 save a business money by reducing the monthly phone bill, but the cost of maintenance, reconfiguration and network fees also decrease. The initial setup costs for developing a T1private network can seem high. However, research shows that even with the initial setup costs a business can reach break even in the same fiscal year. With 24 channels to carry voice and data, the existing functions can be consolidated on a single TI, eliminating the costs of multiple lines.

T1 may be a cost-effective method of connecting two or more sites that currently have dedicated or dial up data connections and have a consistent need for inter-site voice traffic. When configuring a site that has both voice and data needs, use the following information to help determine whether utilizing a TI card is viable.

Voice and data channels carried over a single, high-speed digital circuit eliminate many separate networks and many forms of network management. Administrators can now analyze one network only. It makes it easier to determine areas on the network that are potential problems and to fix them before they cause the network to shutdown. The business has the potential to change or set up connections between points on the network with little or no incremental costs. An example would be tying a multi-site business to its remote sites via the TI. All sites would use the Protegé LTX with Tl board. The main location connects through a digital cross connect to the remote sites. This gives the locations the ability to route individual TI channels from any one of the sites to any of the other sites. For example, the 24 channels coming from the main location could be divided. Ten channels could be used for data; six channels could be used for the main location and four channels to each of the remote sites.

The remote sites are connected to the main location via TI. The TI comes in through a "Drop and Insert" channel bank. Drop and insert refers to the ability to receive a TI (full or fractional) from the distant end, "drop" a specified number of channels to be used for data and pass the remaining channels through in the form of a fractional T1. This device has one TI input and two outputs (a TI going to Protegé and a data output).

Once these sites are connected, Protegé programming allows businesses even more flexibility. If sites routinely communicate, everything is done transparently through Protegé and the TI. Whether these sites are across town or in another state, co-workers only have to dial extension numbers to communicate. Data transmission also is transparent. For offices that share information, data can reside at the main location and be accessed by the remote locations. This means that the information is current and can be updated automatically.

ProtégéVoice is the tool that makes this application complete. It allows transparency for both internal users and outside callers. By installing ProtegéVoice at each location in a network, internal users can leave voice mail messages for co-workers at remote locations across town or across country as though they were just across the hall. Co-workers at remote locations can appear in the local directory and can be members of group lists allowing a user to have a single message copied to multiple co-workers at multiple points.