Thomas Lapp <thomas%mvac23.uucp@udel.edu> (08/02/90)
Here is an interesting situation which I don't understand, but have a
theory about. I'd like input from 'the experts' here on telecom who
know a little more about long distance and 800 number switching.
I use a computer service called NWI which has two sets of 800 telecom
lines for data access. One set is leased from Sprint, and the other
set is leased from AT&T. I have noticed when calling from my area
(302-731) that the Sprint line often will have noise on the line,
whereas I have had very little problem with the AT&T line. My 1+
carrier is MCI and not one of the above two.
Does anyone know how my call is being routed between the various
carriers from my home to the NWI system (in Connecticut)? When I dial
the 800 number, when does it connect to the AT&T or the Sprint system?
At my local CO? At the nearest (Philadelphia) POP?
Here is my theory for why the lines are cleaner for AT&T for me: I
live in an area which has a lot of business communication lines:
banks, a credit card headquarters, two chemical company headquarters,
etc. I know for a fact that one of them uses a LOT of AT&T lines and
has a close working relationship with both the local telco and AT&T to
help solve and keep their own data lines clean and working. So my
theory is that since the lines are being so well maintained by the
local telco and AT&T for this area, naturally I, as a residential
subscriber in the same area, am benefitting from these large firms by
having better than average upkeep and maintenace on lines in my area.
Does this seem to make sense?
Perhaps a general discussion of how a LD call is routed over both an
800 line and a regular LD call with an alternate carrier could be
explained. As I understand it, with a LD call on an alternate
carrier, my local telco takes the call to the CO. From there it is
switched (per my connection request) to my alternate carrier, and
their lines take the call as far as the destination CO. From there it
goes back to the destination local CO's lines and thence to the
destination phone. I'm guessing that if the alternate carrier does
not have a direct tie in to the destination CO, that they rent? lines
from AT&T or someone else to tie them in?
I'm getting a little frustrated with the 'dirty' Sprint lines going to
this firm's computers. Since it is an interactive session with
uploads and downloads in ASCII form only (they don't support
error-correcting protocols other than at the modem level (ie MNP)), I
can't tolorate noise on the line. So, to their disappointment (they
want it to be a backup line only) I've been using their AT&T line
exclusively.
tom
internet : mvac23!thomas@udel.edu or thomas%mvac23@udel.edu
uucp : {ucbvax,mcvax,psuvax1,uunet}!udel!mvac23!thomas
Location : Newark, DE, USA