Networx Unit Pricer

Private Line Service (PLS) Technical Summary

PLS provides dedicated connectivity on a non-switched basis between two or more designated Service Delivery Points (SDPs) for voice, data, video, and multimedia service applications at Agency-specified bandwidths. Because PLS is a dedicated service, the maximum bandwidth purchased its always available on an end-to-end basis. Connectivity between end points is permanently established until an Agency requests a service modification, move, or disconnect.

PLS may be ordered as domestic (CONUS and OCONUS), or non-domestic service. PLS supports data rates from subrate-DS0 to T3 to SONET OC192 (including E1, E3 and OCONUS equivalent analog circuits). The range of line speeds, route diversity and reliability options provided by PLS allows an Agency to satisfy a wide variety of requirements for mission critical applications.

The figure below shows an illustrative PLS configuration. PLS provides dedicated connections that can interoperate with Government specified SDPs such as PBXs, Multiplexers, Routers, Video codecs, and Group 4 Faxes.

PLS, because it is an industry standard offering, allows for connection to and interoperation with all other networks, including other Networx Universal and Networx Enterprise carriers networks. The figure illustrates a link provided by carrier A and terminated on its POP. In the example, a second link is provided by Carrier B, including the access link between the two networks. Coordination across the carrier networks may be required for interoperability.

Illustrative PLS Configuration

PLS is a legacy service that was offered on FTS2001 contracts that supports the full range of technical capabilities available on commercial offerings. PLS provides transparency to any transmission protocol used and ensures visibility to all bit sequences transmitted through the SDP. Data rates supported by PLS include:

• Subrate-DS0 and DS0.
• Channelized or Unchannelized T1, T3, E1 and E3.
• SONET OC-1 and OC1 Virtual Tributary.
• Channelized or Concatenated SONET OC-3, OC-12, OC-48, and OC-192.
• Analog circuits.

Non-domestic geographic coverage and offerings for PLS is specific to the different Networx service providers.

Mandatory PLS Features

Mandatory PLS features are detailed in the Networx Contracts Section C.2.5.1.2.1 and are briefly described below:

• Multipoint Connection

  Allows interconnection of three or more subscribers premises as follows:

  • In Branch Off mode where all SDPs are treated as one shared medium and each point can autonomously send and receive data.
  • In Drop-and-Insert mode where channels of a channelized T1, T3, SONET OC-3, or SONET OC-12 service category can be dropped off and new channels can be simultaneously picked up or inserted.
• Special Routing

  Provides different routes for PLS circuits based on the following arrangements:

  • Transport Diversity between connecting POPs. Provides two or more physically separated diverse routes for PLS circuits (each pair of diverse circuits constituting a relationship pair). The diverse routes do not share common telecommunications facilities or offices and a minimum separation of 30 feet is maintained throughout all diverse routes. If diversity is not available for a location, an acceptable negotiated solution will be proposed on an individual case basis.
  • Transport Avoidance between connecting POPs. A capability will be provided for an Agency to specify a geographic location or route to avoid on the network. If that avoidance is not available in some locations, an acceptable negotiated solution will be proposed on an individual case basis.

    Internal control (i.e., electronic flagging of routes) will be established for the PLS to prevent accidental dismantling of diversified/avoidance routes, especially during routine route optimization initiatives by the contractor.

• 7.5 kHz Audio
  Compression of a customer provided 7.5 kHz audio signal, delivered and received in analog form, for transmission over a DS0 channel.

Optional PLS features

PLS features that are optional to offer are:

• Voice grade conditioning for analog lines.
• Low Bit Rate Voice capability to allow voice at 32 Kbps for analog data at 4.8 Kbps in conformance to Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM).

Each Networx contractor may provide variations or alternatives to the offering and pricing for PLS. The specific details can be found within each Contractor's Networx contract files and pricing notes for PLS.

For more information on the general PLS specifications and requirements, please refer to Section C.2.5.1 of the Networx contract for technical specifications and Section B.2.5.1 for pricing.

PLS Price Basics

PLS provides facilities for duplex (bi-directional) service between two or more specified end points; accordingly, PLS is priced without regard for direction of carried traffic. PLS is a legacy service that was offered on FTS2001 contracts under Dedicated Transport Service (DTS).

Price components required for full end-to-end service for Domestic and Non-Domestic PLS:

• PLS Transport is based on the Originating and Terminating locations and consist of the following pricing elements:
  • Domestic to Domestic (same region): Monthly recurring charge with a fixed component and charge per mile. Distance between locations is calculated using airline miles between POPs
  • CONUS to OCONUS: Monthly recurring charge with a fixed component, charge per mile from the CONUS POP to the CONUS gateway, and a fixed monthly recurring charge from the CONUS gateway to the OCONUS POP
  • OCONUS to OCONUS (different region): Fixed monthly recurring charge based on originating and terminating Country/Jurisdiction IDs
  • Domestic to Non-Domestic: Monthly recurring charge with a fixed component, charge per mile from the Domestic POP to the Domestic gateway, and a fixed monthly recurring charge from the Domestic gateway to the Non-Domestic POP
  • Non-Domestic to Non-Domestic (different region): Fixed monthly recurring charge based on originating and terminating Country/Jurisdiction IDs
  • Non-Domestic to Non-Domestic (same region): Fixed monthly recurring charge based on originating and terminating POP IDs
• DAA Originating and Terminating Wireline Access (MRC) and (NRC)
• Features ordered as needed by the Agency:
  • Multipoint Connection
  • Special Routing
  • 7.5 kHz Audio
• Service Enabling Devices (SEDs) may be required to implement PLS. [Please note that SEDs under Networx replace the FTS2001 User-to-Network Interfaces and Access Adaptation Functions (UNIs/AAFs). SEDs may differ between Networx providers. The pricing structure for SEDs provides for either a one-time payment or monthly term payments for purchase, plus a NRC for installation and a MRC for maintenance.]

Note: The Networx Pricer automatically calculates the distance when given the originating and terminating locations.