BRI is an acronym for Basic Rate Interface. BRI is one of several different ISDN configurations – specifically, one that is used in basic digital phone and data services – at a residence-scale, so for individual or small family usages. It offers two 56Kbps or 64Kbps channels that can be used for voice, graphics and data transmissions. Additionally, there is also a 16Kbps channel that is used for signaling purposes, though it can transfer a mixture of signaling content and data.
Technipages Explains BRI
The two data channels, regardless of their signal strength, are referred to as B channels, while the third channel is called D channel. Assuming the higher speed of 64Kbps, two B channels can be bonded together to achieve speeds of 128Kbps in total. This is called channel bonding. While voice and data transmissions are common uses for the B channel, other data services are as well. With two 56Kbps, channel bonding allows for up to 112Kbps. In a Windows environment, a service called Multilink PPP is used to bond the channels as needed.
This service accounts for single/multi-channel use. That means that if, say, an incoming call is detected, the Internet connection automatically drops down to using only one B channel, so that the other can still be used for other purposes, such as a regular data connection. Because the B channels have dedicated bandwidth, they transmit data via a formatted circuit-switched channel system, whereas the D channel transmits data in the form of packets – ideal for signaling and controlling information to be transmitted.
Common Uses of BRI
- BRI setups are ideal for private use as they are not designed to handle heavy traffic.
- The three channels that make up a BRI configurated connection work together to allow for an efficient connection.
- BRI is one of the service levels in an ISDN setup.
Common Misuses of BRI
- BRI and ISDN are different types of data connections.