DS-3, short for Digital Signal 3, is a digital transmission format that provides a higher data rate compared to DS-1. DS-3 is also known as T3 in North America and E3 in Europe. It is commonly used to carry large amounts of data and voice traffic in telecommunications networks.

Here are some key features of DS-3:

  1. Data Rate: DS-3 operates at a data rate of 44.736 Mbps (megabits per second). This high data rate allows for the aggregation of multiple DS-1 signals, providing a significant increase in capacity.
  2. Channelization: DS-3 does not carry individual voice channels like DS-1. Instead, it is typically used to aggregate multiple DS-1 signals or other lower-capacity digital signals.
  3. Frame Structure: DS-3 frames are structured differently from DS-1 frames. DS-3 frames consist of 810 bytes, with the frame divided into 87 octets. The frame includes overhead for synchronization and framing, as well as payload data.
  4. Transmission: DS-3 signals are transmitted using bipolar signaling, similar to DS-1. Bipolar signaling uses positive and negative voltage levels to represent binary values.
  5. T3 and E3: In North America, DS-3 is commonly referred to as T3, while in Europe, it is referred to as E3. The framing and signaling conventions may differ slightly between T3 and E3.
  6. Multiplexing: DS-3 signals can be further multiplexed to create higher-capacity digital signal formats, such as OC-3 (Optical Carrier 3) in optical networks.
  7. Applications: DS-3 is used to carry a significant amount of traffic, including data, voice, and video. It is often used to connect large corporate networks, ISPs, and telecommunications providers.

DS-3 represents a significant advancement in digital communication technology and continues to play a role in high-capacity network infrastructure. As technology has evolved, even higher-capacity formats and beyond have been developed to meet the increasing demands of modern networks.