Point-to-point - Data Only: One of the most basic and most secure type of leased line application, a dedicated data circuit connects one location to another via a private line and transmits data at a constant speed equal to the bandwidth of the circuit. The most common configuration is joining two geographically separate LANs with nothing more than a CSU/DSU and a router at either end of the connection.
Point-to-point - Voice and Data: This common configuration allows the transmission of both voice and data over the same connection. It also joins two separate locations together, this type of configuration is commonly provided on a fractional T-1 or higher bandwidth circuit. The bandwidth of the circuit is divided into individual voice grade channels, usually 64K, with the remainder of the circuit's bandwidth dedicated to the data network.
A specialized CSU/DSU or a channel bank typically performs the division of the circuit into these separate channels. The connection to the voice network may either be digital or analog, depending on the configuration of the voice system. The number of channels dedicated for voice or data can be easily reconfigured at the equipment level to accommodate periodic changes in voice and data traffic patterns.
Multiplexing: A Leased Line alternative to Frame Relay, multiplexing connects multiple remote sites to a single centralized location. Typically, a DS-1 or DS-3 originating at the host location is connected into a multiplexer at a service provider's Central Office. The multiplexer then splits the host circuit into smaller individual circuits, and those are then delivered to the remote sites. The total aggregate bandwidth on the remote site side of the multiplexer cannot ever exceed the bandwidth from the host side.
One of the main financial benefits to this service is the single Local Distribution Channel at the central location. In addition to eliminating the multiple local loops at the host site, there also needs be only one piece of termination equipment, instead of one per remote location. Remote sites are able to communicate with one another through the central site's equipment and network.