What Does Bearer Channel Mean?
A bearer channel (B channel) carries the main data, voice and other services in an integrated service digital network (ISDN). Primary ISDN service generally consists of 23 bearer channels in the U.S. and around 30 bearer channels in Europe.
This term is also known as a B channel.
Techopedia Explains Bearer Channel
Basic rate ISDN service consists of two 64 Kbps B channels that transmit control information. As such, basic rate interface users can have up to 128 Kbps service. In common channel signaling schemes for telephone systems, the bearer channel carries customer data. It has bit rates of 64 Kbps in full duplex.
The two levels of service in ISDN are basic rate interface, designed for home and small enterprises, and primary rate interface, designed for large users. Both of the rates include numerous B and D channels.
