The DS-1 is a digital signal format used in telecommunications, specifically for transmitting voice and data over digital lines. It is part of the T-carrier system and can carry 24 voice channels or data at a rate of 1.544 megabits per second. This format is widely used in North America for connecting telephone exchanges and providing high-speed internet services. Developed in the 1960s, the DS-1 standard has played a crucial role in the evolution of digital communication. It serves as the foundation for higher-level digital signal formats, such as DS-2 and DS-3, which offer increased capacity and speed for modern telecommunications networks.