Phone System FAQ's
What is an IP PBX?
An IP PBX is a Private Branch Exchange (telephone switching system within an enterprise) that switches calls between VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol or IP) users on local lines while allowing all users to share a certain number of external phone lines. The typical IP PBX can also switch calls between a VoIP user and a traditional telephone user, or between two traditional telephone users in the same way that a conventional PBX does. With a conventional PBX, separate networks are necessary for voice and data communications. One of the main advantages of an IP PBX is the fact that it employs converged data and voice networks.
How will an IP PBX improve my company's communications?
With an IP PBX or VoIP phone system present on an IP network, you can simplify moves, adds and changes, easily manage your network remotely, enhance mobility beyond traditional dial-up networks, future-proof your network by supporting web-enabled applications through your phone system.
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks. The Internet Protocol (IP) was originally designed for data networking. The success of IP in becoming a world standard for data networking has led to its adaption to voice networking.
What is PSTN?
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. It is the same thing as POTS (Plain Old Telephone System). It is simply the worldwide telephone network. PSTN carries analog data. In constrast, VoIP uses digital data.
What is a PRI?
A PRI (Primary Rate Interface) is a telecommunication standard used in the Integrated Services Digital Network or ISDN, for carrying multiple DS0 voice and data transmissions between two physical locations. PRI was developed specifically for industrial or large quantity users. A PRI is typically used to establish communication between a PBX, or a private branch exchange, which is a telephone exchange operated by the customer of a telephone company, and a Central Office of the telephone company or an Inter Exchange Carrier or IXC, a long distance telephone company.
What are SIP Trunks?
A SIP trunk is a service offered by an ITSP (Internet Telephony Service Provider) that permits businesses that have a PBX installed to use Voice-over-IP (VoIP) also outside the enterprise network by using the same connection as the Internet connection.