PBX is a telephone system service separate from what the telephone company provides. It is a network that provides connectivity to your phone lines, and to each telephone set. These networks save companies money by allowing them to purchase one dedicated line from their phone service provider instead of multiple lines to accommodate each user. When investing in a new system, there are several PBX phones basics that you should consider:
- How many telephones will need to be connected to your telephone switching system?
- What type of system will work best for your company?
- Will you invest in digital or analog phone lines?
- Do you prefer standard or Internet Protocol (IP) PBX phone systems?
Investigate the Different PBX Telephone Systems
When checking into PBX phones basics, you will find several different systems are available. The most common is the analog system that has been around for decades. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems are becoming more popular as business owners choose to have their phone service operate via the Internet. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) systems were the first to transmit signals digitally, and are still commonly used. Centrex is a type of PBX system that is controlled by the telephone company. This allows customers to purchase phone lines and a networking system from the same provider.
Compare Standard and IP PBX Systems
Standard phone systems, or POTS (plain old telephone service), have been around for many years. They are reliable and inexpensive. Calls made on these systems go through the telephone lines that can be seen stretching across the country. IP phone systems allow users to send and receive calls through the Internet. A provider with a powerful broadband connection can offer crystal clear calls and the ability to use the phone system from a remote location. Larger companies may actually save money by converting to an IP phone system that can accommodate an unlimited number of users.
Choose Digital or Analog PBX integration
The two types of phone lines for PBX telephone systems are digital and analog. Analog has been the standard for many years and it works by receiving an audio signal and converting it into an electronic pulse, then translating the pulse back into audio on the other end. These systems are less expensive and may be better suited as a small business PBX solution. Digital converts an audio signal into binary form and then reconfigures it back to audio on the receiving end. It provides a stronger phone connection with less static or background noise and more extra features. In exchange, digital PBX equipment is more expensive.
- The PBX phones basics you need for your business may be purchased from a variety of service providers. Shop around to find the one that is the best fit for your company.
- Invest in an expandable phone system if you expect your company to have a major growth spurt.
- Save money by purchasing used PBX phone equipment.
