History of the PBX
Posted by:Posted By AVAD Business Editor on November 20, 2009
Businesses make calls internally using a PBX (Private Branch Exchange). The PBX also connects to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) via trunk lines. Because they incorporate telephones, fax machines, modems, and more, the general term "extension" is used to refer to any end point on the branch.
PBXs are differentiated from "key systems" in that users of key systems manually select their own outgoing lines, while PBXs select the outgoing line automatically. Hybrid systems combine features of both.
Initially, the primary advantage of PBXs was cost savings on internal phone calls: handling the circuit switching locally reduced charges for local phone service. As PBXs gained popularity, they started offering services that were not available in the operator network, such as hunt groups, call forwarding, and extension dialing. In the 1960s a simulated PBX known as Centrex provided similar features from the central telephone exchange.
Definition of an IP PBX
Posted by:Posted By AVAD Business Editor on 2009-04-28
IP PBX or VoIP phone system replaces a traditional PBX or phone system and gives employees an extension number, the ability to conference, transfer and dial other colleagues. All calls are sent via data packets over a data network instead of the traditional phone network. With the use of a VOIP gateway, you can connect existing phone lines to the IP PBX and make and receive phone calls via a regular PSTN line.
Components of a PBX
Posted by:Posted By AVAD Technologies Business Editor on 2006-06-12
A PBX will often include:
* The PBX’s internal switching network. * Microcontroller or for arbitrary data processing, control and logic. * Logic, switching, control and, power cards. * Related devices that facilitate PBX operation. * Stations or telephone sets, sometimes called lines. * Outside Telco trunks that deliver signals to and from the PBX. * Console or switchboard allows the operator to control incoming calls. * Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). * Interconnecting wiring. * Cabinets, closets, vaults and other housings.
Basics of Bandwidth
Posted by:Posted By AVAD Business Editor on 2008-06-06
T1 Lines have been the primary source of mission critical bandwidth for companies of all sizes for nearly 20 years. With so much history, a basic understanding of the T1 line should be common knowledge among business owners who are looking for reliable bandwidth for Internet access, data communications, or multiple telephone lines.
However, it was not until the late 1990s that the market for T1 lines became very competitive and prices began falling to more reasonable levels, causing the demand to rise sharply among small and medium sized businesses. Even today most small business owners and managers still do not know how a standard T1 line works or what it is capable of providing.
Definition: Hosted VoIP
Posted by:Posted By AVAD Business Editor on 2008-06-04
Hosted VoIP service (also referred to as a virtual PBX, IP PBX, Virtual) is the most common Voice over IP solution for small and medium businesses.
With Hosted service, the hosted service provider supplies the VoIP system, manages and hosts the system externally to your company.
Alternatively, you may opt to purchase your own VoIP phone system. This is know as a Premise Based VoIP service. In this case, the business buys the complete VoIP phone system (VoIP hardware and VoIP software). Your business is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the system, i.e. hardware, software, firmware etc.
