Since 1988, telephones have operated on the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). Before that, phone calls were made using a system jokingly referred to as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). Much like POTS, ISDN has become obsolete in the world of technology, although it still remains in many homes and businesses. The 27-year-old system has been replaced by a much more efficient and cost-effective solution, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). However, you are probably wondering why you should switch from a system that seems to be working just fine. Here is the rundown.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
ISDN is a circuit-switched network that allows access to packet-switched networks such as those used by computers. With this system, you can transmit voice, video, and data digitally, using existing copper phone lines. This is also the mechanism for dial-up Internet.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
VoIP is one of the newest telecommunications services that utilizes Internet Protocol networks to deliver voice, video, and data. This system does not use the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Instead of using a circuit-switched network as ISDN does, VoIP converts data into packets and transmits them over a packet-switched network. This is the same mechanism that brings the world wide web to your home or office.
Traditional Phones vs. VoIP
In an office setting, a traditional phone setup can get costly pretty quickly.
Depending on the carrier, traditional phone service can cost over $35 per phone line per month. Also, traditional carriers are very likely to charge extra for long distance services. These charges will be piecemeal and subject to change depending on carriers.
Since VoIP telecommunications services utilize your existing Internet connection, they tend to be much less expensive. Some offices even save as much as 60 percent in fees per month. Traditional phone systems such as those that use the ISDN require a professional installer to run cables through your office. An IP-based system utilizes your existing Internet connection, so no installation is required.
While this is not an incredibly big concern, it can still be very annoying. With landlines, you are susceptible to telemarketers bothering you and your business. With a VoIP, you can better screen your calls. Think of it as similar to the way that your Internet browser blocks pop-ups.
With a traditional landline, you have to pay your phone service carrier for every additional line. Also, depending on the hardware, you might even have to have the installer return and run new wires throughout your office.
With VoIP, the number of lines and phone numbers you can carry is limited only by the speed of your Internet service. You have to be careful with this, though. As your bandwidth becomes more and more cluttered, your call quality will start to suffer.
A landline, as the name suggests, is tied to a certain location. You can only make calls on your landline from your office. Alternatively, with Internet-based telecommunications services, you can log onto your account and make phone calls from wherever you have Internet access.
