The world of telecom/VoIP terms is an overlapping muddle of "same exact same but different." PBX, IP PBX, hosted PBX: They're as comparable as their names indicate however distinct. The majority of people charged with discovering a new service phone system aren't knowledgeable about these terms, not to mention the specific distinctions that affect their buying decision.
And why would anyone keep up with ? Once you have a phone system in location, it's hopefully something you seldom believe deeply about again. The exception, of course, are the lucky industry folks who dive into the mess to bring you tech-to-English translations like this OnSIP blog site. So let's get into it.
IP PBX
You might understand the term PBX: private branch exchange. PBX systems are large and expensive, and conventional analog systems link straight to PSTN copper lines. Modern PBX systems-and by "contemporary" here we mean post-Internet-are IP PBX to deal with digital traffic. Basically, IP PBX is where PBX fulfills VoIP capabilities. IP PBX systems are still on-premises, so they're not the less expensive hosted PBX from a VoIP provider like OnSIP.
Onsite PBX systems need a lot of space and a devoted IT team. For corporations, they can work well, however they're excellent for cash-strapped start-ups and SMBs that may not have the workplace space for a telco-only server room, not to mention the budget for the required IT folks.
VoIP Gateways: Bridging PSTN & VoIP
PSTN calls send voice signals along copper wiring. VoIP calls break voice signals down into little digital packages for travel across the Internet. To put it simply, the PSTN is analog, while VoIP is digital. A VoIP gateway is the piece of hardware that bridges the two systems by changing call traffic from analog to digital and vice versa. Without it, the signals would get stuck attempting to switch from one to the other.
VoIP to VoIP calls are similar to e-mails or immediate messages: They comprise information packets cruising through the online world. This is why VoIP to VoIP calls are often totally free. For VoIP to PSTN calls, the signals require a converter. Think about the VoIP entrance like your outlet converters when taking a trip internationally. Your electronics work fine-they simply need a translator for different voltages and outlet shapes.
Which Do You Choose?
At the beginning of this blog site, we mentioned that all of this tech is essentially the same however various. This is an excellent method to sum it up, however it's not as practical when you in fact have to choose one. Do you want IP PBX or a VoIP gateway? Cloud or on-premises? Include SIP trunking questions and you'll feel you're back to square one.
This may help clear some things up: All hosted PBX systems are VoIP, however not all VoIP is hosted PBX. An IP PBX system is closer to the tradition PBX systems, simply upgraded for IP compatibility. The system still lives onsite, with all of the related costs, much of which are up front. Hosted PBX, on the other hand, is handled by a company, and includes hardware, personnel, and maintenance. All you require to do is have a good Internet connection and VoIP phones.
If you're wanting to upgrade your existing PBX system, IP PBX might be the best relocation. Otherwise, hosted VoIP has all of the tools and quality you need for smooth business operations.
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