If you’re thinking of upgrading your business telephone system or are planning to install a new one, it’s useful to have an understanding of the types of system on offer so you can make an informed decision. Your phone system supplier will be able to guide and advise you but being familiar with some of the technical terminology will help you ensure you get what you need.
When it comes to deciding what telephone lines your business requires, there are a variety of options available today. The nature of your business and the type of telephone hardware you choose will generally dictate your requirements but here is an overview of the main types on offer.
Analogue Phone Lines
An analogue phone line is a traditional telephone line that uses a single copper cable to transfer voice calls from your office to the public switched telephone network. Previously, analogue lines were used to transfer voice and data traffic but with the development of more sophisticated phone lines, analogue lines are generally only used for voice calls.
With an analogue line, only one phone number can be linked to one telephone line and only one call can take place at a time. This is usually sufficient for small office environments and is a good value solution.
Analogue Multi Lines
Analogue phone lines can be used to handle more than one telephone call by linking together multiple lines. A single telephone number will still be associated with these lines but more than one call can take place simultaneously.
Digital Telephone Lines
Unlike analogue phone lines, digital phone lines can carry larger amounts of traffic over a single connection. Analogue phone signals are converted into smaller bites of digital data enabling more information to be transferred simultaneously. This means that multiple telephone calls can take place over a single phone line making digital lines the ideal solution for large companies and busy call centres.
Digital telephone lines have other benefits associated with them such as clearer sound quality and less interference from external noise.
ISDN Lines
ISDN stands for “Integrated Services Digital Network”. These types of phone line are much more sophisticated digital phone lines that can transfer voice, video and data simultaneously. Numerous communications devices can be operated via a single ISDN line which means that it is an ideal solution for larger businesses.
Depending on the size of your business and your specific needs, there are a number of different types of ISDN line to choose from.
- An ISDN2e line provides 2 voice channels per line providing a company with the equivalent to having 2 regular telephone lines.
- An ISDN30e line is the ideal solution for very large organisations and can include between 8 and 30 voice channels on a single line – equivalent to having up to 30 standard phone lines.
Whichever type of ISDN phone line your business requires, your staff will benefit from a number of benefits. As well as managing the transfer of high levels of data, ISDN lines provides crystal-clear voice quality and fast data transfer rates meaning your employees can carry-out their day-to-day activities efficiently and effectively.
Bespoke Phone Lines
For companies with more complex telephone system requirements, business phone system providers can formulate a bespoke phone line solution. Whether your company manages incredibly high volumes of calls or has a complex structure, an experienced telephone system supplier will be able design and install a system of phone lines that caters for your individual needs.
In Summary
With communications technology developing and advancing at such a rapid rate, choosing a business telephone system can be a complex decision. If you would like help and advice from a professional and experienced business phone system supplier, contact Direct Voice and Data for a discussion of your needs.
Call Direct Voice and Data on 0800 84 999 84 or visit our Website.
