Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN) is a phone line that allows for the digital transmission of voice and data. It's faster and more efficient and can carry voice and data traffic.
In this Community Phone article, we'll discuss what ISDN is, its benefits, the different types available, and alternatives to consider.
What is ISDN?
ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. It's a circuit-switched network that uses a dedicated line between two points. Unlike the older analog lines, it uses a digital line to transmit voice and data. This makes it more reliable than other phone lines, such as VoIP (Voice over IP), which rely on the internet.
No one likes dropped calls, and with ISDN, you won't have to worry about that. ISDN is an excellent solution for businesses that need clear, reliable voice calls and fast data speeds. With ISDN, you can get the best of both worlds.
Types of ISDNs
Here are the two ISDN types:
1. Basic Rate Interface (BRI)
2. Primary Rate Interface (PRI)
Basic Rate Interface (BRI)
Basic Rate Interface is a lower-cost service that only provides basic needs. The maximum speed is 128 kbps, much slower than Primary Rate Interface.
BRI offers two B channels and one D channel. The B channels are used for data and voice, while the D channel is used for voice or signaling.
Primary Rate Interface (PRI)
Primary Rate Interface is a higher-tier service offering faster speeds, better connections, and more reliable service. It has a maximum speed of 2.94 Mbps, almost three times as fast as the BRI.
PRI tends to use 23 B channels and one D channel. However, the number of channels can be customized to fit your business's needs.
With faster speed comes a higher cost, but it's worth investing in fast data speeds if your business needs it.
Advantages of ISDN
There are many advantages of ISDN, including the following:
a) ISDN offers multiple digital services that operate over the same copper wire. This is convenient and can save you money.
b) It provides a higher data transfer rate than analog lines, enabling faster data transfer.
c) ISDN can connect devices and allow them to operate over a single line. This includes fax machines, credit card readers, and more.
d) ISDN signals are broadcast through telephone lines. This means that they can run faster than modems. So your data will be transmitted immediately.
Why Should You Choose An Alternative to ISDN?
Even with all of the advantages of ISDN, there are still some reasons you might want to consider an alternative.
1. ISDN is very expensive. The cost of installation and monthly fees can be prohibitive for many businesses.
2. Difficult to set up. ISDN requires an external physical circuit to be installed. This can be difficult and time-consuming.
3. The speed of ISDN is limited. While it's faster than an analog line, it's slower than some of the newer technologies.
Community Phone - The Best Alternative to ISDN
With the advent of new technologies, there are now many alternatives to ISDN that offer better performance and lower costs. One such alternative is the Community Phone business landline service.
Community Phone is a wireless landline service that doesn't require the internet or copper wires to give your phone a dial tone. This makes it a more reliable option for businesses that need clear, reliable voice calls.
It's also a more cost-effective option, as it doesn't require the installation of an external circuit, so the setup is much easier and cheaper.
Benefits of Community Phone Business Landline
With Community Phone Landline, you'll enjoy the following benefits:
1. No Internet Connection Required
The Community Phone landline base connects to cell towers in your area, eliminating the need for an internet or copper wire framework. This wireless connectivity makes it a more reliable option for businesses in rural areas or with spotty internet service.
2. Unlimited Nationwide Calling
Nothing is more frustrating than being charged for long-distance calls. You can make or receive unlimited nationwide calls to any landline or mobile phone with Community Phone's landline service. You can talk to your customers and leads without worrying about mounting phone bills.
3. Unlimited Text Messages
No more paying per text! You can send unlimited text messages through your business phone number with the landline texting feature from Community Phone to stay connected to customers, employees, or loved ones.
4. Easy 30-second Setup
ISDNs can be challenging to set up as they are complex and need skilled technicians. However, you don't need advanced skills or a technician to install your Community Phone landline base.
You need a power outlet and a phone, and you're good to go. Without the hassle and expense of ISDN, your business phone system can be up and running in no time.
5. Works During Power Outages
During a power outage, ISDN can't function, which means you are stranded without a means of communication.
But with Community Phone, you can stay connected even when the power goes out. The 12-hour backup battery in the landline base and the resilience and uptime of cell towers ensure that your phones keep working during a blackout or power outage.
6. Free 30-day Trial
You can try the Community Phone service for 30 days without obligation. That way, you can ensure that the service is the right fit for your business before you commit.
Community Phone Business Features
Community Phone business landline offers the following features.
1. Call Routing
With the Community Phone call routing feature, you can route calls to the appropriate person or department, ensuring your customers always get the correct assistance.
You can set up several phones in your business to ring simultaneously, enabling an available rep to answer the call. You can also have the automated system ring a second number if the first is busy or does not answer.
2. Call Forwarding
Call forwarding is another essential feature of any business phone system. With Community Phone Business Landline, you can be available for your customers even when you're not at your desk.
Just set up call forwarding to route calls to any landline or mobile phone, and you can take your business calls wherever you go.
3. Live Call Transfer
With the live call transfer feature, you can transfer calls to any extension by pushing a button without putting the caller on hold.
4. Voicemail-to-email
With the voicemail-to-email feature, your voicemails will be sent to your email as audio files and transcripts, so you can listen to them and respond at your convenience.
5. Custom Dial Menu
Route calls, answer questions, share information or announcements and route to voicemail with the interactive multilevel attendant that is a part of the Community Phone dial menu.
6. Spam Call Blocking
Spam calls are a nuisance and can be a huge time waster for businesses. Block spam calls before your phone can ring with Community Phone's spam call blocker. That way, you can focus on the calls that matter without having to wade through a bunch of junk.
FAQs
What does ISDN stand for?
ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network.
Who invented ISDN?
ISDN was invented by CCITT (ITU-T) in 1988.
Conclusion
Community Phone is the perfect solution for businesses that need a reliable and feature-rich phone system. With their 30-day free trial, you can try their service without obligation.
And, with their wide range of features, you can be sure that your business has everything it needs to stay connected without the additional cost and challenges accompanying an ISDN.