Analogue lines
This was the original and still is the common telephone line for many small systems, however some of today's modern telephony systems are moving from traditional analogue to more cost effective digital alternatives such as ISDN. Analogue lines are rented, if you rent 3 analogue lines then 3 members of your company can speak to 3 separate outside destinations all at the same time. If you have 3 analogue lines, yet only require 1 telephone number for your company, then you simply request 1 line and 2 auxiliary lines. Don't forget to allow lines for fax machines and franking machines, etc.
Analogue phones
Analogue phones, otherwise known as POTS (Plain Old Telephone System), are basic telephone system phones that allow calls to be placed and received by routing them thought the public switched network.
Automated Attendant
An auto-attendant is the recorded message that answers your phone and instructs callers how to reach the person or department they are looking for. The caller uses their telephone keypad to choose who they need to speak to e.g. "For support press 1, for sales press 2." Automated Attendant can prove to be beneficial if your company receives a high volume of inbound calls as it can reduce disruptions to your staff carrying out their duties.
Call Forwarding
A feature of telephone systems which allows incoming calls to be diverted automatically to a different number, for example a mobile phone or a home office.
CLI - Calling Line Identity
One of the key ISDN features, CLI displays the phone number of the caller on the answering phone's display. CLI alpha tagging also shows the caller's name and company. CLI is the enabling feature of many computer telephony integration applications.
DDI - Direct Dial Inwards
A key ISDN feature giving you the ability to accessing individual phone numbers (DDI numbers) to extensions and departments, enabling callers to dial them directly without having to go through the operator.
DECT Phones
DECT is the acronym given to the new digital cordless telephony standard available
in the UK (and Europe). DECT systems are far superior to their analogue cousins
in a number of respects and users of DECT are nearly always delighted with the improvement compared to an old analogue cordless phone. DECT Cordless handsets can provide wireless communications within an office or company premises.
The handsets can be fully integrated with the company phone system, allowing
users to make, take and transfer calls securely as they move around the premises.
Digital Cordless Phones
Digital cordless phones now have lots of features, many the same as those we have come to rely upon with our mobile phones. Cordless phones can easily plugged into your analogue or digital phone sockets or telephone system extension boxes.
IP- Internet Protocol
The signalling standards used to transmit data across the Internet and LANs. IP uses packet switching techniques to send data in small chunks (packets).
IP Phones
IP phones/handsets generally offer all the powerful performance features that you get with other types of desktop phones, whilst allowing you to benefit from all the advantages of tapping into an IP-based solution. IP phones are an efficient tool for demanding individual users who are often on the move.
IP Telephony
The use of IP signalling methods to send voice traffic across a data network.
Voice signals are broken down into packets and reassembled at the receiving end. Eliminates the need for separate voice and data networks by converging all traffic
on one network.
ISDN 2
ISDN2 is a digital solution that gives you voice, data and fast access to the internet for two to eight users. The connection offers speeds up to twice as fast as an analogue modem when the two channels are combined. One of the major benefits of ISDN is its compatibility with most of today's existing telephone/communications infrastructures which allows businesses to benefit from simultaneous use of the telephone and internet at the same time. Charges for ISDN are based on line rental and levels of usage, there are a range of suppliers to choose from all with varying price tariffs.
ISDN 30
ISDN30 is a sophisticated digital solution which enhances your voice, data and Internet access for between eight to thirty users. The connections offers speeds up to twice as fast as an analogue modem. ISDN30 offers clear, secure digital line of voice traffic and can be used to send data over a secure connection to PCs. Charges for ISDN are based on line rental and level of usage, there are a range of suppliers to choose from all with varying price tariffs.
Music on Hold
A music on hold (MOH) system plays a pre-recorded program for callers to listen to while they are on hold. You can choose to have the system play music, a voice message, or a combination of both. The average length of a program is typically 4-6 minutes. If you prefer, you can also choose to broadcast a local radio station. In terms of equipment, an MOH system consists of a device that is plugged into your phone system that resembles a tape or CD player. MOH systems can be connected to nearly all office phone systems. Connections are less common, however, with smaller, KSU-less phone systems.
Outside Exchange Lines
Your telephone system lines will be connected to local exchange, the quantity of outside exchange lines needed is dependent upon your specific requirements and the number of users within your office. These lines could be digital i.e. ISDN 2, ISDN 30 or analogue.
PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network
The regular, old fashioned telephone system.
Structured Cabling
A structured cabling system comprises standards-compliant components, such as wall outlets and connections, and the cable itself, which is likely to be Category 5e UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) copper cabling along the floor, often leading to multimode fibre optic cable in the backbone or vertical riser of the building. Category 5 is currently installed in most buildings that have a structured cabling system. Category 5e is heralded as the solution guaranteeing access to broadband technologies and is fast becoming the cabling of choice. Category 6 is today's premium UTP cabling and supports even more bandwidth and even faster speeds.
Telephone Extensions
The number of extensions you require will typically be based on the number of staff that need desktop phones. It is wise to take slightly more than you may currently need to allow room for expansion.
Unified Messaging
Unified Messaging provides you with the facility to handle all your messages (Email, Voice & Fax) through one centralised mailbox. All message types can be viewed, replied to, saved or deleted in the same inbox using a familiar message management system such as Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes. Your company's contacts and all communications with them, whether by telephone, fax, direct e-mail, website response or personal visit, are integrated into one record which is immediately available, and can even be presented to you automatically.
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