Telephone Networking Key Terms

Consider telephone networking key terms to update your business phone system

Telephone networking has reached new possibilities, now that the Internet plays a role in telephone service. The Internet helps business owners cut cost and maximize features using a telephone network that runs over the World Wide Web. However, traditional switching and networking options are still available for businesses that need just a few lines or hundreds of phone lines. To determine the telephone networking solution that best fits your business needs, consider these telephone networking key terms.

VoIP, Voice Over Internet Protocol

VoIP, often called Voice Over IP, allows your business phone calls to be transferred over the Internet instead of over traditional phone lines. This technology provides numerous telephone networking features, often at a lower cost.

PBX, Private Branch eXchange

Private Branch eXchange, or PBX, is a great option for businesses that require multiple phone lines because you don't have to lease each individual line from the phone company. Instead, a PBX is a privately owned telephone switching system that fulfills a company's telephone networking needs.

KSU-less telephone systems

If you're a business that requires ten telephone lines or less, KSU-less telephone systems are the way to go. It offers networking features and voice services appropriate for a small business without the hefty price tag.

Key telephone systems

Key telephone systems, sometimes referred to simply as KTS, are similar to a PBX. The main difference is that key telephone systems require businesses to rely on the phone company for switching. However, a KTS does still offer telephone networking options appropriate for businesses of many sizes.

Centrex

Primarily used for voice services, Centrex allows your telephone networking equipment to be outsourced. All telephone switching and networking functions occur at an offsite location, so your business isn't responsible for the high cost of the equipment necessary.

IP-based networks

Your business can merge telephone services with data, radio and television using IP-based networks. This is a common way a business can obtain the necessary telephone networking features.

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