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In a world before smartphones and Wi-Fi, people used to rely on an almost magical thing called PSTN to communicate.
While it may sound like an ancient relic from the past, PSTN is actually still in use today. Moreover, it continues to play a vital role in how we communicate.
PSTN is a method of communication that has come a long way since its introduction. And, it continues to remain an important part of our daily lives.
In this article, we will dive into the fascinating world of PSTN and learn how it works and more. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let us unravel the mystery of PSTN systems together!
Public Switched Telephone network (PSTN) is defined as a traditional circuit-switched landline telephone network. PSTN is made up of every switched telephone network around the world that’s operated by international or local carriers. These networks serve as the infrastructure for public telecommunication.
Since the 1800s, operating using underground copper wires, PSTN systems have been in use. In fact, PSTN has served as a reliable method of communication for households and businesses alike for many generations.
The phones used are known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), PSTN landlines or fixed-line telephones. While still in use and widely accepted, PSTN phones have seen a noticeable decline over the past decade.
Also read, Why VoIP is better than PSTN
A PSTN network is actually a combination of various networks used across the world. This includes fiber optic cables, telephone lines, cellular networks, switching centers, satellites as well as cable systems. With a PSTN system, users are able to place landline telephone calls.
PSTN systems are made of switches placed at centralized points on a network. These allow for communication to occur between two points on a network. Thus, a call is made after being routed through different switches. In this way, your voice signals are able to travel through the connected phone lines.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how PSTN works:
Here, your telephone first converts sound waves into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to a terminal using a cable.
At this terminal, your electrical signals are collected and then transmitted to a central office (CO).
At this central office, your call is then routed through fiber optic cable. This fiber optic cable then carries your electrical signals to their destination, in the form of light pulses.
Then, your call is directed to a tandem office or a central office (in the case of local calls).
After reaching the correct office, these signals are then converted back to an electrical signal and finally routed to another terminal.
Lastly, this terminal routes your call to the correct telephone number. When the recipient’s telephone gets the call, it then converts the electrical signals back to sound waves.
Thus, this whole process results in nearly instant communication between callers.
PSTN can be a helpful form of communication for your business. Some advantages of PSTN networks include:
PSTN does not depend on an internet connection. As such, if a power outage or network crash were to occur, your business could still continue making calls uninterrupted.
A PSTN system is fairly easy-to-understand and use at work. This is especially helpful for people who are unfamiliar with newer technology. You can use basic features like voicemail, call forwarding, muting, etc.
PSTN uses underground copper wires to operate. This makes it almost impossible to hack into and makes PSTN a very safe and secure option for businesses/ individuals.
Also read, PSTN Explained: What is it and How does it work?
While PSTN does have its benefits, it is also steadily seeing a decline in popularity. Some of the disadvantages of PSTN networks include:
When it comes to personal use, the cost of a PSTN system is not high. This is because you only need to purchase a subscription for your landline phone.
However, when it comes to purchasing PSTN for business use, it is much higher. This is because every employee will need their own individual line. Installing the telephone lines alongside paying phone bills can prove to be quite financially taxing for small businesses.
For some businesses, basic calling features like those of PSTN are enough. However, as workforces are evolving, unified communications are gaining more popularity. A PSTN system is unable to support this.
Furthermore, PSTN is also unable to provide a means for remote employees to stay connected with customers/ colleagues.
With PSTN, your business must pay for calls or purchase a package with a set number of minutes. Moreover, if you need to place international calls, it can become even more costly.
Perhaps one of the biggest threats to PSTN is that it is simply becoming outdated. Many modern businesses prefer to switch to more modern means of communication like VOIP or virtual phone systems.
Also read, PSTN vs ISDN: What’s the difference?
Overall, PSTN systems are a dependable method of communication that is of great help to both individuals and businesses. It’
PSTN is a communication system that has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While more reliable, it can prove to be more costly for businesses. It is easy to use but may provide only a limited set of features.
Moreover, PSTN is a method of communication that has been around for a long time. It truly made a difference in the way people communicated and interacted with one another. However, as technology has evolved, so has the need for more efficient communication systems.
With modern options like VOIP services and virtual phone systems, PSTN left much to be desired. For this reason, when choosing a communication system for your business, it’s worth looking into all the options you have. Only then, will you be able to find the best-fit for your business!
PSTN phones are very helpful in connecting you with team members and customers using fiber optic cables, satellites, cellular networks, etc. However, what makes PSTN an ‘old-school’ system is that it needs you to always have a phone connected to a dedicated voice network.
The three main components of a PSTN system are access, switching and transport.
With PSTN systems, your users are limited to just voice data and basic calling features like voicemail and Caller ID. In comparison, with VOIP, your users can access video conferencing, intelligent call routing, call recording, translation and transcription and other advanced call management features.
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