What’s the difference between a phone and a landline? 

One’s always on the move, while the other is stuck in one place, just like the outdated PSTN system!

But fear not, because there’s a new player in town that’s stealing the spotlight – the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).

From faster data transmission to better call quality, ISDN has a lot to offer. If you’re tired of outdated technology and want to try something new, ISDN might just be the system for you.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top differences between PSTN and ISDN, and why you might want to consider switching to ISDN for your communication needs.

What is PSTN?

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a communication system that has been used for over a century. PSTN is used to connect telephone calls between different locations.

In fact, the PSTN network has a vast network of copper wires and switching centers to connect people around the world.

When you make a call using a traditional landline phone, your voice is converted into analog signals. These signals then travel through the PSTN network to reach the other person’s phone. PSTN systems use various technologies to ensure that the call is reliable, and your sound quality is clear.

However, with the advent of digital technologies, PSTN is becoming less popular. Furthermore, many countries are phasing it out in favor of more modern communication networks such as ISDN and VoIP.

Nevertheless, PSTN continues to play an essential role in connecting people worldwide. As such, many people still rely on it for their communication needs.

Also read, What is PSTN and How does it work?

What is ISDN?

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital communication network that was developed in the 1980s. It was designed as an upgrade to the traditional PSTN system. In comparison, ISDN is able to provide users with faster data transmission and better call quality than PSTN.

Moreover, ISDN uses digital signals to transmit data, which is more reliable. As such, it can handle multiple calls simultaneously. This makes it ideal for businesses that need to handle a large volume of calls.

Additionally, ISDN also comes with a feature called “channel bonding”. This allows two or more ISDN lines to be combined to increase the data transmission rate. This acts as a significant advantage for businesses that need to transfer large amounts of data quickly.

For these reasons, ISDN is considered a more modern and efficient communication network that offers several advantages over PSTN. It is mainly used in businesses and organizations that require a reliable and fast communication network.

Top 7 Differences between PSTN and ISDN Systems

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between PSTN and ISDN systems, you’ve come to the right place. PSTN and ISDN are two communication systems that have been around for decades. However, they have significant differences that are worth exploring. 

In this section, we’ll now take a look at the top 7 differences between PSTN and ISDN systems:

1) Technology Used

The biggest difference between PSTN and ISDN is the technology they use. PSTN uses analog technology to transmit voice data, while ISDN uses digital technology. 

PSTN networks use copper wires to transmit signals. This means that the quality of the call can be affected by various factors, such as distance and interference. Alternatively, ISDN uses digital signals, which are less affected by interference and can provide better quality calls.

2) Speed

Another major difference between PSTN and ISDN is the speed of communication. 

PSTN networks have limited bandwidth, which means that they can only transmit limited amounts of data at a time. This can result in slow data transfer rates, making it unsuitable for modern applications that require high-speed data transfer. 

Meanwhile, ISDNs can transmit data at much higher speeds. This makes it ideal if you use applications such as video conferencing and multimedia messaging.