What Is an ISDN Phone?

A cellular phone is a phone in an ISDN network.

Circuit-switched telephone networks are comprised of telephone lines, cellular networks and cables interconnected by switching centers. The world's network of these systems, called the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is managed by a set of standards, or guidelines, called the Integration Service Digital Network, or ISDN.

Definition

An ISDN phone is a phone in the ISDN network. The ISDN sets communication standards for the digital transmission of video, voice and data over the circuits on a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Process

ISDN phones access packet switched networks, or digital communications networks that group transmitted data into structured blocks, and routes the structured blocks according to necessary transmission resources. Packet switched networks enable the simultaneous transmission of integrated data and speech over copper telephone wires, which results in higher sound quality than analog phones.

Access Interfaces

Two possible interfaces used with ISDN phones include Basic Rate Interface (BRI) and Primary Rate Interface (PRI). The Basic Rate Interface is used in subscriber lines similar to those used in the basic form of service connections in a telephone network. Primary Rate Interface is a telecommunications service level able to carry multiple data and voice transmissions simultaneously between a network and ISDN phone user.

References

• PCMag.com: Definition of: ISDN
• "Introduction to Public Switched Telephone Networks; POTS, ISDN, DLC, DSL, and PON Technologies, Systems and Services, Second Edition"; Lawrence Harte; Robert Flood; 2005

Resources

• "ISDN Technology"; R. L. Brewster; 1992