How to Understand IP PBX

The IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch eXchange) is an integral part of the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) network. The IP PBX, simply stated, is a device built to include the IP (Internet Protocol). It is important to understand the features of telephony networks before understanding IP PBX. Here are some guidelines to understand IP PBX.

Instructions

1. Differentiate between IP PBX and IP-enabled PBX. While IP PBX includes a provision for an IP, the IP-enabled PBX adds functionality of IP into its existing product as an additional feature. The IP PBX comes with a distinctive software and operating system, whereas IP-enabled PBX requires add-on software and hardware.

2. Understand the role of PBX in telephony network. The PBX is a switching system that is part of the network meant to connect internal telephone extensions and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). Those organizations depending on VoIP for majority of their voice conversations usually use an extended form of PBX which is the IP PBX or Internet Protocol Private Branch eXchange.

3. Learn how vendors program the PBX with a variety of user applications, such as call forwarding, call conferencing, call hold and other complex call-center specific applications. This makes PBX very versatile and pivotal in the telephony network. IP PBX performs all the above mentioned functions of a traditional PBX and many more. The key difference is that in the case of IP PBX, voice transmissions are not sent via normal phone lines but sent in the form of voice packets over a data network (Internet) instead of a closed circuit-switched network.

4. Know how IP PBX eliminates these additional charges, giving their users a great flexibility in handling such changes due to its open protocol architecture.

5. Remember that the IP PBX can reside behind the traditional PBX, which effectively means that calls continue to be routed via the existing PBX.

6. Explore how IP PBX technology evolved by peeping into the past and learning about companies such as Altigen, Dash, NetPhone, NBX (Networked Branch Exchange) and so on that provided several innovations in IP-based products and services.

7. Understand that IP PBX designs can also be set up as a single server, network or group servers to enhance its technical capabilities.

8. Determine the cost-effectiveness of IP PBX over analog or digital PBXs, as the voice packets travel over LAN or WAN instead of the traditional copper wires. Additionally, it eliminates the need to use expensive telephony cards as software applications can connect to IP PBX easily over the network. It is also easy to configure and install as well as being low-maintenance.

Tips & Warnings

• Go online and find out more about IP PBX and its role in enhancing a VoIP network.

• Issues of interpretability with phones and other devices exist as no specific standards have been laid despite use of open protocol technology.