PSTN vs VoIP
If you are thinking of switching from a typical old fashioned PSTN PBX to a VoIP solution, most probably you have been searching for information for quite some time. Also, most probably you are still not sure which one is the best option for you, or if it is even worth considering switching to a VoIP solution. The below table presents you with a number of comparisons and facts about typical PSTN PBX and VoIP PBX.
| PSTN | VoIP |
|---|---|
| • Very Reliable | • Not as reliable as PSTN |
| • Excellent audio quality | • Quality depends on internet bandwidth availability |
| • Dedicated lines required from Telco Provider | • All calls can be transferred over the internet connection |
| • Extra features available at extra cost from Telco | • Extra features available for free or at a very low cost |
| • Tele workers solutions are very costly and require additional dedicated lines | • Remote extensions are standard features with VoIP PBX |
| • To maintain a PSTN PBX can be very costly and require specific technical expertise | • As long as you can use a computer, you can maintain a VoIP PBX network |
| • Upgrading and extenting a PSTN PBX is costly and a complex proecss, and requires specific expertise | • Upgrading and extending a VoIP PBX requires only an internet connection and software upgrades |
| • Because of a limited number of telcos in every country, least cost routing is very limited | • Thousands of VoIP providers in different countries to choose from, thus providing a cheap solution |
| • No free calls possible | • Possible to call other voip users using the same gateway for free |
| • Installation of PSTN PBX requires extra wiring, expensive proprietary hardware and telecom expertise | • VoIP PBX uses same computer networking cables, thus do not require additional hardware or specific skills |
| • Typically hard wired, remains on during power cuts | • Both PBX and phones required electrical power, therefore will be unavailable with loss of power |
| • Suitable for emergency calls and location can usually be traced | • Not suitable for emergency calls.. Location can be difficult to be traced |
| • Little or no integration at all with computer applications such as email clients | • Full integration with a number of computer appliations, such as email clients |
| • Only audio can be transferred during a call | • Audio, video and data (such as presentations) can be transferred during a call |