Since it was first introduced, VoIP has quickly been selected as a cost-effective and future-proof option for PSTN. By 2021, VoIP users have reached 3 billion tags – a considerable achievement compared to only 2 million businesses connected to the landline.
With more companies keen on employee mobility and flexibility, there are no signs that this trend is changing or declining. But is it time to officially call PSTN Termination?
What is PSTN?
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is a traditional circuit-switched telephone network. It is best described by other acronyms, POTS or the plain old telephone system. Since the late nineteenth century, it has provided infrastructure and services for public transportation and replaced landlines as an alternative to personal and commercial communication.
What is VoIP?
Over the past 30 years, VoIP has made rapid progress in the telecommunications industry, proving its reliability and versatility. VoIP depends entirely on an Internet connection to make and receive calls. The audio data is sent over the network as compressed packets and decoded and decompressed at the receiving end.
The main difference between PSTN and VoIP
While enabling successful long-distance communication is the ultimate goal of both networks, it paints a list of similarities to the end. However, when this is considered, PSTN and VoIP take two completely different paths toward this goal. For example:
Technology and hardware
PSTN is a two-point circuit-switched network. It consists of copper wires that are used to transmit analog audio data. They rely heavily on telephone wires, switching hubs, and cabling systems to ensure high-quality audio transmission.
On the other hand, VoIP is a packet-switched network that sends digital audio signals from the sender to the receiver in real-time via a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Users have the flexibility to make calls from their existing landline using a dedicated VoIP desk phone or adapter or by downloading an electronic phone to their mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
Expenses
Call charges on a traditional landline are based on distance and time. For a person who makes frequent international calls, this means having difficulty estimating the vast and unexpected monthly bills and their communication budget.
However, in the case of VoIP, your standard monthly subscription eliminates the element of surprise. This monthly or annual rate is determined by the users and features you want to apply and can be modified entirely to meet your business needs.
In addition, unlike PSTN, VoIP does not require significant infrastructure costs on hardware, wiring, and personal telephone installations. VoIP telephony efficiently reuses existing devices and internet connections without the need for any additional initial investment. It is manipulated that companies can save up to 80% by eliminating traditional circuit-switched networks.
Features
Since PSTN can only make and receive calls, VoIP telephony is a clear winner when we consider the features on offer. VoIP is not just about making calls but getting the most out of each call. Offers a complete set of default features, including:
- Call transfer
- Call recording
- Call monitoring
- Call queue
- Call forwarding
- Availability status etc.
Some systems may even offer simple AI-powered devices like Digital Receptionists. It helps customers in a timely and efficient manner using automatic commands, queue, and on-hold music. In addition, automated service handlers can collect basic caller details with more sophisticated software to help agents quickly adapt their approach to customer needs.
PSTN Advantages
Although lagging in terms of cost and features, it still sets the standard for:
Security: VoIP’s reliance on the Internet to transmit data is its most significant strength and weakness. While Internet setups are vulnerable to malicious cyber-attacks, companies that handle sensitive data prefer traditional landlines.
Quality: It’s not that VoIP doesn’t match the quality of land calls, but it often doesn’t have the same consistency. With PSTN, signals typically travel at high speeds using copper wires and are not subject to low bandwidth.
Utility: Businesses seek the benefits of VoIP – making changes is never easy. The landline has long been an easy-to-use solution and a comfortable area for many employees and managers.
VoIP Advantages
In addition to being a unique and cost-effective solution, as discussed earlier, VoIP offers several benefits that are hard to miss:
Flexibility: Select the device, providers, SIP trunk, number, and country-code you want to use. IP telephony offers unimaginable freedom and control over setting up connections.
Mobility: Lack of dedicated infrastructure means the system can be adapted from anywhere, providing employees with all the tools required to be productive.
Scalability: With just one click, you can upgrade or downgrade your subscription to meet the needs of your current business and eliminate the need for long (and expensive) hardware replacements.
Maintenance: Most VoIP maintenance can be done through automated software updates that are free and take a few minutes to install.
Conclusion
We cannot deny the VoIP’s contribution and innovation in communication. VoIP is a clear choice for many simply because of its comfort and flexibility. However, we will not be in a hurry to announce the death of PSTN.
POTS still offers unparalleled reliability and consistency. As a result, it serves as a backbone and safety net for many companies trying to get the most out of VoIP.
Where to get the best VoIP service?
Intratel is a leading provider of business telephony / VoIP systems and solutions. We use our innovative and full-service capabilities to provide your business with affordable, reliable, and specialized enterprise-class telephony solutions. Call us right now!