If you’ve been browsing the web in search of the new phone system for your business, it’s highly likely you’ve come into contact with terms such as VOIP, SIP and PBX – but what does this all mean? Unless you’re in the industry, it won’t make much sense and that’s why we’re here to help! In this article you will find a list of commonly used telecoms acronyms and their meanings…
Telecoms Glossary – Acronyms Explained
- IP (Internet Protocol) – the transmission of data via the internet.
- VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) – the transmission of voice data (calls) over the internet. This allows you to make calls without traditional telephone lines.
- SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) – this is how VOIP devices communicate with each other.
- PBX (Private Branch Exchange) – a private phone network used by a business. You can use this network to communicate internally (within your business) and externally (to your customers and suppliers).
- PTSN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – this can also be referred to Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). This allows landline calls to be made.
- ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) – how voice, video and data are sent over digital phone lines.
- ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) – this allows a standard phone line to be used as a broadband line for the transmission of large amounts of data.
- DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology) – refers to digital wireless telephone technology (cordless phones).
- DDI (Direct Dial Inbound) – this allows individuals or teams within your business to have their own personal number for customers to call – without having to pay for them to have their own personal phone line.
- LAN (Local Area Network) – a data network that connects all the computers, printers, scanners, serves, etc within your business.
- WAN / WLAN (Wide Area Network) – a WAN is multiple LANs connected together usually via a broadband connection or leased line.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) – a way of creating a secure private network on a public network.
Other Useful Terms
- Landline – a traditional phone service with fixed phone lines.
- Broadband – a type of internet connection that allows large amounts of data to be transmitted.
- Bandwidth – is the rate at which data can be transmitted.
- WiFi – a wireless internet connection.
- Ethernet – commonly used in LAN connections. It is a wired internet connection.
- Leased Line – a leased line is a connection that is used by businesses for internet, data and telephone services. It is a dedicated, high-speed connection – meaning you won’t have to share it with anyone else.
Now you know the lingo, choosing a new phone system for your business should be nice and easy!
If you want to make things easier, give us a call today on 02380 516986. We’ll listen to the needs of your business to help you choose a solution that’s perfect for you. Alternatively, drop your details in the form below and a member of the team will be in touch.
