The last decade has witnessed a large shift from analogue PBX to VoIP PBX systems. For decades, organizations have successfully used PBX systems to manage internal communications. PBX hardware is used to distribute and route incoming calls to a number of internal lines from external lines.
Moreover, PBX systems ensure that a company need not have a dedicated line specified for every employee by making it more efficient in order to share lines. Also, it enables workers in the office to talk to each other via extension numbers instead of having to dial phone numbers each time.
However, the current time has welcomed the thorough use of VoIP PBX systems.
What makes VoIP PBX systems different?
Otherwise known as IP PBX, VoIP PBX has the ability to switch between the VoIP users so that employees can access the external lines. These boxes can also tackle conventional users or switch between VoIP and traditional users.
Essentially, VoIP PBX systems manage VoIP calls in the same way that a regular PBX box administers and tackles analogue calls. The end-user experience remains constant, for the most part. Still, employees are able to take calls normally and dial to make both internal and external calls.
However, for this, there is an underlying architecture that sets VoIP PBX hardware distinct from traditional enterprise boxes.
How do VoIP PBX systems work?
There are certain components in VoIP phone systems like,
- SIP Phones
- VoIP Gateway – optional
- VoIP PBX server
They can be dedicated to IP desk phones or soft clients. The endpoints may even be computers integrated with microphones or mobile devices along with VoIP clients. However, the VoIP PBX systems act as a server and all the phones within the organization are actively registered on it.
Moreover, the server possesses the database of all phone numbers in the organization along with SIP addresses of the phones of the clients. Also, SIP happens to be the most commonly handled protocol for VoIP implementations. It is interoperable with principal VoIP services, hardware as well as providers.
Furthermore, incoming calls are channelized to the relevant user with the help of the SIP address. Outgoing internal calls are channelized to the employee by heading to the voicemail or directly to a cell phone. Whereas, external calls are routed to the VoIP gateway.
Also, the gateway can ideally connect to both ISDN and PSTN lines so that it can span multiple networks. Now, on the other hand, external calls can also be channelized to the terminus through a VoIP service provider.
VoIP Gateways
They may be integrated into the VoIP PBX systems itself. But, there are many companies which prefer to use gateways provided by the VoIP service provider. The function of the VoIP gateways is to connect the system with the PSTN network.
Moreover, the PSTN phone lines are connected to the VoIP system through FXO and FSX ports considering the travel direction. The gateways may be obtainable as dedicated devices.
Virtual VoIP PBX
Most VoIP PBX features are controlled and configured through with software assistance. Now, this indicates that the systems need not always possess dedicated hardware.
However, at times, the VoIP PBX systems are simply a combination of software and hardware installed on an ordinary computer, functioning as a regular VoIP PBX. And it is referred to as a virtual VoIP PBX.
Hosted VoIP PBX Systems
Despite the numerous advantages, organizations have to purchase, maintain and upgrade the system momentarily. And this necessitates the requirement of resources like personnel, capital and time.
Moreover, this clears up the road for hosted PBX. There, the vendor will proceed to purchase and maintain all equipment required in order to offer VoIP services. And a company only has to sign up for a plan to start making calls.
Furthermore, all the features conventionally related to the physical PBX box are provided over the internet with the assistance of cloud technology. Basically, it frees up the resources of the organization so that engagement into more serious cases can be possible thereby optimizing it all.
Advantages of VoIP PBX Systems
The reasons to switch to VoIP PBX are plenty. One of the obvious is the cost-effectiveness. When the expenses are in efficient control, productivity is higher than the cost when seen in ratios. And when internal and international calls are considered, such affordability becomes highly important in order to channelize work in a streamlined manner.
Similarly, the international call costs will be a fraction of the carrier operator charge. This is because they don’t have to travel through the PSTN network.
More benefits of VoIP PBX
VoIP PBX systems grant all the business features that organizations depend on. Voicemail, conference call, caller ID, etc. are supported. Also, users face no difficulties in shifting to a new system.
Furthermore, quite often, existing features improve and integrate better when in contact with other digital arrangements used in offices. And the best example is voicemail. This is continuously enhanced and refined through the use of VoIP PBX.
In addition, one can forward voicemails to the employee’s email address. And this allows users to categorize and administer their individual voicemail similar to handling emails.
Moreover, VoIP PBX systems allow the employees to have granular control authority over certain settings. For instance, an executive can conduct system configuration to automatically direct incoming calls to voicemail during a certain time of the day while still allowing the calls from customers.
Now, calls from a particular number can be successfully directed to a mobile device. And others are forwarded to a secretary’s number. Now, this allows flexibility for those employees who are working from home, travelling or operating from a client’s site.
The VoIP PBX systems, thereby, are mass incorporated into companies to streamline their communication efficiently. This way, it makes the road to clarity and coordination clear.
