IP Telephony Networks-A Step Towards the Future

IP Telephony Networks-A Step Towards the Future 

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been the backbone of global telecommunications for over a century. This traditional telephone network, often called the plain old telephone service (POTS), has facilitated voice communication by switching calls through interconnected circuit-switched networks. The PSTN will be phased out by January 2027 and replaced by an all IP (Internet Protocol) network. Read more about traditional networks and lines here.

Why the Shift to an All-IP Telephone Network? 

By 2027 an all-IP (Internet Protocol) network will be available to the majority of homes and businesses in the UK. Several factors have driven this transition: 

1. Efficiency: IP networks are more efficient regarding bandwidth and resource utilisation. Unlike circuit-switched networks, IP networks do not require a dedicated path for each call, allowing for more flexible and scalable communication solutions.
2. Maintenance: The PSTN infrastructure is ageing, leading to higher maintenance costs and difficulty sourcing parts. On the other hand, IP networks are easier and cheaper to maintain.
3. Innovation: An all-IP network supports a broader range of services and applications beyond voice, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and other multimedia services like streaming.

What are the Key Benefits of SIP Lines for Business Users? 

Legacy telephone lines impose significant limitations on businesses that demand fast data transfer, seamless connectivity with remote workers, and reliable video conferencing.  

Additionally, traditional phone systems can be cumbersome and costly when it comes to moving or changing lines. In contrast, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) lines offer a modern, flexible solution that addresses these issues effectively. 

1. Enhanced Flexibility: SIP lines can be activated or deactivated remotely, allowing businesses to easily adapt to changes in staffing levels, office relocations, or expansions without the need for extensive technical support. 

1. Cost Efficiency: With SIP lines, businesses can reduce costs associated with traditional phone services. There are fewer hardware requirements, lower maintenance expenses, and more competitive pricing for long-distance and international calls. 

1. Improved Connectivity: SIP lines support high-speed data transfer, ensuring that video conferences, VoIP calls, and other digital communications are clear and uninterrupted. This is crucial for maintaining productivity and collaboration, especially with remote teams. 

1. Future-Proof Technology: SIP lines are designed to integrate with modern communication systems and technologies. This future-proofs the business’s investment, allowing for seamless adoption of new tools and platforms as they emerge. 

The Impact of IP on Telephone Systems and Call Recording 

Transitioning to an all-IP network will significantly impact existing telephone and call recording systems. Traditional phone or PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems that rely on the PSTN must be upgraded or replaced with IP-based systems. Similarly, call recording systems designed for analogue or ISDN lines may not function properly on an IP network without modification. 

Ensuring a Smooth Transition to IP Telephony 

To ensure a smooth transition, organisations should take the following steps: 

1. Conduct a thorough assessment of the current telephony systems to identify equipment dependent on analogue, ISDN 2 or ISDN 30, for example, alarm lines, payment card machines, call recording systems, etc.
2. Upgrade or replace legacy telephone systems and lines with IP-based systems such as VoIP (Voice over IP) solutions and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) lines, which connect a phone system to the Internet.
3. Ensure that call recording systems are compatible with IP-based communication. Update or replace existing software or hardware to support VoIP.
4. Thoroughly test the new systems to ensure they meet performance and reliability standards.
5. Train staff on the new systems to ensure a smooth transition and use of the latest IP-based communication features.
6. Act promptly, as BT and other network operators have ceased offering upgrades for older technology. Additionally, as time passes, engineers skilled in outdated technology will retire, and new engineers proficient in IP technology will be the norm.

“The discontinuation of the PSTN and the shift to an all-IP network marks a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications”.  

While this transition presents challenges, it offers immense opportunities for improved efficiency, lower costs, and enhanced communication capabilities. By proactively upgrading and integrating systems, businesses can ensure they are well-prepared for the future of telecommunications. 

How Vidicode UK can help you transition to all IP telephony  

Secure hosted and cloud solutions with payment options 

SIP lines and extensions-supply and implementation 

Transitioning legacy systems to SIP call recording 

Microsoft Teams phone system supply  

3CX phone system supply 

Billing systems 

Customers with audio files from legacy call recording systems can utilise VoiceCrunch AI speech analytics to transcribe critical calls and preserve them in a readable format. Find out how by calling 0203 4881498 or Enquire Here 

What is the PSTN?  

The PSTN is a worldwide network of voice-oriented public telephone networks originally designed for analogue voice calls over copper wires. It has evolved to support digital signals, allowing it to carry voice, data, and video traffic. Despite its evolution, the core of PSTN remains a circuit-switched system, where a dedicated path is established for the duration of a call. 

The Relevance of Copper Wiring and Importance of Fibre Optic Cabling 

Copper Wiring: 

• Copper wiring has been the foundation of the PSTN, facilitating voice communication for decades. Its reliability and extensive existing infrastructure made it the go-to choice for traditional telephony. 

• Copper wires have limitations in terms of bandwidth and signal degradation over long distances. Maintenance of the ageing copper infrastructure is also becoming increasingly costly and challenging. 

Fibre Optic Cable: 

• Fibre optic cables use light to transmit data, offering significantly higher bandwidth and faster speeds than copper. 

• Fibre optics provide better reliability, lower latency, and less signal degradation over long distances. They can support the high data rates required for modern IP-based services, including VoIP, video conferencing, and other multimedia applications. 

• Until recently the PSTN consisted of copper lines to a street cabinet and fibre cable to homes and businesses giving mixed results for Broadband users. By 2026 BT Openreach has plans to deliver fibre cabling directly to 25 million homes and businesses offering ultrafast Broadband services. This is known as FttP (Fibre to the Premises). 

Types of Telephone Lines in the PSTN 

Analogue Lines: These are the traditional telephone lines that most people are familiar with. They convert voice into analogue signals for transmission over copper wires or a mixture of copper and fibre optic cables. 

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) Lines: 

ISDN 2: Also known as Basic Rate Interface (BRI), typically consisting of two 64 Kbps bearer channels (B channels) and one 16 Kbps data channel (D channel), enabling the transmission of voice and data simultaneously. ISDN 2 is often preferred by doctors for surgeries and small businesses requiring up 4 channels (8 lines) 

ISDN 30: Known as the Primary Rate Interface (PRI), it provides a higher capacity with 30 B channels and one D channel in Europe (or 23 B channels and one D channel in North America) and supports multiple simultaneous connections. Generally, when a company requires more than 8 lines, they would move from ISDN 2 to ISDN 30, typically giving them options for 8, 16, or 30 lines and beyond. 

The change to an all IP network is rapidly approaching with BT Openreach adopting a stop sell on hundreds of old network and line upgrades and major traditional phone system manufacturers like NEC pulling out of premise based ISDN systems. 

Don’t leave the change too late, call 0203 4881498 for FREE no obligation advice on the transition to this exciting new technology! 

Important Links:

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Openreach-Largest Broadband Network