Digital Phone Systems Vs Analog Phone Systems

What is a digital phone system?

A digital phone system works by routing call traffic over IP (Internet Protocol), you would then use a IP phone/ handset. Digital phone systems use the (Internet Protocol) to send and receive voice communications.

What is a analog phone system?

This is the most commonly incorporated type of system, analog phone systems use POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) networks. For example a NEC SL1100 phone system running over a traditional ISDN or analog line.

What are the key differences between Digital vs Analog phone systems?

✓ Analog systems

Analog phone systems have been around for many years, they are extremely reliable and traditional. Analog systems have supported businesses for decades, analog is built on copper line with POTS. When it comes to voice quality analog solutions are extremely effective and even incorporate basic features such as, on hold, redial, speed dial and mute.

✓ Digital systems

Where digital phone systems are concerned they are much more modern. Digital phone systems are designed to incorporate a vast amount of features and capabilities. Digital runs through VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), a digital system can incorporate features such as, music on hold, VoIP integration and API integration,

What Solution Should Small Businesses Choose?

Small businesses will want to save capital, we would recommend small businesses to implement a digital phone system as they are extremely cost effective. Cut out line rental and route call traffic across your broadband service. We would however suggest that all small businesses that are interested in moving to digital phone systems ensure that their broadband service is reliable, digital systems are broadband hungry and heavily rely on a stable connection, we would only suggest moving to digital/ VoIP if your broadband is strong and reliable. If Fiber to the cabinet is not available in your area and you have a poor connection, we would suggest that your business implements a cost effective PBX system or a SIP solution.

✓ Final Things To Consider

NEC SL1100 phone systems are great for being cost effective as are Panasonic NS700 systems. VoIP is the future of telephony especially since BT will no longer support ISDN and analog lines in 2025. This means all business will need to go digital i.e. VoIP or SIP. At some point you will need to make the switch towards digital!