Things to Know about The PABX System

Things to Know about The PABX System
Things to Know about The PABX System. Image source: Pixabay

The PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) system is a communication management tool that is limited to conventional telephone lines, also known as analog lines. For many years, many PBXs have been able to adapt to voice over IP lines by adding a VoIP card. It allows to manage the communications between several stations automatically and to establish a connection with the external telephones.

What types of businesses use PABX?

Panasonic PBXs are ideally suited for medium-sized and large companies (more than 25 lines) because of the initial investment that may be too high for some small businesses and SMEs.

However, less expensive systems that work for smaller companies looking to grow. In this case, the hosted versions of PABX systems represent the most advantageous option, allowing these companies not to take the risk of investing in a complete infrastructure.

Grandstream telephone system is particularly suitable for companies with an established network and cabling, who want to take advantage of VoIP telephony but do not have the capabilities.

Standard Panasonic PABX: How does it work?

A PBX connects the internal workstations of business while connecting them to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Its functionalities are managed by a central processing unit (CPU) composed of a set of processors and substation equipment. To properly operate the assembly, a specific power supply is also necessary. It is traditionally composed of a rectifier/charger of 220 V and batteries essential to its autonomy in case of power failure.

The features of a PBX

The PABX offers professionals a large number of features, including:

  • Internal and outbound call management as well as incoming call distribution.
  • The management of a voice mailbox, the processing of voice and some data, first of all faxing.
  • Simplified management of different phone terminals and their messaging, identification and numbering features.

Choose your PABX system

First of all, look at the number of positions that must be joined to this system: different types of PBX switches cover a variable number of extensions. There are systems with various capacities that will be suitable for SMEs or large companies.

  • The PABX microswitch can power up to 10 stations.
  • The small capacity PBX is in the range of 10 to 50 stations.
  • The medium-capacity PBX takes over and covers from 50 to 300 positions.
  • Finally, the coverage of the large capacity PBX extends to several thousand positions.

There are also several generations of PBXs, each with a specific function:

  • The PABX by space switching (first generation)
  • The PABX by data switching (second generation)
  • The PABX by time switching with multiplexing of voice and data. This one allows links MICS operators to 2Mbits /s
  • The PABX by IP digital switching.

Given this variety, it will be for the company to choose carefully the switch best suited to its needs, its size and its budget.

Benefits of PBX

PABX systems allow employees to easily access and share resources and the company’s internal network. They also improve communication within the company and these departments and result in more harmonious group work.

  1. Advanced features

PABX systems offer a large number of functions that facilitate communication, making it more convenient for the user as well as the customer. In the case of IP PBX, this allows the manager and employees to access all company resources while lowering communication costs.

  1. Automatic

PABX systems are fully automatic, facilitating contact and communication between employees. System automation also provides efficient customer service without wasting time unnecessarily, by manually switching between lines.

  1. Long-distance and international calls at a lower cost

This advantage applies to PABX systems based on an internet protocol (PABX IP), which operate by digital voice as well as on the internet, and which therefore greatly reduce the costs for the company.

  1. Affordable prices

There are many manufacturers of PABX systems that are flexible in terms of price and offer different support plans to reduce maintenance costs.

  1. Compatibility with other devices

Phone extensions that are used to connect employees can also be programmed for other technologies such as faxes or modems, providing easy access to any part of the business.

  1. Scalability

PABX systems can evolve with your business since you can constantly add new posts because there is no limitation on the number of users.