What are ISDN phones?
ISDN phone systems have been specifically developed to work with the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). This digital telecommunications standard supports a broad range of services such as telephoning, data transfers and video conferences and is ideal for personal and professional users looking for high-quality communications.
Application areas.
ISDN phone systems are used in multiple application areas and bring a whole raft of benefits for companies and organisations alike:
- Enterprise communications: Businesses often use ISDN phones for in-house and external communications as they transmit audio clearly and reliable and allow access to other telecommunications services such as conference calls, call forwarding and much more. ISDN end devices also allow the various departments and employees to use different phone numbers to facilitate both internal and external communications.
- Call centres: ISDN phones are often the devices of choice in call centres thanks to their performance and flexibility. Providers ensure these phones support features such as Automatic Call Distribution (ACD), integrated answer phones, call recording and monitoring to ensure the smooth operations essential in these environments.
- Professional service providers: Lawyers, doctors, consultants and co. benefit greatly from ISDN devices thanks to the ability to use one phone line for reliable and secure communication with customers, colleagues and partners.
- Home office: ISDN phones are beneficial when working from home because they allow you to separate the professional from the personal with two phone numbers. This not only creates a professional telecommunications environment, but also enables calls to be made and received efficiently and ensures high quality and reliability.
- Security-critical applications: ISDN phones offer secure and encrypted communication for public authorities, hospitals and other sensitive institutions.
Security.
ISDN systems offer technical and security-related benefits that make them a top choice for most businesses:
- Encryption: ISDN devices allow audio data to be encrypted and securely transmitted, minimising the risk of phone tapping. This, combined with the physical separation of the ISDN lines, lays the foundations for robust security.
- Closed infrastructure: Contrary to VoIP which is internet-based and therefore susceptible to cyberattacks, ISDN uses a closed infrastructure to minimise the risk of unauthorised access. The physical separation of the lines and the ISDN network's infrastructure make it difficult for potential attackers to get in.
- Stable and secure connections: ISDN systems are not liable to typical internet security issues like DDoS attacks and the reliability and consistent performance of the lines ensure that security measures remain effective and don’t compromise the quality or stability of the connection.
Technical features.
ISDN phones are packed with features that make them a powerful and versatile solution:
- Digital signal transmission: ISDN phone systems leverage digital signal transmission technologies to ensure clear and reliable audio and a more stable connection when compared with analogue phones.
- Advanced features: ISDN systems support call forwarding, hold, phone conferencing, call recording and much more. One of the biggest benefits is the capability for supporting several phones via a single line to boost flexibility and scalability for optimised communications and increased efficiency.
- Compatibility: As a rule, ISDN phones are compatible with variety of ISDN systems and networks to considerably facilitate integration into existing telecommunications structures.
- User-friendliness: ISDN phones are user-friendly in design and come with an intuitive interface to help get the most out of the multiple features.
- Robust design: ISDN phones are built for durability and designed for day-to-day use in commercial settings.
Comparing ISDN and VoIP.
When buying an ISDN phone, it’s important to understand the differences between ISDN and VoIP.
Depending on your specific requirements, ISDN and VoIP offer different advantages. ISDN stands out thanks to its proven stability, high security and excellent voice quality while VoIP scores highly in terms of flexibility, cost efficiency and advanced features. ISDN phone systems are ideal for businesses looking for reliable communications solutions and VoIP offers modern options for flexible and cost-effective communication.
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ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
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VoIP (Voice Over IP)
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Communication
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Digital (not packet based)
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Packet-based data transfer via the internet
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Voice quality
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Consistently high
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Varies depending on the internet connection, modern systems optimise quality
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Security
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High security thanks to physically isolated lines
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Dependent on network protection measures
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Flexibility
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Less flexible, fixed lines
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High flexibility and simple scalability
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Mobility
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Limited due to physical connection
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High mobility, wireless connectivity available
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Reliability
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Excellent stability and reliability
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Dependent on the internet connection and network stability
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Costs
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Running costs tend to be higher
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Cost-effective thanks to using existing internet connection
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There are advantages to both technologies.
- ISDN: Perfect for high stability and security demands
- VoIP: Characterised by flexibility, mobility and cost efficiency
Our online shop is home to a wide range of accessories and solutions for both technologies, allowing you to optimally configure your communications infrastructure.
Accessories.
To maximise functionality and user-friendliness, Bechtle has a portfolio of compatible accessories from multiple manufacturers:
- Headsets: Both wired and wireless headsets offer comfort and mobility, especially in call centre environments and for users who are often on the phone. Headsets with noise cancellation ensure clear communication even in loud environments.
- Connectivity: Our extensive selection of accessories includes cables, adapters, amplifiers and specific VoIP routers suitable for all types of phones including ISDN, analogue and VoIP devices. To smooth the transition to internet telephony, we also have licences, warranty extensions and cables for conferencing systems. In fact, we have products from renowned manufacturers such as Poly, Apple, Yealink and many more.
- Cables and adapters: To optimally expand and optimise your ISDN phone system, you need reliable connection components such as ISDN/modem cables, adapters, plugs, analogue cables/adapters, cable untanglers, port doublers and ISDN patch panels to ensure the centralised and clear distribution of your phone lines.
Optimise your data management with Bechtle.
Bechtle offers premium ISDN phones from leading manufacturers for guaranteed secure and stable communications. We’ve also got the perfect accessories such as headsets, cables and adapters. Order from Bechtle today and optimise your communications infrastructure!
