private branch exchange

What is a Private Branch Exchange? (PBX)

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What is a private branch exchange?

Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a telephone network that allows a company to have a private switchboard. Employees can dial each other’s extensions and also make outside calls. PBX systems can be either on-premises or hosted by a third-party provider.

Examples of Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems include Avaya, Mitel, NEC, and ShoreTel. Hosted PBX providers include 8×8, Vonage and RingCentral.

What does a PBX system do?

PBX systems have evolved over the years to include telephone capabilities and advanced features like voice mail, faxing, and conferencing. Many PBX systems now use IP technology, allowing employees to access their phone system through softphones on their computers or smartphones.

With a PBX system, an employee can make calls from anywhere in the world as long as they have internet access. PBX systems allow companies to consolidate telephone extensions and create a customized interface for employees and callers.

What are the components of Private Branch Exchange?

The following are the main components making up a PBX system.

  • Console – where an administrator can make changes to the system. It can include a touch screen for easy navigation, two lines and hold buttons, volume control, and even a USB port for adding peripherals like printers or fax machines.
  • Network – the connection that allows all PBX components to communicate.
  • Trunks – the channels that connect the PBX system to the telephone network
  • Extensions – the individual phone lines that allow employees to make calls
  • Phones – the devices that employees use to make calls. They can be desk phones or softphones downloaded onto employees’ mobile devices or computers.
  • Auto Attendants – the menus that allow callers to navigate the PBX system when looking for specific departments or individuals. They can provide options like pressing 1 for accounts payable, 2 for human resources, and more.
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What are the different types of private branch exchange systems?

The four main types of PBX systems include:

On-Premises PBX

On-Premises PBX is a system that is installed in a company’s office. It allows call stability and ideal sound quality since the calls are routed through its network. It also enables companies to control their phone system since they are responsible for maintaining the hardware and software.

Hosted PBX

Hosted PBX is a system that a third-party provider hosts. It provides companies with flexibility since they can add or remove users at any time. It also offers disaster recovery if something happens to the company’s office. The downside is that it can be more expensive than an on-premises system.

Hybrid PBX

Hybrid PBX is a system that combines the features of an on-premises PBX system with those of a hosted PBX system. It allows companies to have the best of both worlds and is more cost-effective than a hosted PBX system.

Cloud-based PBX

Cloud-based PBX is a system that provides PBX capabilities over the internet instead of through a company’s network. The advantages of a cloud-based phone system are that it saves companies from purchasing additional hardware and allows them to add or remove users whenever they want.

Where is a PBX located?

A traditional PBX would be physically located in a company’s office, but these days the PBX is more likely to be a piece of software.

How do you use PBX?

A PBX is used by dialing a specific number and then entering the extension of the person or department that you want to reach. You can also use an auto attendant to navigate the system and find the person or department you need.

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