Everyone’s data needs, especially businesses’, have only been increasing with time. Traditional ways of internet connection can not keep up with the increasing pace anymore. That’s where advanced solutions like VoIP come into play. Today, we will compare VoIP with one of the older internet technologies, ISDN.
The main goal of this blog is to understand the differences between them. By the end of this blog, hopefully, you will learn the advantages of shifting from an ISDN connection to a VoIP one.
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, a technology that transfers data using the Internet. The data could be voice calls, video calls, files, video conferencing, etc. The infrastructure for a VoIP network does not comprise physical wires, like in a traditional landline network. It only utilises the internet to access devices and connect two points.
Compare VoIP Phone System Quotes Today
How does VoIP work?
VoIP works by converting the analogue signals into digital signals to send them from one location to another using the internet. We can explain the working of VoIP by looking at the following three steps:
- You make a VoIP call and start speaking to initiate the conversation. The voice, consisting of analogue signals, gets converted into digital signals.
- These digital signals are sent to the VoIP provider’s network, where they are converted into IP packets. These packets are essential to compress larger data into smaller chunks so they take up less internet bandwidth to travel. This process of compression and decompression is carried out by specific algorithms called codecs.
- Finally, the IP packets reach the other end of the VoIP call, where they are converted back into analogue signals so the person can hear you. These processes are done via a cloud PBX using the internet, so it doesn’t depend on the device configuration. That is the reason why VoIP can use any type of device (smartphone, laptop, tablet ) as long as it can connect to the internet.
Components of a VoIP system
To operate a basic VoIP system, we need three main components:
- An internet connection- make sure that the strength of the connection supports the working of a VoIP connection, as the call quality depends on it.
- A subscription to a VoIP service – can be of two types, hosted VoIP or on-premises.
- A device capable of using the internet.
- A headset to maintain the privacy of calls.
- A VoIP adapter – to be attached to traditional landline deskphones to make them usable for a VoIP system.
What is ISDN technology?
Integrated Services Digital Network is a technology from the 1850s that was developed as an upgrade for traditional landline phone systems. The system uses an infrastructure of physical copper wires that connect the ISDN lines to the PBX at your business location.
With this technology, data (voice calls and internet) is transferred via digital signals.
How does ISDN work?
ISDN uses small devices called terminal adapters, which are built into ISDN phones or routers. These convert the analogue signals of your normal speaking voice into digital data. That is also the reason why ISDN requires specialised hardware to work. In short, a voice call made through an ISDN connection would go like this:
- You speak at one end of the phone → The terminal adapter converts your voice into digital signals.
- These digital signals travel through the copper line.
- On the other end of the line, another adapter converts the digital signals back into analogue signals so the person can hear you.
Will ISDN technology go obsolete in 2025?
Yes, ISDN technology will go obsolete soon. Not in 2025, but it is predicted that the complete shutdown of the PSTN and ISDN networks will take place by 2027. The reason is that the communication quality, speed, and capacity of traditional networks are not able to meet modern data needs.
That is why now is the best time to shift from your ISDN network to a better option. It is not just for the sake of the shift, but there are quite a few advantages to be gained from a VoIP connection that we have discussed before. After a clear comparison, you’d be able to understand the need for this shift, too.
How is ISDN different from landline telephony?
ISDN and landline telephony both use a similar copper wire network, so what is the difference between them? Well, there are not a lot of differences in the infrastructure of both technologies, instead, it lies in the way data is transferred. Analogue signals are transferred in the case of PSTN, and digital ones in an ISDN network.
Even though this distinction doesn’t sound like a lot, it impacts the overall quality, speed, and efficiency of data transfer using the two connections. ISDN uses digital signals, which result in less data loss over the network and faster communication, and automatically makes it superior to a PSTN connection.
VoIP vs ISDN: Differences at a glance
| Features | ISDN | VoIP |
|---|---|---|
|
Technology |
|
|
|
Phone Number |
|
|
|
Future Proofing |
|
|
|
Advanced Features |
|
|
|
Call Quality |
|
|
|
Scalability and Portability |
|
|
VoIP vs ISDN: 5 major differences explained
1. Phone number
With an ISDN connection, the phone number given by the provider is restricted to a specific connection or a handful of devices. Since the devices need to be connected to the ISDN lines physically, calls can only be made in-office.
In case of a VoIP connection, a virtual number is assigned to the customer by the provider. This virtual number can be accessed by any device with the VoIP application installed and an internet connection. This means your employees can make or receive VoIP calls remotely.
2. Future proof
What will happen when ISDN connections go obsolete all over the UK? All the copper networks would not function anymore and would become useless. Way before that happens, switching to a better communication system seems like the best option for businesses. On the other hand, VoIP is here to stay. As long as the internet is relevant, all the IP-based technologies, including VoIP are future-proof and not going obsolete anytime soon.
3. Advanced features
An ISDN connection allows you to make calls and use the internet digitally. Apart from these two basic features, it doesn’t offer any advanced features. However, a VoIP connection offers integration with the already working applications or platforms of a business. So you get more than just voice and video calls when it comes to VoIP.
4. Call quality
ISDN offers a better call quality with less clutter and interruptions as compared to a standard broadband connection, but it is still not comparable to the quality offered by a VoIP connection.
A VoIP call allows you to make local and international calls at a much affordable rate, along with the option of having an HD quality. It mainly depends on the internet connection, so a steady network is a requirement.
5. Scalability and portability
A VoIP connection is scalable, meaning it has the ability to adjust itself to your business needs. Adding or removing users in a VoIP connection can be easily done remotely, without changing any infrastructure. However, the same is not the case with an ISDN connection. Just like a traditional landline telephone system, it also needs a physical connection per user to add it. Similarly, the existing ISDN line would have to be removed in case of downsizing a network.
Steps to switch from ISDN to VoIP
Let us take a look at the steps you need to take to upgrade your ISDN connection to a VoIP one.
1. Evaluate your Internet Connection
To set up a VoIP connection, you need to have an internet connection with a minimum bandwidth of 100 kbps. You might want to check if your existing internet connection is enough for the data requirement, or if it needs to be upgraded.
2. Check your Hardware devices
A VoIP connection doesn’t restrict you to using a specific type of device to make or receive calls. But if you were previously using an ISDN connection, you might want to consider what you want to do with the previous hardware. You can either discard the traditional landline deskphones or you could use them for a VoIP device after pairing up with a VoIP adapter. How much you spend on buying new hardware for your VoIP connection is dependent on your decision.
3. Choose your VoIP Provider
A VoIP connection doesn’t restrict you to using a specific type of device to make or receive calls. But if you were previously using an ISDN connection, you might want to consider what you want to do with the previous hardware. You can either discard the traditional landline deskphones or you could use them for a VoIP device after pairing up with a VoIP adapter. How much you spend on buying new hardware for your VoIP connection is dependent on your decision.
4. Setup and test the new system
Before implementing the new VoIP system, set it up and see if it works fine. Conduct a test VoIP call for the last step in the process. If your network works fine, it is now ready to be used by all your employees.
Ready to Make the Switch to VoIP? Find Your Perfect Provider with ComparedBusiness UK
Now that you understand the differences between ISDN and VoIP, it’s the perfect time to take the next step. ComparedBusiness UK helps you find the best VoIP providers for your business needs. Simply share your requirements in less than 2 minutes, and we will connect you with trusted VoIP providers offering competitive quotes, all at no cost to you.
FAQs
No, even though both use a copper framework for their connection doesn’t mean that they are also the same technology. ISDN is the advanced form of a landline phone system because it transfers data by converting it into a digital signal, which improves the efficiency and speed of the whole process.
No, ISDN does not need an internet connection to work. It solely transfers data using the infrastructure of physical copper wires.
