The end is near for ISDN - What is it?

Modern communication is changing – BT are currently in the process of retiring all their ISDN services with a planned completion date of 2025, so, in the grand scheme of things, this major withdrawal is not too far into the future at all. It is imperative that you now start looking for an alternative to ensure that you aren’t forced to make a last-minute decision, or that you are completely left behind. We get it - changes can be daunting, and it would be easy to put all this off until 2024 – but I can assure you that, once having digested these articles, you will have a much more positive outlook on the change.

ISDN – what is it?

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a set of protocols which allow for the transmission of voice, video, and data across the vast and varying infrastructure of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). When ISDN was first unveiled to the world it was the new cutting edge ‘must have’, with features that had never been seen before, and widely considered as the first ‘high speed broadband’ that allowed voice and data to travel across the same copper lines – an innovation that was previously completely unheard of.

Why are they retiring it?

The PSTN that ISDN operates on is nearing the end of its life. It is simply not feasible to keep them running when the components used are aging so much that it is now nearly an impossibility to replace them - some parts aren’t even manufactured anymore, and most of the individuals responsible for creating the system are either enjoying their retirement or are very close to doing so. Landline services have taken a big hit over recent years, and this has coincided with the system rapidly bleeding money alongside very high maintenance costs – resulting in a system that has lost its economic viability. So changes had to be made.

What is PTSN being replaced with?

Throughout the last decade or so Telecom’s operators have been constructing revolutionary IT-based networks. The process has been carried out tactfully, which is why you may not have felt much – if any – upheaval, especially as they have only replaced certain parts of the network.

How do I prepare for the ISDN switch off?

Some businesses are still investing substantial amounts of capital in traditional ISDN phone lines – this makes absolutely no sense, as the demise of PTSN is only just around the corner (when they will need to replace everything again).

To make a transition to a full IP-based network you will have to adopt a VoIP service (that we will explore in the second part of this two-part blog series). VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is basically the new ISDN.

You can implement a VoIP telephone system in many ways:

> A Cloud hosted phone system

A Cloud hosted phone system means you haven’t got to manage the infrastructure that it resides in or pay anything out for it. One of the key features that draws people to a Cloud hosted phone system is that you use a virtual PBX that gives you the ability to be connected from anywhere at any time – cleverly appearing to your clients that you are still in the office setting, so there will be no more choosing between the sun and work as you can now sit outside and do both.

> A hybrid phone system

A hybrid phone system is a system that combines a mix of all technologies (IP, ISDN, analogue, and digital).

> A SIP trunk

A SIP trunk acts as a virtual phone line that can be purchased and plugged into any compatible PBX server.

Bringing ease to your IT team

Our team of specialists at 1-Fix offers an extensive range of business IT services - from desktop and server management to network design and cyber security assistance.

Our experts want to become vital members of your team and help you make a smooth beneficial transition to Cloud computing. In turn, this will boost the levels and quality of communication that your organisation is able to achieve. We can help you maintain a level of collaboration, communication, and productivity that can rival even the office setting, along with security that allows you to feel confident 100% of the time that you are not likely to be a victim of a cyber-attack. Please do not hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help you achieve this.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help you.