What is IP PBX? (Complete Guide)

An IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange) is a business communication system that routes inbound and outbound telephone calls over the internet rather than traditional copper phone lines. By converting analog voice signals into digital data, it allows businesses to access advanced features like video conferencing, call recording, and mobile extensions at a fraction of the cost of traditional telecom.

Cloud PBX or Hosted PBX is not physically onsite of the business. Cloud-based phone systems are hosted offsite over the Internet and does not require any hardware. It uses the cloud configuration to provide server access.

How does an IP PBX Work?

At its core, an IP PBX phone system eliminates the need for a physical connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Instead, it relies on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

Here is exactly how the call routing works behind the scenes:

Digital Conversion: When you speak, the IP PBX converts your analog voice signal into digital data packets.

SIP Addressing: Every user (or extension) on the network is assigned a unique SIP address.

Internal Routing: If you dial a coworker’s extension, the IP PBX maps the call directly to their SIP address over your local network (LAN). Because it never touches an outside phone line, internal calls are completely free.

External Routing: If you dial an outside number, the IP PBX routes the digital packets through a SIP Trunk directly to your VoIP provider, connecting you to the outside world seamlessly.

Benefits of IP PBX System

Adapting to IP PBX in your organization can add tremendous value to your business and team productivity. Listing down some reasons why it’s a decision worth making.

Reduces Telecom Expenses

Using VoIP PBX can help organisation to reduce telecom cost drastically due to the SIP trunking that the VoIP technology offers.

Easy to Install

IP PBX runs on software and so does not need any high priced PBX equipment. As an enterprise, a lot of setup cost is saved easily. VoIP phones are internet-based phone systems, so their set-up or installation is more comfortable since they use the same network for both data and voice (connected via LAN) only.

Simpler Maintenance and Config Management

IP-PBX systems are moderately easy to oversee. Most IP-based telephone frameworks accompany a simple Web Configuration interface that makes it simple for clients to oversee, arrange, or calibrate the telephone framework.

An IP-PBX can easily monitor and make changes anywhere; it can also be set up remotely. The updates and releases can be installed by the admin remotely, too. It’s an entirely self-adjusting and readily accessible infrastructure.

Scalability

You wouldn’t want to pay for additional lines and extensions if you are a growing business. IP-PBX was designed to scale. It readily allows enterprises to seamlessly add and remove several users or extensions at minimum or no cost.

Resiliency

IP-PBX comes with fault tolerance; one can set up backup servers, as a single point of failure in infrastructure may lead to significant downtime in case of unforeseen circumstances. In case of downtime, the server switched to another available server to minimize downtime and maximize uptime in businesses.

Enhanced team productivity

IP-PBX connects team within the organization effortlessly. It ensures that all workers are well connected for business communication resulting in better work productivity. At the same time, it also improve a company’s services as well as promote better collaboration among employees.

IP PBX Features:

Smart Phone Extension with Wi-fi client

With IP PBX, you can configured with your Smart phone as an PBX extension. You can make calls or receive calls using the same phone number and extension as your desk phone. This feature enables to communicate with your customers, clients, or internal office team even when you are not at your desk or in the office.

Video calling/conferencing:

Video calling /conferencing features help the organisation to connect with remote workers efficiently. *astTECS IP PBX provides built-in video conferencing with features such as screen sharing, document upload, whiteboard with text tools, mute and chat options.

Web- based receptionist Console:

With web based receptionist console features, *astTECS IP PBX enables the operator to view the detail information about PBX activities in real time. It helps the operator to operate efficiently and perform quality call monitoring .

Distributed Office Setup:

You don’t need to set up a different telephone system for every office location. You can connect all the office locations with a central phone system which will eliminate your site-to-site calling cost.

IVR (Interactive Voice Response)

IVR is a technology that allows businesses to connect with customers using pre-recorded voice messages and DTMF / voice input through a keypad to automate inbound calls. It interacts with callers, takes general details, and routes calls to appropriate agents thus helps the organisation to enhance customer service while reducing the operational cost

Call Recording or Voice Logger

With in-built call recording software, IP PBX enables you to record both incoming & outgoing calls for quality monitoring and disputes resolution. It also generate the call detail reports with source,destination, time and duration. The optional speech analysis helps you to increase the workforce efficiencies tremendously.

VoiceMail to Email

When the call is not connected, Users can send voicemail as an attachment with the message and agents can easily reply to it using their mobile. It increases productivity and doesn’t affect work continuity.

Integration with Existing EPABX

*astTECS IP PBX can be integrated with your old traditional PBX system or EPABX seamlessly and provides advanced features such as voicemail to email, IVR, distributed office setup, unlimited voice recording.

Integration with Third Party Software

*astTECS IP PBX is developed on Open Source Technology and can be easily integrated with all the major third party software such as CRM (Zoho, Salesforce, leadsquare, Vtiger etc), SMS, Email, WhatsApp, Chatbot etc. No vendor lock-in or limitations to integrate with other systems or devices.

Conclusion:

Well, IP PBX is here to stay and spending on it, is sensible, even if you are a recently founded company or an established enterprise already using a PBX. IP- PBX will give you significant savings in maintenance, management, and call costs, and switching to it is an obvious next without any further undo.

From the cost incurred in the establishment and calling rates, versatility to simpler management, IP PBX frameworks offer many favourable circumstances to organizations. IP PBX gives you a variety of options to choose from such as on-site system, cloud PBX or hybrid PBX. So if you haven’t changed to an IP PBX, then it’s time to consider making a move.

*astTECS IP PBX is a phone system that unifies multiple communication methods within a business such as phone calls, video conferencing, messaging, Email, SMS , Fax, Whatsapp and the list goes on . It helps to streamline communications and enhances team collaboration.

To know more on *astTECS IP PBX solution Contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)