UCaaS vs PBX: A Deep Comparison of the Communication Systems

PBX, VoIP, UCaaS – the list of technical names seems to go on forever, especially for communication systems. If you’ve been researching alternative UC choices for your company, chances are you’ve compared these three communication platforms.

These three systems are distinct, even though they all pertain to communication and business connections in the workplace. What is the distinction between Ucaas vs PBX, VoIP, and UCaaS?

Which networking solution is best suited to your company or organization? Consider PABX an improved version of PBX (Private Branch Exchange). These words are almost interchangeable.

A Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) is an alternative to VoIP. As businesses expand, they require more phones to help clients, vendors, and staff. However, the expenses of installing and maintaining additional connections can quickly add up.

What Exactly is PABX?

PABX is a business solution for organizations that require several lines for internal and external communications. It enables businesses to use a single access number with many extensions. This is less expensive than using several landlines connected to the public network.

A firm that employs PBX or PABX functions similarly to a telephone exchange. PABX automates the switching activities required to connect calls across. That is the letter “A” in the acronym. In contrast, traditional PBX requires human switchboard operators to connect phone users.

Each device connected to the exchange in a PABX system has a unique extension number. Desk phones, computer modems, and fax machines are examples of such equipment. This method allows for several access lines while only requiring a few connections to the public network.

The public switched telephone network is another name for this network (PSTN). Many businesses use PABX to handle a large volume of incoming and outgoing calls.

What is a PABX System, and how does it work?

A PABX system is frequently owned and managed by the firm that hosts it. Many call centers and major corporations use PABX. Auto-attendant, phone conferencing, call hold, and call transfer are all standard features.

A PABX enables businesses to use more phone units than they have actual phone lines. Companies need to set extension numbers for each line device. PABX users can make free internal calls.

The following essential functions and advanced features are available in most PABX systems:

• Auto Attendant (Digital Receptionist).
• Automatic Ring Back.
• Call Forwarding.
• Call Parking
• Call Pickup.
• Call Queueing
• Call Recording.
• Call Transfer.
• Call Waiting.
• Conference Call.
• Do Not Disturb (DND).
• Direct Dial-In
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
• Ring Groups
• Speed Dialing
• Voicemail

Differences between UCaaS and PBX

The terms PBX and PABX are almost interchangeable. Both are switching systems. They’re not identical, but that’s fine. Consider PABX to be an enhanced version of the classic PBX.

A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a telephone network owned, managed, and used by a company. Human operators operate the switchboards used in phone lines in traditional PBX systems. Switchboard operators work wires physically to complete a call circuit.

It creates a POTS connection between two persons (Plain Old Telephone Service). Human-operated devices are called Private Manual Branch Exchange (PMBX).

PABX systems employ computers to automate the switching procedure. That is the primary distinction.

Nowadays, the term “PBX” can apply to both automated and manual services. In the cloud, you may host an Internet-based PBX. It can also use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) Trunking to connect to on-premises devices.

PABX functions similarly to a miniature public telephone exchange. A standard system comprises both software and hardware. Telecommunication units, routers, fax machines, modems, hubs, adapters, and switches are examples.

A firm can establish its local phone system using PABX by employing local extension numbers. These extensions get assigned to certain phones and gadgets on the corporate premises. This method makes internal phone communication easier. In-house calls do not need to get routed outside of the local network.

Users can connect to internal networks by pressing a button. A voice message greets an inbound call on a PABX. We know this as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) (IVR). It asks the caller to dial a number to contact the proper department or speak about their orders. They routed incoming calls via the PABX, depending on the code or extension number.

UCaaS

UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Solution) is a cloud-based service that combines your corporate communication tools into a single platform. Unified Communications solutions enable your company to connect phone, data, text messages, and other messaging services with everything else it uses.

Unified Communication will make it simple for you to deliver consistently high-quality customer service.

VOIP Based System

A PBX connects to the public telephone exchange for outbound calls. One or more exterior (trunk) lines are present in a conventional PBX. It remains connected to the trunk line through a set number of internal lines (extensions). To make outside calls, staff and other local users must share the external lines.

VoIP-based PBX solutions are preferable. They have an infinite number of lines or extensions. Multimedia communications are also possible with the internet protocol. An IP PBX/PABX system gets built in a variety of ways. The two most common ones are:

• Begin from the bottom and work your way up. In this scenario, a hosted IP-based PBX system is the superior and more cost-effective alternative.
• Modernize existing conventional (landline) phone systems. Using a SIP trunk provider, integrate existing phone numbers and gear.

Both systems make use of an internet connection to improve corporate telephone networks. They handle many sorts of data using ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). Consider both as a data network rather than simply one.

Summary:

Businesses benefit from more control and flexibility over their voice activation operations when using PBX. It is a workable internal collaboration option. It’s also ideal for making and receiving phone calls.

A brief list of the top SIP trunking companies will assist you in determining which service best meets your demands and budget.