Analog-PBX vs. VoIP-PBX

Analog-PBX vs VoIP-PBX. VoIP PBX has significant advantages comparing to traditional Analog PBX.

Costs:

VoIP PBX withmuch better on cost-efficiency. You can use an old x86 PC to build a Enterprise-Class PBX.

Functions:

VoIP PBX has rich functions with very low costs, so small business or individual home could own a Enterprise-Class PBX, which just big companies had it in the past.

Extension Capacity:

For analog PBX, Extension quantity relayed on the the quantity of hardware extension expanding card. You had to purchase a lot of such card to expand extension quantity.

By comparison, VoIP could have unlimited extension theoretically.

Remote extension:

Only works on VoIP PBX

	Analog PBX	VoIP PBX
Architecture	Centralized	Fully distributed
Wiring	Star topology; each desk requires a wiring from the cabinet	River topology; IP extensions can be deployed at any node over TCP/IP networks
Capacity	Capacity is limited by the hardware framework	Scalable capacity, depend on bandwidth and processor capability
Scalability	Complexity of system scalability depends on system size	Scalability can be done by using the same architecture
Networks Convergence	Voice and data require two separate networks	Voice and data are converged in one network
Internet Connectivity	Connect to Internet via VoIP gateway	Internet ready
MACs	Move, add, change extensions require physical connection adjustments	Simplified MACs; move, add, and change extensions can be as easy as plug-and-play
Extended Application	Traditional voice & call processing features	All add-on voice & call processing features implemented by software
Voice Application	Applications require designated interfaces and equipment	Software-based applications; easy to be implemented
Server Redundancy	N/A. Another complete PBX system can be configured as a backup system	Support server level redundancy
Configuration is done via phone set with command codes in common	Provide GUI or even web-based interface configuration
Off-premises Extensions	Do not support remote extensions	Remote workers and office are linked altogether by VPN/WAN
Multi-location	Cross-system linkage requires dedicated ISDN	Systems are connected by cost efficient Internet resources
CTI integration	Complex integration between PCs and telephones	PCs and phones are already integrated in one voice/data network
Average Cost Per Seat	Low to high, positively correlated with functionality and capacity	Low tomedium, independent of capacity