The letters PSTN stand for Public Switched Telephone Network. It is a global telephony system comprised of the public telephone networks. PSTN is a circuit-switched system. When it is used to make a call, a communication channel is established between two points. Copper wires carry analogue data (the voices) over the channel for real-time conversations.
The switched network is associated with the Internet in that PSTN can provide Internet service providers with infrastructure support. Telephone service that utilises traditional telephone
equipment and is supported by the public switched telephone network may also be called plain old telephone service (POTS). IP telephone systems use the Internet as the communication medium, while PSTN uses direct line connections.
Difference Between PSTN and VoIP Telephony
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an alternative to traditional PSTN service. The main difference between VoIP and PSTN is that Internet telephony networks employ digital technologies. VoIP is based on packet switching, while PSTN systems utilise circuit switching. With VoIP, the voice reaches a destination point through the transmission of individual network packets over the Internet.
PSTN Circuit-switching Technology
When PSTN circuit-switching technology is utilised in communications, a circuit will be dedicated to the entire transmission (phone call). Circuit-switching systems are beneficial for real-time voice transmissions, such as during phone communications. The PSTN connects sections of wiring to offer a direct line for every voice call. Newer digitally based telephone networks have been introduced which offer voice, video and data services. Comms Express can assist with PSTN connection modules that feature PSTN master sockets.