EPABX Telephone Systems

Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange

By Lori Shepherd
Updated: March 28, 2011

Luckily for business owners and decision makers at organizations considering purchasing telecommunication systems, the market has much to offer in the way of traditional, VoIP, PBX solutions. In the category of PBX, the private automatic branch exchange or EPABX is one to seriously consider.

New Trends in EPABX

One of the latest trends in EPABX development is the introduction of IP enabled EPABX which uses the internet protocol to rout calls. In fact, today many enterprises rely on it, as it offers them a competitive advantage considering its ability to facilitate data and video communication. This is an advanced EPABX utilizing division switching and stored program control. The system does not require an EPABX operator. EPABX technology provides internal communications for a finite set of users and enables telephone line sharing that works like a miniature telephone exchange.

An Array of Flexibility

EPABX’s flexibility allows users to connect the extensions it needs for the organization. It also provides access to outside telephone lines, called trunks, which connect the private branch exchange to the telephone company's central office. This technology allows parties from different departments to talk to each other without moving from his/her place. A receptionist can transfer an outside call to any of the internal extensions, if needed.

EPABX Systems and Features

These systems support VoIP and considering the fact that recent open source technology combined with affordable hardware are significantly reducing the costs of owning an EPABX platform, may prove highly cost effective for enterprises of every kind. Depending upon the configuration of the EPABX system, features can vary but essentially this technology comes with the potential for a wide array of customizable features which can be added or removed as needed. Examples of possible features are call waiting, conference call, custom greetings, busy override, night service, shared message boxes, voice mail/messaging, all line merging, auto call answer, conference calling, call metering, and more.

EPABX Components

A standard EPABX is comprised of the following technology:

  • Internal switching network
  • EPABX microcontrollers and microcomputer for arbitrary data processing in the EPABX for control of the EPABX and logic systems of the EPABX.
  • Logic cards, witching and control cards, power cards and related devices that facilitate EPABX operation.
  • Stations or telephone sets.
  • External Telco trunks.
  • Console for the EPABX switchboard

Telecommunications for small to large enterprises is the heart center of effective communications for employees, clients, and overall staff. EPABX appears to deliver a viable solution for expanding use of a limited number of phone lines while also delivering an arsenal of great features.

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