NC Electronics

 

Telephone Systems

 

 

NC Electronics specializes in the custom installation of sophisticated phone systems for any residential or commercial space. A phone system from NC Electronics is installed offers a variety of features that are beneficial for large-scale use. Speakerphone, teleconferencing, intercom, station-to-station calling, speed dialing, and memory are only some of the features that can be customized to the user’s requests. A telephone communications system can also control a number of devices — doorbell intercoms, property gate locks, and garage door locks.

 

Different Types of Telephone Systems

 

There are three major types of commercial phone systems on the market today: Key systems, Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems, and KSU-less phones. The type of system you choose will depend on how many stations (extensions) you need and what features you require. A fourth type of phone system uses Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to route your internal calls over data networks, instead of traditional phone lines. For some businesses, VoIP systems can provide significant cost savings and other benefits.

 

Key Systems - Also known as KSU (key system unit). These systems are typically for companies with between 5 and 40 employees, and are what most people think about when they imagine an office phone system. Key systems employ a “phone cabinet” that houses routing software, and use the public switched telephone network (PTSN) or landline system to route calls.

Most multi-line telephone systems are called "key systems," perhaps because the line-selection buttons resemble piano keys. A key system usually includes phones, wire, hardware and a central control unit, which is a specialized computer often called a "KSU" (Key Service Unit). 

 

KSU-less systems - A growing number of phone systems have all of the circuitry that used to be housed inside a KSU built into the phones. They are called "KSU-less" systems. You can get a system with all corded phones, or a mix of corded and cordless. KSU-less systems are easier to install than KSU-based systems and are usually less expensive, but may not offer the capacity and features found in KSU-based systems. Systems are available with 2 or 4 lines, and up to several dozen phones. 

If your company has fewer than 10 employees, you may be able to meet your telephone needs with a KSU-less system. The phones themselves contain the technology necessary to allow them to communicate with each other without requiring a central cabinet. KSU-less systems are not permanently wired into your office. These phones can easily be unplugged and moved to a new location or sold. This allows you to treat a KSU-less system like any other business machine rather than as a permanent investment in your premises. And they are also more susceptible to “crosstalk,” a problem in which separate conversations bleed into each other. With hybrid key systems dropping so far in price, KSU-less systems present more risk than they are worth for most businesses.

 

PBX Systems - Also known as Private Branch Exchange (PBX). These phone systems are for companies with more than 40 employees. PBX systems will give your company advanced functionality, and are highly customizable. PBX systems are completely programmable and can support complex implementation, so you may need to consider maintenance costs along with the costs of the system itself.

 

If your company has more than 40 employees, or if you need advanced functionality, PBX systems are the best solution. While that still can be the case for large installations, the technology has progressed to the point where a powerful PBX for a small company can sit unobtrusively on a desk. Most PBX’s come standard with all the features you might want. In addition, they are totally programmable, so they can support the most complex implementations. You'll pay a premium for this flexibility, but in many cases the price difference between PBX systems and less adaptable solutions will be smaller than you might expect.

 

VoIP Systems - Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - VoIP phone systems can offer significant cost savings as well as many other benefits. VoIP runs over Internet lines and routes your calls over a data network. Though internet connections have become pretty dependable, VoIP still relies on a good connection to operate, and could leave you susceptible to network outages and/or limited bandwidth.

 

VoIP represents the latest in phone system technology. With it, regular voice calls are sent over a computer network instead of traditional phone lines. There are two basic varieties of VoIP. In its most straightforward form, VoIP phone service requires a regular phone, an adapter, broadband Internet service, and a subscription to a VoIP service. When you place a call, it is sent over the Internet as data until it nears the recipient’s destination. Then the call is translated back into a more traditional format and completes the trip over standard phone lines. This type of service can be used on ANY type of phone system including traditional residential phones. There are also VoIP phone systems – equipment installed at your business that routes internal calls over your computer network. With a VoIP phone system, you can unite multiple offices on a single phone system. However, it does not replace your existing phone service to the outside world. VoIP phone systems can work for the smallest offices and the largest enterprises. 

 

Unlike regular phone systems that get set up and basically forgotten, VoIP systems require more attention. Like any software application, your VoIP server will require occasional upgrades and maintenance. By definition, VoIP phones are also network-dependent. To businesses where phone service is absolutely critical, this can be a concern since computer networks can occasionally be brought down by a server crash or other problem. However a good IT staff can prevent most outages and react quickly when one occurs. Potential outages are another reason why having a mix of digital and VoIP can be advantageous: it creates a more comfortable level of redundancy. Companies that have backup power systems in place can keep their PBX running, and the digital phone system within the main office will continue to operate even if the data network is unavailable.

 

                                                             

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Paging Systems

 

Paging Systems are most commonly used in factories, schools, hospitals, and any setting where it is necessary to make announcements or page for individuals over a public address system. Paging systems work in conjunction with phone systems, eliminating the need for additional paging interface equipment. NC Electronics can help your business to incorporate a paging system for small or large applications.

NC Electronics  will be your partner for the installation of functional and effective paging systems in any commercial space.