Phone Jargon Deciphered

CLI

Calling Line Identification. This identifies the callers telephone number and shows the person answering the phone who is calling them.It is used to provide a more personal service.

DECT

Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephone. Lets the user go "walkabout" in the office or warehouse whilst still retaining the functionality of the desktop phone system.

ISDN

Integrated Services Digital Network. Allows you to benefit from the speed and cost effectiveness of Digital Telephone Lines. There is ISDN2E which is a maximum of 2 digital channels and ISDN30 (or sometimes called ISDN PRI), which allows for up to 30 channels for calls.

WAN

Wide Area Network. Gives access to a network for users from different sites or towns and even countries, as if they were all working on a single network.

Auto Attendant

An automated system that allows callers to select from a series of options eg. "press 1 for Sales, press 2 for Customer Services, 3 for Accounts ...

DDI

Direct Dial Inwards. Callers can phone an extension directly without going via a receptionist or operator. Sometimes called DID (Direct Inwards Dialling)

VOIP

Voice Over Internet Protocol. Transports voice calls over a network in the same way as your computer network.

LAN

Local Area Nework. A high bandwidth private communications network based in a relatively small area, such as an Office Building.

PBX

Private Branch Exchange. (Your Office Telephone System). Allows control and routing of calls via an operator or DDI.