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[+44 330 383 8000](tel:+443303838000 "+44 330 383 8000") ![](/images/getstarted-writetous-navbar-int_ZY7MOf.webp) ### Write to us Fill out our request form. Our experts will respond as soon as possible. [Write to us](/gb/request-information "Write to us") ### Pulse dialing [The pulse dialing method in detail](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/pulse-dialing#section-3) [The difference to multi-frequency signaling](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/pulse-dialing#section-4) [Pulse dialing method also via VoIP-compatible phone systems](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/pulse-dialing#section-5) # Pulse dialing The pulse dialing method, or pulse method for short, is a method for dialing and connecting a phone number over the telephone network. The acronym for the pulse method is IWF. In the early age of the telephone a "miss operator" still manually connected the phone calls, and the pulse dialing method was one of the first methods which allowed the subscriber to communicate the respective telephone number to the automatic exchange directly. The pulse method was later replaced by so-called multi-frequency signaling, or MF for short. Another term for multi-frequency signaling is DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency). Many [telephone systems](t3://page?uid=16) today still support both pulse dialing and multi-frequency signaling via their analog connections. ### The pulse dialing method in detail The pulse dialing method was technically determined by how the rotary dial of the telephone works. When the caller picks up the receiver and operates the rotary dial, it disconnects the loop between the telephone and the exchange at a specific frequency and at defined intervals based on the number dialed. The analog exchange switch uses these disconnections to determine which telephone number the subscriber dialed and forwards these to the so-called rotary switch as current pulses. A certain pause between the individual numbers must be maintained for correct signaling. Even analog phones with push-buttons typically support the pulse method. The devices can be flexibly configured for the pulse method and multi-frequency signaling. The pulse dialing method is referred to as in-band signaling, since the telephone number is transmitted over the voice channel and can be heard by the subscriber. ### The difference to multi-frequency signaling Multi-frequency signaling is also a form of in-band signaling. However, here the telephone numbers are not transmitted as pulses, but consist of a mix of difference frequencies. Each number is represented by two specific frequencies. The switching center filters these frequencies out of the voice channel and determines the respective number. ### Pulse dialing method also via VoIP-compatible phone systems Many VoIP-compatible phone systems still allow the use of telephones which support the pulse dialing method. The analog telephone ports in many phone systems automatically recognize whether a device is using the pulse dialing method or multi-frequency signaling. If a system only supports multi-frequency signaling, a pulse to tone converter can be used to connect a pulse telephone. ### Related Articles ### Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) **What is VoIP?** The **Voice over Internet Protocol,** also called IP telephony, is a method of communication for making calls over a broadband Internet connection as an alternative to regular calls made over an analogue phone using the [PSTN](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/pstn). These VoIP calls can happen entirely over the Internet but where required, gateways also link to the PSTN. This means that VoIP users can still connect to anyone with a telephone number including local, mobile, and international numbers. VoIP services can be accessed from a computer with a so-called [softphone,](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/softphones) from an IP phone, from a smartphone or from a conventional landline phone that is connected to a VoIP adapter. 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