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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") ### TC systems [IP telephone systems](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/tc-systems#section-3) [Cloud telephone systems](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/tc-systems#section-4) [Choosing the right TC system provider](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/tc-systems#section-5) # TC systems Telecommunications (TC) systems are switching systems that connect several devices, such as phones, fax machines or answering machines, to each other and to the public telephone network. They are also known as [telephone systems](t3://page?uid=16), private branch exchanges ([PBX](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/private-branch-exchange-pbx)) or switchboards. With TC systems, users can make internal calls between connected phones – or extensions – free of charge, or switch to the public telephone network for chargeable outbound calls. Depending on the total number of trunk lines available for external calls, several outbound calls are possible from different extensions at the same time. Since the connected devices share the available trunk lines, a telecommunications system allows organisations to use their paid-for phone lines more efficiently. Depending on the system and its configuration, incoming calls can be forwarded automatically to the appropriate extension using a direct dial number,or transferred manually via an operator console. ### IP telephone systems In line with the trend for digitalisation, like many other originally analogue systems, telecommunications systems have evolved into fully digital systems, so-called [IP telephone systems](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/internet-telephony). These systems use [Voice over IP](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/voice-over-ip) (VoIP) technology and provide both analogue connector ports and digital (IP) ports for a wide range of devices. Devices are connected using a cable or wirelessly via [DECT](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/dect) or WiFi. With IP telephone systems, voice and data merge – along with their related applications, paving the way for new functionality. ### Cloud telephone systems Cloud telephone systems are modern **IP telephony systems** that are hosted in the cloud by a third-party provider. One example is **Cloudya**, the [cloud telephone system](t3://page?uid=16) from NFON. The cloud approach means that businesses no longer have to install and maintain on-premises switching hardware: To use cloud telephony, all they need is an Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth. Theoretically, the maximum number of simultaneous phone calls is only limited by the bandwidth of the Internet connection. Users simply access and configure the cloud telephone system and its services from a web browser. One significant advantage of cloud systems is their capacity for flexible expansion. Connecting additional offices, users or extensions is usually a purely software-based process, with no need for implementing any additional hardware. Cloud telephone systems also bring invaluable benefits for businesses with a distributed, remote workforce, for example, where a number of employees work from home. They allow users to access all telephony features from virtually anywhere via a smartphone app, their tablet or laptop. Each user is available under their extension number at any time and on any device. New users and extensions can be added quickly and easily. All of this allows for more flexible mobile working. ### Choosing the right TC system provider Organisations planning to switch to cloud telephony should consider the following criteria when selecting the right TC system provider: 1. **Flexibility** – a commercial model that enables seamless and rapid scaling 2. **Speed** – a real cloud solution can be implemented in a very short time 3. **Bandwidth** usage – choose a solution that needs limited bandwidth to avoid the company network becoming overloaded and to maintain the best call quality. If necessary, consider using a separate Internet connection for IP telephony. Nconnect Data is a solution from NFON that provides high-performance Internet access and supports Cloudya’s functionality. 4. **Availabilit**y – does the provider operate in multiple countries and offer local phone numbers? How reliable is the international service To find out more about the advantages of cloud telephone systems and NFON’s solution, please follow this link: [Cloudya](t3://page?uid=16) ### Related Articles ### Answering machine An answering machine is able to accept missed calls and greet the caller with a personalised message. After the message is played it provides the option to leave a message which the called person can listen to on their return. The call acceptance by the answering machine can be configured in a number of ways: Answering machines can be set so that they only play a short message, without a subsequent recording option. They can answer every call immediately or after a certain number of rings. They can also be set so that no calls will be accepted. Modern answering machines are also able to store fax calls so that they are available for later retrieval or printing out. The earliest devices were equipped with magnetic audio tape, on which the welcome messages and caller messages were stored. Modern answering machines are almost exclusively equipped with digital storage. [Answering machine](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/answering-machine) ### 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. [Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/voice-over-ip) ### DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications, abbreviated to DECT, is the name of a standard for the wireless transmission of telephone calls or data. DECT is often used for cordless telephony in buildings and has established a strong presence in this market. A cordless phone with this standard usually consists of a DECT base station and one or more handsets. The DECT base station is connected to the network by an analogue or digital phone line. It handles the radio part of the phone connectionand voice transmission with the handsets. Systems using the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications standard allow a single base station to support up to 6 cordless handsets. The frequency range uses various radio bands at around the 2 GHz range. A handset can be used at distances of up to 50 metres indoors and up to 300 metres in an open environment and reach standard data rates of 32 kilobits per second. The maximum transmission power of the base station is limited, so that coverage over any greater distance can only be achieved with booster units. In order to be used, a handset must first be authenticated by a base station. In general, this is accomplished by using a special PIN, set by the user. The DECT standard can also provide the encrypted transfer of user data, thereby protecting it from unauthorised access. However, this type of transmission is relatively rarely used and is not implemented in many phones. In order to reduce so-called electric smog there are various methods used within Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications to minimise the transmitting power of both the base station and the handset while in idle mode. These methods are often called ECO DECT. Want to know more? [Check our leaflets](https://www.nfon.com/en/service/documentation/manuals/dect-phones)! [DECT](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/dect) ### Internet Connection The Internet allows computers, network-enabled devices or entire networks to access the Internet. The service comes from an internet service provider (ISP) and requires, depending on the access technology, a special access device or it can be used directly by terminal devices. In the broadband environment, a router is usually required, which makes a connection to the Internet and connects local devices via a LAN cable or Wi-Fi. There are various tariffs for Internet connections of different types. While flat rates tariffs allow Internet use at a flat rate, volume or time-based billing models are also available. For devices to communicate via the Internet every Internet connection requires a public Internet address, a so-called [IP address](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/ip-address). As the number of addresses is limited, techniques such as Network Address Translation (NAT) are often used, whereby multiple devices use a public address at the same time. Various services can be accessed from each Internet connection. In addition to data transfer and surfing the net, other services, such as email, video, [voice-over-IP](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/voice-over-ip) and many other applications are available. Some providers also offer their customers television via the Internet (IPTV). [Internet Connection](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/internet-connection) ### Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is another term for a telephone system or an interphone network. It refers to a system connecting a specific number of communication devices such as phones or fax machines with each other and the [Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/pstn). One or several parallel lines can be used to connect to the telephone network. 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