PBX

ALSO CALLED: Private Branch Exchanges, Telecommunications Switches, CBX, Computer-controlled Branch Exchange
DEFINITION: A PBX (private branch exchange) is a telephone system within an enterprise that switches calls between enterprise users on local lines while allowing all users to share a certain number of external phone lines. The main purpose of a PBX is to save the cost of requiring a line for each user to the telephone company's central office.The PBX is owned and operated by the enterprise rather than the telephone  … 
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PBX DEFINITION (continued): …  company (which may be a supplier or service provider, however). Private branch exchanges used analog technology originally. Today, PBXs use digital technology (digital signals are converted to analog for outside calls on the local loop using plain old telephone service).A PBX includes: Telephone trunk (multiple phone) lines that terminate at the PBXA computer with memory that manages the switching of the calls within the PBX and in and out of itThe network of lines within the PBXUsually a console or switchboard for a human operatorIn some situations, alternatives to a PBX include centrex service … 
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