ALSO CALLED: Switching Equipment and KTS
DEFINITION: A private automatic branch exchange (PABX) is an automatic telephone switching system within a private enterprise. Originally, such systems - called private branch exchanges (PBX) - required the use of a live operator. Since almost all private branch exchanges today are automatic, the abbreviation "PBX" usually implies a "PABX."

Some manufacturers of PABX (PBX) systems distinguish  … 
Definition continues below.

TELEPHONE SWITCHES DEFINITION (continued): … A private automatic branch exchange (PABX) is an automatic telephone switching system within a private enterprise. Originally, such systems - called private branch exchanges (PBX) - required the use of a live operator. Since almost all private branch exchanges today are automatic, the abbreviation "PBX" usually implies a "PABX."

Some manufacturers of PABX (PBX) systems distinguish their products from others by creating new kinds of private branch exchanges. Rolm offers a Computerized Branch Exchange (CABX) and Usha Informatics offers an Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange (EPABX).

For additional information, see private branch exchange.
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