Difference Between ISDN and PSTN

ISDN vs PSTN

“PSTN” means “Public Switched Telephone Network,” and “ISDN” means “Integrated Services Digital Network.”
One of the main differences that can be seen between the two is that PSTN lines are analogue while ISDN lines are digital. When comparing the two networks, the PSTN lines are used for small companies and ISDL are used for bigger companies.

Unlike the ISDN, the PSTN are mostly used as single lines for firms or companies that need ADSL. With Integrated Services Digital Network, one can run as many as 2, 10, 20 or 30 channels that could be run with a single line.

ISDN is also called a circuit-switched telephone network system, which has been designed for the digital transmission of data and voice over ordinary phones. Unlike the PSTN, the ISDN provides better voice quality. Moreover, the ISDN provides 128 kbit/s, which is really good for the Internet. PSTN has a disadvantage that it does not make the most possible use of the broadband.

One of the key features of the Integrated Services Digital Network is that it integrates both speech and data in the same line which is not available with ordinary telephone wires. When using ISDN, one can make faster calls than when using the PSTN.

PSTN was first created by the use of fluctuating analogue signals and manually operated switchboards. Later these switchboards were replaced by auto switchboards and then by digital switching technologies.

It was in 1991 that the ISDN was developed. It was only a year later that it was really made available for the public. Basic Rate Interface, Primary Rate Interface, and Broadband-ISDN are the three types of ISDN available.

While PSTN does not allow two simultaneous connections, it is allowed in ISDN service. This means that two simultaneous connections, such as telephone, fax, data transmissions, fax, or video can be used.

Summary:

1.PSTN lines are analogue while ISDN lines are digital.
2.When comparing the two networks, the PSTN lines are used for small companies and ISDL are used for bigger companies.
3.The ISDN provides 128 kbit/s, which is really good for the Internet. PSTN has a disadvantage that it does not make the most possible use of the broadband.
4.While PSTN does not allow two simultaneous connections, it is allowed in ISDN service.
5.When using ISDN, one can make faster calls than when using the PSTN.