The Gateway To Tomorrow Communication

Siemens India

We in India are used to the Plain Old Telephone (POT) system. People did not demand additional services, as getting a telephone connection was an end in itself. But with changing times, tele-communication has become an infrastructural requirement. It is recognized that better communication means transform into better business opportunities. Coupled with this is the proliferation of computers (and Internet) and consequently, the data exchange which is growing at a tremendous pace. The new kid on the block is Video Conferencing. This means today's communication requirement encompasses Voice, Data and Video. Obviously, this must be available with better quality and cheaper rates. ISDN is the answer to this.

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. As the name suggests, this is a communication network service which integrates Voice, Data and Video using digital technology. Let us spend a few words to understand the basic technology behind this. The standard ISDN connection to the subscriber is described as either of the two modes:

Basic Rate Access Primary Rate Access

One single basic rate connection to the subscriber is referred to as '2B+D'. 'B' refers to a bearer channel which has a bandwidth of 64 kbps and is used to carry the user communication between the connected locations. The 'D' or Data channel has a bandwidth of 16 kbps and is used to convey system information e.g. connection details, between the two locations. Since there are two B-channels, the total bandwidth given to a user is 144 kbps. The two B-channels are independent and can be used simultaneously, to carry two independent communications. This could mean either two voice calls or one voice and one data call or any other combination. Both channels can be combined to give more effective bandwidth, if needed. An example is a video call where the quality can be enhanced by using both channels simultaneously.

A primary rate connection would allow '30B+D' communication. However, in India, this connectivity is not being offered at present. This has a relevance for connection to EPABX systems, whenever it is offered.

For the user, ISDN offers many benefits. To recount a few:

Lower cost: Since two simultaneous calls are possible, the effective call rate comes down.

Digital Telephony: ISDN connections are digital from end-to-end. this allows clarity of sound and almost nil distortion.

Lower Call setup time: A call to anywhere in the world takes just a couple of seconds to connect. No wrong numbers!No line tapping: Being a digital connection, one cannot just connect a parallel phone to overhear.

Called number display: With a display phone, the user can see who is calling, before lifting the phone. The caller may decide to bar this display. But if the number is available, it can be used to directly dial back to the caller, taking care of those calls which you just missed. The user is also advised of the waiting call with number, if the phone is busy, leaving the decision to him as to which call to continue with.

Call charge display: You are provided the information while the call is in progress, enabling you to control your communication costs.

Multiple terminals: A single incoming ISDN line is terminated on a Network Terminator module. This module enables up to eight ISDN terminal equipment to be connected. These could include not only the phone, but also devices like computers, Video conferencing systems, and others. The devices can be moved around within the reach of the Network Terminator.

Direct Data connectivity: As ISDN works in digital mode, there is no need to convert the output of computers, allowing for faster communication speed up to 64 kbps on a single channel. In fact, many more benefits are possible.

Like all technologies it is important for ISDN that all equipment in use should follow open international standards. In India, the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC - Under Department of Telecom) authorizes the use of particular equipment which ensures that users get full benefits of this technological advancement. It is important for the user to check for the authorization, before installing any such equipment. This will prevent costly surprises later on.

ISDN provides to the user a new and versatile mode of communication. Today this service is provided to the subscribers at a very cost effective rate. In India, ISDN services are already available in most Metros and larger cities. And the list is growing. In light of the various benefits additionally provided by ISDN, this service would soon be the preferred mode of communication. Internationally, Europe is already covered with ISDN. So is most of North America. Many of the progressive countries in the Pacific rim are already covered. This only supports the view that this is the right path towards the future.

Siemens has proved quality solutions and services over the past seventy-five years in India. It has always met new generation requirements within any sector - industries and power, medical and information technology and telecommunications. In the telecom sector Siemens offers a complete range of systems and services - from public switching networks, private and business systems to GSM and non-GSM handsets.

The Private Communications Systems offers total business communication solutions. This would include the most advanced ISDN - PABX and KTS systems. Today, Siemens is only company whose system viz. the Hicom has been awarded the mandatory interface certification - the TEC approval from the DoT.