What Is A  PBX Line Powered Phone?

A private branch exchange (PBX) line powered phone is an office phone that derives all the power it requires to function from a single cable – one of a network of copper lines linking office phones together to share a set number of external lines. With no additional power source, AC transformer or outlet availability requirements, a PBX line powered phone is a highly reliable connection, capable of working independently of your data connection or mains power to your premises.

For this reason, PBX line powered phones are a preferred choice for emergency communications or for connections where uninterrupted usage is of paramount importance. 

How Do PBX Line Powered Phones Work?

Both the base unit and headset of a PBX line powered phone gain the power it needs to work from the copper phone line it uses for handling voice data. One cable attaches to the phone, and each line powered phone in your office is connected to the communication grid. This means that, barring damage to the communication line, a PBX line powered phone will work flawlessly even in the event of a power outage or internet failure.

Benefits of PBX Line Powered Phones Resilience

A PBX line powered phone is a remarkably robust piece of technology. While typically less sophisticated than a VoIP enabled phone in its feature-set, a PBX line powered phone is built on physical infrastructure that is minimally failure-prone.

• Versatility: This technology requires one cable point only. A PBX line powered phone can be moved without worrying about ethernet cable or AC power access.
• Cost: For the vast majority of office premises, the physical wiring for PBX line powered phones will already be in place. Moreover, PBX phone systems require relatively little maintenance. These factors equate to reduced installation and maintenance costs.

Alternatives to PBX Line Powered Phones

VoIP technology is a common alternative to PBX line powered phones. VoIP is more application based — that is to say, this technology more readily integrates with data center infrastructure — and it is generally a more versatile option for a geographically dispersed team. It is quite feasible to build a phone system that relies on both technologies, affording your team both the versatility of VoIP and the durability of PBX.