PABX versus PBX: What is the Main Difference between the Two?

PABX is considered to be a viable business solution for businesses or companies that require many lines for in-house as well as outside calls. PABX allows companies to utilize just a single access number that contains various extensions. This is a cheaper option as compared to using many landlines which are all linked to the public network.

In a PABX system, every single device connected or linked to the exchange has a designated extension number. Some of these devices can be computer modems, desk phones, and fax machines as well. A company or business that uses either PABX or PBX tends to act like a telephone exchange. PABX helps in automating the switching tasks which are needed to connect calls between extensions.

A PABX system is usually owned and ran by the company which is hosting it. More and more call centres and large enterprises are inclining towards using PABX now due to all the benefits that it offers. Some of the common features associated with PABX include call conferencing, auto attendant, call transfer, and call hold.

Now that you have an idea about what PABX is, let’s take a look at the difference between PBX and PABX.

A PBX or Private Branch Exchange is a telephone network owned and ran within an organization or company. In conventional PBX systems, human operators used to manage the switchboards used in telephone exchanges. These operators plus wires to close a call circuit with the help of their hands. This, consequently, establishes a connection between any two people using POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service).

On the other hand, PABX systems are known to use computers for automating the switching process. This is the only main difference between the two synonymous systems.

All in all, having a PABX system tends to give a company more control and flexibility over the communication processes of the organization. And it is considered to be a viable solution for internal collaboration.