Difference Between ISDN and PSTN

In the world of telecommunications, there are different types of networks that are used for communication. Two of these networks are ISDN and PSTN. The acronyms stand for Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Although these two networks are used for communication, there are some significant differences between them.

What is PSTN?

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the traditional phone network that has been used for decades. It uses analog technology to transmit voice communication over a dedicated physical line. When you make a phone call over PSTN, the audio signal travels through copper wires to the receiver, and the receiver converts it back to sound.

What is ISDN?

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital line communication system that uses circuit-switched technology to transmit voice, fax, and data over PSTN lines. It was introduced as an upgrade to the traditional PSTN network system, which used analog signals to transmit voice communication.

Differences between ISDN and PSTN

Here are some of the differences between ISDN and PSTN:

Technology

One of the most significant differences between ISDN and PSTN is the technology used. PSTN carries analog signals, while ISDN is a digital system that carries data in digital form. Digitization of data makes the transmission faster and more reliable than analog signals.

Call quality

ISDN provides a much better call quality than PSTN. The digital signal is less prone to interference than the analog signal, which can be distorted by signal noise, distance, and other factors. On the other hand, PSTN uses analog signals that are susceptible to noise distortion and attenuation.

Transmission speed

ISDN can transmit information at a much higher speed than PSTN. ISDN can carry data at 64 kilobits per second, while PSTN can transmit data at a maximum speed of 56 kilobits per second.

Number of channels

PSTN only allows one phone call per physical line. For every phone call, you will need a separate telephone line. ISDN, on the other hand, can allow multiple simultaneous phone calls on a single line. ISDN has two channels; one is used for voice communication, and the other is used for data communication.

Cost

ISDN lines are more expensive than PSTN lines since they offer advanced features than the traditional PSTN lines. In addition, ISDN requires additional equipment compared to traditional PSTN lines.

Sample Code

Here is a sample code that demonstrates the difference between ISDN and PSTN:

# Define the type of network (ISDN or PSTN)
network_type = "ISDN"

if network_type == "ISDN":
    # Set the transmission speed at 64 kilobits per second
    transmission_speed = 64

    # Allow multiple phone calls on a single line
    number_of_channels = 2

    # More expensive than PSTN lines
    cost = "higher"

elif network_type == "PSTN":
    # Set the transmission speed at 56 kilobits per second
    transmission_speed = 56

    # One phone call per physical line
    number_of_channels = 1

    # Less expensive than ISDN lines
    cost = "lower"

print(f"The {network_type} network has a transmission speed of {transmission_speed} kilobits per second.")
print(f"The {network_type} network allows {number_of_channels} simultaneous phone calls on a single line.")
print(f"The {network_type} network is {cost} in terms of cost.")

Conclusion

Both ISDN and PSTN networks are used for communication, but there are significant differences between them. ISDN provides a better call quality, higher transmission speed, and more channels than PSTN. On the other hand, PSTN lines are cheaper and straightforward to install compared to ISDN lines. Businesses that require advanced communication features may prefer ISDN, while personal and small business users may be satisfied with PSTN.