- A phone or telephone is a telecommunication device. It converts sound into electronic signals and sends the data over long distances.
- The data is then converted back into sound. This allows two people over long distances to talk to each other.
- The data is transmitted via cables or other transmission media.
- There are two main ways that data can be transmitted. The manner in which the data is transmitted tells us whether the phone is an analog phone or a digital phone.
Analog phone :
An analog phone interprets sound as an electronic pulse. Hence, the sound is converted into electronic signals. The signal is then transferred over copper wires in the form of waves. Another way of saying this is in terms of small fluctuations in the signal.
An analog phone interprets sound as an electronic pulse. Hence, the sound is converted into electronic signals. The signal is then transferred over copper wires in the form of waves. Another way of saying this is in terms of small fluctuations in the signal.
Digital phone :
A digital phone, on the other hand, first converts data into a binary code, i.e. 1s and 0s. This is the same way in which computers store information. The data in the form of 1s and 0s is then transmitted where it is restructured into a representation of the sound.
Advantages of Analog phones :
Disadvantages of Analog phones :
Advantages of Digital phones :
Disadvantages of Digital phones :
A digital phone, on the other hand, first converts data into a binary code, i.e. 1s and 0s. This is the same way in which computers store information. The data in the form of 1s and 0s is then transmitted where it is restructured into a representation of the sound.
Advantages of Analog phones :
- Simple to use.
- Easy maintenance.
- It requires minimal setup.
Disadvantages of Analog phones :
- Limited scalability with no need for a private branch exchange.
- They don’t fully utilize the bandwidth.
- Expensive for long-distance calls.
Advantages of Digital phones :
- Digital signals take up less space than analog signals.
- More information can be sent in the same space capacity.
- Digital signal is much clearer and has a greater range than analog signals.
Disadvantages of Digital phones :
- Digital phone service is relies on electricity.
- Sometimes phone conversations can seem a bit "jumpy".
- High-security threats because of the internet.
How to differentiate between analog and digital phones ?
- Analog phones have the phrase "complies with part 68, FCC Rules" on the back of the phone. They will also have a Ringer Equivalence Number on the back.
- Digital phones tend to have many more functions available, and are hence usually used in a corporate office or a business environment. This is where all the phones are connected to an internal switchboard with each phone having an extension number. In order to connect to a number outside the switchboard, the number ‘9’ or a specific code must be entered first.
- Normally, digital phones have anywhere between 12-40 buttons, with red lights blinking all over.
- Analog phones, on the other hand, usually tend to have the standard number pad and sometimes may have a few other keys.
- Digital phones also tend to have programming keys, speakerphone and caller ID. However, these days even analog phone may have speakerphone and caller ID.
- The cordless phones, which incorporate both digital and analog technology.