The Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) utilizes circuit-switched telephony in the interval of two points during the call. In contrast, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) works with the packet-switched telephony, and this is the significant difference between these two telecommunicating technologies.
Advancement in the field of telecommunication has given us plenty of choices to make for our living and managing business lives. There is always a consistent cycle of rising and betterment ongoing benefiting us countlessly.
Therefore, if you are on the verge of changing your old telephone system from POTS, which is an acronym for Plain Old Telephone Service to some modern featured technology, nothing would click your mind except for the VoIP, which is a short form of Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is referred to as internet calling as it involves internet connection to make and receive multiple calls.
When we come to the construction and designing, POTS, which is Plain Old Telephone Service, also known as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), they both use copper wires for voice data transmission. So basically, both the POTS and PSTN are interchangeable and unarguably the same.
The technology of POTS is restricted to making calls in the Telephone landlines that some people have in their homes even today. POTS do not utilize VoIP; hence they are entirely two distant technologies created to perform the same function. The raw and old description of POTS indicate towards the old version of telephonic callings.
By then, you must have enough idea of these two acronyms, i.e., POTS and VoIP being distant from each other. Various other factors make them different, although I assume that if we come to compare these two technologies, it is easier to decide which technology is doing better and which will be preferred in the future in terms of features and performance. It is none other than VoIP, which is going to be our future go-to calling service.
POTS vs VoIP
How Is POTS Different From VoIP?
The number you dial with the POTS is eventually passing along a series of switches and exchanges in a continuous cycle before it conveys to the intended receiver, the series keeps on exchanging until the calls get collected by the receiver. Now try to imagine the scenario; it feels time-consuming, right? Yeah, because it is time-consuming, which is one drawback that creates a delay in dialing and receiving calls for POTS.
VoIP utilizes CODECS, which tends to allow you to send other types of data signals (not only voice signals). This distinct flexibility has been given to enjoy the transmission of video i.e., video calling, sharing images, multimedia files, and whatnot.
What Are The Distinguishing Features That Make VoIP Superior To POTS?
VoIP shines above POTS, and there are numerous reasons which have made this clear distinction between these two technologies. There is no surprise in VoIP being ahead of POTS.
Following are those defining features that make these two technologies different and proves how VoIP should be preferred over POTS:
1. Connectivity:
The connectivity process in VoIP is quite easy as it takes only an existing data network to make calls where no dedicated infrastructure is required. While on the other hand, POTS requires technicians to establish a dedicated voice network by building an organized infrastructure which undoubtedly time-consuming.
2. Cost-Effectivity:
Businesses are responsible for paying for VoIP as a subscription, which does not require locals to pay for loads of charges. On the other hand, POTS charges monthly based on the number of users as well as the overall system usage. Locals are expected to pay for extra charges. Therefore, the crippling of companies engaging in long-distance calls internationally is scheduled in the case of POTS.
However, there are the chances of some providers charging VoIP users too upon the number of users, which is anyways rare.
3. Productivity:
The VoIP system deliberately integrates most of your Internet-based software. This feature lets companies settle down at one place with ongoing procedures which save hell lot of time for them, hence improving productivity. Accessing to customers calls etc is much easier with VoIP, which is rather productive than POTS, where you have to do everything manually.
4. Mobility:
The flexibility and mobility get going with the VoIP as the employees can make and receive calls at the remote spots independent of staying in one position.
VoIP is mostly used on hard phones, smartphones, as well as the video conferencing equipment. The integration of teams is made easier with this VoIP.
5. Scalability:
POTS systems are relatively much expensive with time. There are additional charges to pay each employee and the account for higher call volume. If your objective is to grow your organization while preferring not to have the added expenses accumulated due to a higher phone bill and a complex infrastructure, now is the time you switch to VoIP for the best of reasons.
6. Wireless Capabilities:
For the stationary employers who don’t switch desks and you have got numerous people to cover for your front desk all the time. The wireless capability is barely noteworthy, although most businesses benefit more when their staff is capable of making and receiving calls from distant locations.
7. Voice Quality:
Voice quality can be absurd when the internet connection you have in your organization is weaker; VoIP is entirely dependent on your wireless internet connection. Also, insufficient bandwidth is the major cause of networks to struggle with voice data. However, most of the companies have this issue covered with the high-speed internet connection.
Conclusion:
The clear distinction between the features and factors comparing the technologies of POTS and VoIP draws our attention to choose the best for our business’ potential success. The visible reason for POTS being replaced with the VoIP technology is that it relies more on older versions of calling.
A call conducted on landline always delays, which has adverse effects on your business to thrive as well. So it is recommended to prefer VoIP over POTS as we have to walk with the advancing features, else, we will end up being crippled with the odds of old technologies. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that the world has past progressed the need for POTS in many organizations where VoIP has replaced the POTS.