What is PSTN ?
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. It is the traditional telephone network that has been in use for over a century, providing voice communication over copper wires.
The PSTN is a circuit-switched network that connects landline phones, allowing for local, long-distance, and international calls. It includes a vast infrastructure of telephone lines, switches, and exchanges, and is often referred to as the “landline” or “legacy” phone network.
Key characteristics of PSTN:
- Analog Communication: Traditionally, it used analog signals to transmit voice data, though much of the network has been upgraded to digital technology.
- Circuit-Switched: This means a dedicated path or circuit is established for each call, ensuring a constant, stable connection for the duration of the call.
- Voice-Only: The PSTN was primarily designed for voice calls, though modern upgrades allow some data transmission as well (such as dial-up internet or fax).
With the advent of mobile networks and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, PSTN usage has declined, but it is still in operation in many areas.