What’s the difference between ISDN2 and ISDN30?
It’s a question we get asked time and time again, from customers, clients and newer business owners often considering their first proper telephone system – “Exactly what is the difference between ISDN2 and ISDN30?”
whether you’re in the process of ordering your first phone lines or considering upgrading your current telecoms system, understanding the differences between ISDN2 and ISDN30 can help you to choose the best option for your business requirements.
The good news is, it’s not very complicated; let’s start with getting a hand on the terminology.
- IDSN stands for ‘Integrated Services Digital Network’ (Basically, a fancy name for a digital phone line)
- ISDN2 is also known as Basic Rate Interface or BRI for short.
- ISDN30 is also known as Primary Rate Interface or PRI for short.
Both ISDN2 and ISDN30 offer the same functionality, the only differences being the scalability and the number of lines available (often called channels).
- ISDN2 has a minimum installation of 2 channels
- ISDN30 has a minimum installation of 8 channels.
ISDN2 doesn’t have a maximum number of channels, but rarely goes over 8. This is because at 8 channels, ISDN30 becomes cheaper. The only exception might be in more remote locations where ISDN30 isn’t available.
So typically if you want 2/4/6/8 channels you’ll go for ISDN2, if you want 8 or more channels you’ll go for ISDN30. Simple*.
*The only caveat on that is your potential to grow. Think about the capacity of your business telephone system and think if there is a likelihood you’re going to grow above 8 channels in the not too distant future. If that is the case, then considering ISDN30 now may be the best option to avoid extra installation costs in the near future.
