The schematic below illustrates in some detail the two different approaches to providing voice, Internet and data services to clients. In the "PINS-Hosted" approach, the telephone switch and servers needed to access the PSTN and Internet are located at PINS and all services are provided to the client via high-speed service lines, i.e., DSL, T1, EoC or fiber-optic. The client is responsible only for the telephones and computers at their site(s).
In the "Client-Based" approach, the PBX needed to distribute voice services to the phones in the client office(s) is located at the client site, and is maintained by the client directly, or via a service contract.
In either case, PINS is responsible for making the connections between the phones and computers in the client's offices, and the PSTN and Internet, respectively.
Both configurations can support a wide range of phones as illustrated in the schematic by the icons representing analog, digital and conference phones. The dashed lines between routers represent the voice and data traffic between the client and the global PSTN and Internet networks.
Note: Schematic diagram illustrating typical connections between PINS, Tier 1 providers, and Clients. Specific Tier 1 Providers, phones and computers are shown only as examples. Client connection to PINS may be via a DSL, T1, EoC, Internet, or fiber-optic line, depending on bandwidth needs and configuration. The term “router” is used to identify equipment used to connect transport lines (e.g., T1) to PINS and Client sites. Specific equipment used may vary depending upon the configuration and application. PoE ports (Power over Ethernet) provide power for IP phones.
