A multi-line system is a must-have for businesses looking to handle multiple calls simultaneously. It packs essential features like call waiting, transferring, conference calling, and forwarding into one powerful solution.
The best part? No need for extra jacks or new numbers to add lines. With multiple setup options, from on-premises to cloud-based, you can easily expand your business system and streamline communications.
This guide cuts through the noise, helping you find the perfect multi-line system for your business needs and budget.
A multi-line system lets you handle two or more calls simultaneously. It enables employees to place calls on hold, dial internal or external numbers, and return to the line.
Multi-line systems differ from phones with a single line that can only maintain one call at a time. Likewise, they have one number assigned to them. When the line is in use, callers will be directed to a voicemail or a busy signal.
Businesses can set up a multi-line system in one of two main ways:
Business owners rarely touched traditional systems after they installed them. For the most part, a single device with multiple lines and numbers met their business needs.
At one time, PBX systems were affordable to set up and maintain. As the technology evolved, qualified technicians became scarce. Hardware and talent make these quite expensive to keep. Also, they lack the vital functionality for working remotely.
The cloud-based multi-line system leverages Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This newer system works using an internet connection rather than separate lines. These systems are more capable and cost-effective for companies of all sizes.
A multi-line system creates an internal network with separate extensions. This functionality lets operators hold incoming calls and see other extensions&#; real-time presence.
Traditional and cloud-based are two types of systems that support multiple lines. You should know the differences between each type of system. Here&#;s a summary.
FeatureTraditional SystemCloud-Based SystemInstallationComplex on-site installationEasy cloud deploymentCostHigher upfront and maintenance costsLow monthly subscriptionScalabilityLimited by physical hardwareHighly scalable via softwareRemote AccessLimited capabilitiesFull remote & home office accessFeaturesBasic voice featuresAdvanced unified communicationsMaintenanceRequires technical staffManaged by providerReliabilityVulnerable to outagesRedundancy & high uptimeTraditional, or analog, multi-line systems come in two variations.
The first is where a single landline provides two-line functionality using existing wires. You&#;d wire these into jacks by using yellow and black wires. You&#;ll need to pay for an extra line from the company to use it. Analog handsets can switch lines and place calls on hold using the flash button.
The second type is a Private Branch Exchange &#; or PBX for short. It accepts multiple lines by way of basic landlines or trunks. These provide features such as voicemail, call forwarding, and speakerphone. If you have to dial 9 to reach an outside line, you have a PBX.
Callers will receive a busy signal when your incoming lines are in use. This limitation is a notable concern to a business that needs to grow.
Traditional systems need desk phones that can accept multiple lines. These phones offer features like headsets or cordless (DECT) capabilities. However, its popularity continues to decline in favor of its alternative: VoIP.
Multi-line systems running in the cloud offer the best of both VoIP and PBX systems. Let&#;s look under the hood to see how they work.
The successor to the traditional system is the cloud system. They offer multi-line capabilities with limitless scalability. Plus, they offer many in-demand business features included.
How is this possible?
This type of multi-line system uses Voice over Internet Protocol to make and receive calls business calls.
A cloud system converts calls into data packets. It transmits them to a nearby data center. In a matter of milliseconds, the IP converts the audio into the sound you can hear. The VoIP provider provides a virtual PBX dedicated to its business-class users.
As a reliable business VoIP provider, Nextiva provides a complete system in the cloud with impressive uptime.
&#;Virtual&#; is an important distinction when it comes to multi-line systems.
extensions aren&#;t physical lines. There aren&#;t any jacks, either. They are logical representations for a cloud PBX to queue calls or provide call parking. You can queue up to 525 calls per line. That&#;s a lot of calls!
As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can have as many lines as you want.
Note: While cloud-based multi-line systems are generally easier to implement compared to traditional on-premises systems, bear the network requirements (like a stable internet connection), network bandwidth, power backup, and security measures (encryption, firewalls) in mind when choosing a cloud system.
Choosing the right office for your multi-line system shouldn&#;t be a guessing game.
Here&#;s a breakdown of the different types available, along with examples of how businesses can use them. Remember, more lines don&#;t always equal better &#; it depends on your specific needs.
Phones categorized by number of lines:
A two-line system is ideal for small businesses with a predictable call volume.
These typically offer basic functionalities like:
Examples of companies use-cases that could use two lines include:
You can find two-line VoIP desk phones for approximately $80. The Poly VVX 150 is a great choice for those on a budget.
A good fit for businesses where employees need more control over their calls. If you find that employees need to place calls on hold, warm transfer, a four-line is a great fit.
These offer features including:
Check out these examples of a four-line in use:
Prices for four-line phones start at around $160 per handset. The Poly VVX 250 or Cisco IP are great picks for a heavy-duty VoIP .
These are high-performance options suited for businesses with complex call routing needs and heavy call volume.
They typically provide:
These will be the best option for these business needs:
Desk phones above five lines are typically above $250. The cost-effective Nextiva X-885 VoIP supports 12 lines for only $190.
While the number of lines is a key factor, choosing the right system also involves considering your business needs for call features and functionalities. Look for a system that offers the features most important to your day-to-day operations.
The challenge of choosing a with a predefined number of available lines? You have to understand your business communication needs and anticipate your future requirements.
No matter the number of lines your company uses, it&#;s always better to have phones that can handle more. It&#;s important to point out that these phones only need one wire, which makes installation a breeze.
What if you need four lines most of the year, but up to ten during busier seasons?
With traditional systems, you&#;re unable to scale your call volume fast. And if you&#;re hiring aggressively, you&#;ll have to add more lines and buy new handsets.
This is where hosted VoIP comes in. When your needs change, you can add more lines when you need them right from your admin dashboard.
Instead of purchasing new handsets, they can use a business app on their smartphone. Boom, done!
If you go down the traditional system route, you&#;ll need the company to install every line.
You&#;ll also need to set aside a hefty budget for an on-premise PBX and a technician to set everything up. You&#;ll need to configure desk phones to interface with your PBX.
A cloud-based multi-line system is a simpler alternative. All you need is an internet connection, and it only takes about 20 minutes.
Here are the four steps to set up your virtual system with multiple lines:
You&#;ll have a multi-line system in less than an hour. VoIP phones from Nextiva come equipped with all your settings, so you need to plug them in.
What can you do with a multiline system? They offer a lot more than multiple extensions. Some features vary between on-premises PBXs and cloud systems.
Let&#;s dive into the top VoIP features you&#;ll want to have in your multi-line system.
An auto attendant directs incoming calls to the right person or team based on your caller&#;s keypad input.
Using an auto-attendant improves the customer experience by reducing the waiting time. You&#;ll also convey an image of a professional business regardless of your company&#;s size.
Save yourself time thanks to these ready-made auto attendant scripts.
Call hold lets you pause a call so you can talk with a colleague or answer another call. Call parking is similar but with the extra benefit of allowing others to retrieve the call that you&#;ve put on hold.
Holding and parking calls give you the benefit of resolving every customer call. Also, on-hold music engages callers and announces custom messages like payment options.
Measuring call volumes and associating those with business activity helps you scale your organization. Nextiva&#;s business-grade internet service displays real-time call data and business analytics.
At a glance, supervisors can view reports and create custom dashboards for leadership and staff to perform at their best.
The call forwarding feature allows you to transfer calls to any number or device. Depending on your provider, you might also route calls to your voicemail, desk , or cell .
Call forwarding helps you stay operational, including when you&#;re out of the office. You can eliminate missed calls and missed business opportunities.
Call routing is a VoIP feature that directs inbound calls to any person based on any criteria you define. This logic includes the time, caller ID, and auto attendant selections.
You can route your calls to your team using any of these policies:
If you don&#;t pick up your call on time, allow your callers to leave a voicemail. This means you won&#;t lose a potential lead or a chance to delight a customer. Otherwise, they may turn to your competitor.
Business voicemail can also send voicemail transcripts to your or text message. Keep on top of your voicemails so you can follow up in a timely way.
Screen pop shows real-time info about callers the moment your rings. Nextiva&#;s Call Pop surfaces data such as customer sentiment and past interactions. This integrates with your CRM takes your customer experience to the next level.
Toll-free business numbers help you gain a national presence. Toll-free numbers feature an 800/888/866 area code that doesn&#;t charge landline callers.
Establish trust with your audience and track incoming calls across marketing campaigns. You can also get a toll-free vanity number like 1-800-CONTACTS and build an even stronger brand.
Use a conference call to host meetings using your or an internet connection. Conference calls are a staple for any modern system, but it&#;s usually an add-on for landline setups.
Conference calling brings participants together without an expensive PBX or a third-party service. You can enjoy productive meetings with colleagues, partners, or customers. A cloud-based VoIP solution means participants experience HD call quality, too.
Recording calls increases accountability and training opportunities with your team. It unearths powerful insights about your prospects and your customer experience.
Adapted from high-volume call centers, VoIP call recording doesn&#;t need any cassettes or equipment. Customize this feature to record all calls, select users, or on-demand.
Do you still need convincing on the advantages of a multi-line system? Here are some perks to consider.
Going down the cloud system route is the best way to provide multiple lines to your team.
A landline system based on the Plain Old System (POTS) costs $50 per line on average. That calling plan usually is for local calls only. It also lacks any of the business features that companies use today.
It&#;s no secret businesses have moved on from the likes of AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, and Frontier for the cloud. They&#;re saving up to 65% off their communications costs.
VoIP-powered systems cost less than $20 per line each month. You also won&#;t pay for installation, a PBX server, or toll charges, thanks to unlimited calling.
Your system needs to be reliable and secure. On-premises systems leave you vulnerable to power or network outages.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Wirenet sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
VoIP systems rely on multiple data centers for redundancy. Your business works uninterrupted, no matter what happens to the infrastructure.
On top of that, top service providers adhere to standards, including PCI, SOC 2, and HIPAA. Focus on your customers instead of worrying about security audits. Hooray!
Suppose you&#;re hiring remotely, opening new offices, or switching to a hybrid workforce. In that case, you need a system that allows employees to work from anywhere.
A traditional multi-line system limits them to the office. It makes communication challenging when they&#;re working remotely.
A cloud-based system gives you the flexibility to equip your team with the tools they need. They can get work done from the convenience of their cell and an internet connection.
If your company is growing and you don&#;t want technology to get in the way, a cloud VoIP system is your best bet. It&#;s expandable and lets you add lines with ease. Even adding more locations to the same system can be done without any technical skill.
When you have a spike in demand or an increase in headcount, your service won&#;t hold you back. Look to call queuing for another way to scale your customer service team.
Cloud providers like Nextiva boast an impressive 99.999% uptime and availability.
A multi-line system simplifies life for you and your employees. They become more productive and can propel the company forward.
Thanks to features like auto attendants and toll-free numbers, you&#;ll earn trust among your customers. If you need to set up an inbound call center, you can do that in less than a day.
Some systems integrate with popular CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software and other business applications. This allows for features like caller ID pop-ups with customer information.
Gone are the days of your company leaving you stranded. If you ever need a helping hand, contact us 24/7.
Related: The Buyer&#;s Guide to Choosing a Hotel System
When choosing a business system, think about your needs today and a few years from now. What is the ideal way you want to interact with customers? Your communications platform can make or break your success.
An on-premises multi-line system can limit your potential. It holds you back by increasing costs and denying your team the advanced functionality they need.
Cloud-based systems are the gold standard for startups, midsize, and enterprises alike.
Nextiva provides a complete multi-line system for less than half the cost of landlines.
Get it all starting at $18.95/month and you won&#;t look back.
Get your business , messages, video meetings, contact management and notes&#;integrated in ONE powerful app.
Get startedConnectors, also called terminations, link cables together with a secure connection that permits pulses to travel through the cable without interruption. To accommodate different applications, there are many fiber optic connector types. Choosing between the correct connector types for specific use ensures ideal performance of the fiber optics cables and the devices they connect.
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A fiber optic connector also goes by the name termination because it connects two ends of fiber optic cables. These connectors hold the fiber optic cables together inside the ferrule to attach them to the other side of the cables. Ferrules are the connector end pieces that include the method of connecting and securing the termination. Some ferrules will plug into a mating adapter and screw to hold the two portions together. Others use a bayonet design, while some snap together.
Some ferrules have a spring-loaded connector to hold the pieces together with constant force for improved connection. Most fiber optic connectors require effort to connect and disconnect, reducing the chances of accidentally pulling the cables apart during typical use or installation of other components. Connectors can also bring a cable into a converter or directly into the device serviced by the fiber optic cable.
Terminations have multiple uses, depending on the fiber optic cable connector types used. For instance, fiber optics have uses in the following areas:
Fiber optic cables allow for greater bandwidth compared to other cable options. Common uses for networking include fiber optics for delivering internet and LAN connectivity throughout a building. Fiber optic cable works especially well over distances greater than 90 meters and when carrying gigabit-speed connections. Both LAN and high-speed internet use multimode fiber optic cable.
Many companies today have fiber cable going to telecom closets that then transfer the signal to copper-based Cat5 cable and other cables. These cables carry the signal to computers and telephones. However, this practice of using media converters or telecom closets may disappear over time. Innovations in fiber optic technology, high costs for maintaining telecom closets and lowering prices for fiber optics may eventually make all fiber networks the norm.
Community antenna TV and other telecommunications companies often prefer fiber optic cable to deliver their signals due to the lower cost over long distances with less loss and higher bandwidth compared to older technologies. Additionally, each transmitter and receiver pair of fibers can carry more voice and video signals. Compared to wire delivery methods, fiber optics can go 100 times farther and more than 1,000 times faster. CATV may use single-mode fiber optic cabling for its higher bandwidth and lower loss.
Telephony is another system that benefits from fiber optic cable use. Like CATV, many digital applications use single-mode fiber cable. In fact, in the business world, telephony is one of the top uses for fiber optic cables.
Public utilities, such as electrical companies or municipal water treatment facilities, use fiber optics in several ways. They may have fiber optic connected closed-circuit TV (CCTV) security cameras and a network connecting various sites to provide real-time data on operations. Electrical companies, for instance, recognized the interference of their production and distribution equipment on traditional communications wires and made an early switch to fiber optics.
City emergency services also use fiber optics with CCTV, wireless technology and traffic cameras to integrate communications and information sharing among responders. Plus, fiber connectivity through in-city networks can offer higher bandwidth to accommodate large numbers of city workers on the system accessing information at once.
As with electricity companies, electromagnetic interference also plays a role in the choice of communication products used in industrial businesses. Electrical noise from equipment can cause severe problems with unshielded wire cable. But it does not do the same for fiber optics. With many industrial facilities moving into smart operations with devices connected to each other and the internet over a network, reliable connectivity is vital.
For industrial applications, connectors must have firm attachments that cannot easily dislodge, even from constant vibrations caused by machinery operating nearby.
Military operations need connectivity in some of the harshest environments on the planet. Battlefields, naval ships, military bases and planes all need to have means of connecting. Interference, movement and tapping into the communications lines pose threats for the military. Fiber optic cable resolves these issues. Plus, on vehicles and planes, it reduces the weight required for communications hardware.
Security systems often need reliable data transmission lines that can deliver video and audio quickly. Fiber optic cabling for closed-circuit TV (CCTV) offers multiple advantages. First, the two-way direction of fiber optic cable allows an operator to control the camera angle when needed. The ability to control the camera ensures better viewing of suspicious targets, which improves security.
The high bandwidth of fiber optics permits multiple cameras to transfer signals over a single cable. Additionally, fiber optic cable can stretch out over long distances with minimal loss. Therefore, securing cities, airports, warehouses, factories and other larger facilities is possible thanks to fiber-optic connected CCTV. CCTV is not the only security system use for fiber optics, though. Some systems can use sensors and perimeter alarms connected through fiber cable for a comprehensive means of monitoring a property's security.
One of the least considered applications of fiber optics is the ability to transfer light over long distances rather than data signals. Therefore, lighting heat-sensitive locations, difficult to reach places or sites where standard electric wiring could be dangerous can use fiber optic lighting. Some common uses of this type of lighting include museum displays near delicate artifacts and in fountains or swimming pools. With multiple filters and the ability to automatically switch them, color-changing effects are possible.
Fiber connectors differ based on what types of cables they connect. For example, single-mode fiber connectors and multimode fiber connectors each pair with the cable with the same mode compatibility.
With many electronics that require fiber optic connections, several types of terminations exist. The most common fiber connectors are LC and SC. SC and LC connector types are so common that many systems have designs to accommodate them. What are the different types of fiber connectors? They are as follows:
LC connectors have some of the smallest ferrules, measuring 1 1/4 mm, which is approximately half the size of an ST connector. Their tiny size puts them into the small form factor category of terminations. These connectors work well for multimode transceivers and single-mode cables.
SC connectors have a 2 1/2 mm ferrule that snaps cleanly into place. Using a push and pull motion secures the connector. These types of terminations have high levels of performance, which along with a price drop since their introduction, has contributed to their vast popularity in multiple applications. In fact, many formerly ST connectors applications now use SC connectors instead, since SC was invented to supplant ST in both telecommunications and data communications.
ST connectors are among the oldest of fiber cable connector types. Until , this proprietary AT&T brand of connector ranked as one of the most popular fiber terminations. While solutions that solve some issues ST connectors present have replaced these connectors, they still remain popular. Today, their cost is low due to their age, making them a choice for budget-mindful projects.
The design of ST connectors is a 2 1/2 mm ferrule that has a bayonet-style connection between the fibers through an adapter. These ferrules use a spring-load design that can make installation difficult unless the parts have precise seating, though a keyed slot assists with aligning the ferrules for connection.
FC connectors rank as some of the most popular for use with single-mode connections before the introduction of LC and SC connectors. These use a keyed, screw-in type ferrule. However, the process of screwing in the ferrule requires extra time and effort compared to snap-in SC connectors.
The screw-in design prevents the connection from interruptions, even when someone pulls the cable or the system has applications in areas with a lot of movement. Video over fiber is one use for these types of connectors due to the constant flow of data through the cable and the security of the connector.
Like ST and SC connectors, FC terminations use a 2 1/2 mm ferrule. With a hybrid adapter, anyone can create a bridge between these connector types.
MTP is the commercial brand of MPO connectors. MTP and MPO connectors are the same, except the MTP brand has a specific use for high-performance applications, whereas MPO works on more mechanical situations. These two connectors usually connect ribbon cables with multiple fibers.
These connectors have two to six rows of 12 or 16 fibers. MPO connectors with 12 fibers per row can have two to six rows, with two the most common number. Connectors that have 16 fibers per row do not have more than two rows. Connections between ferrules use pins and holes to mate the ends of the fiber with another cable or an electronic device. Most often, this type of connector has applications in either high-speed links that use multimode or for pre-terminated cable groupings.
Today, MT-RJ connectors have disappeared from use. However, some systems may still require these connectors for repairs. MT-RJ only works for multimode cables with duplex fibers. Both fibers go into the ferrule that connects to its mated half with pins and holes, similar to MPO terminations. Some plug-and-jack variations on this type of connector also exist.
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Fiber connectors have distinctive pros and cons for the different models. When considering the different types of connectors, weigh their applications and the positive and negative attributes of each to ensure proper selection and installation of the terminations.
The small footprint of LC connectors makes them ideal for use in crowded spaces, such as for transceivers and networking. Other advantages of these terminations include the ability to use a clip to convert to a duplex from a simplex and the ease of adding a connector to the end of a cable. These connectors also have a design that makes pulling them out of place difficult.
The small size can pose a problem when removing them, especially in high-density sites. Most people have difficulty reaching the clip to disconnect these terminations due to the tiny size of the ferrule and the cramped space these connectors often appear in. Many people solve this issue by using an extractor for LC connectors.
SC connectors have a square shape for the ferrule, which eases arranging them into a small space. Plus, its sturdy hold prevents connection problems, even if someone pulls the cable. This advantage solves an issue with ST connectors that can interrupt fiber optic signals if someone pulls on the cable. Since the SC has a standard 2 1/2 mm size, it can pair with an FC or ST connector with a hybrid adapter.
The disadvantage of using SC connectors is the size of their ferrules. These connectors require more space than small form factor designs, like the LC. Therefore, for the most compact spaces or crowded areas, LC connectors might provide a better solution.
Since ST connectors are older, several multimode fiber cable systems use these types of terminations. While pushing and twisting each spring-loaded ferrule is simple, the process does require more time than other connectors. In some instances, the spring-loaded connector can disrupt the connection by pushing the fibers together when someone pulls the cable.
When working in small spaces, pushing in and twisting each connector also becomes difficult, especially in cases when the two halves do not have proper seating for a solid connection.
FC connectors work in situations that may require assurance of a termination that will interrupt data flow. For applications such as industrial environments or on ships that may encounter rough conditions and cable movement, FC connectors work well.
Since these connectors screw into place, they also need more time for installation. In densely packed spaces, the round shape and screw-in connection require more space for installation and stacking compared to square-shaped SC connectors.
The ability to bundle multiple fibers onto a single connector is the biggest advantage of MPO connectors. When used in high-density situations, MPO connectors can save space compared to SC connectors or other alternatives. Another advantage of some MTP connectors is the ability to remove the exterior housing to easily change the type of connector or repolish the ends.
While MPO connectors offer many advantages over other terminations, especially in crowded racks, this feature also is a drawback. With so many fibers housed in a single connector, cleaning the connectors efficiently is difficult.
The main disadvantages of MT-RJ connectors are their rarity and their difficulty for field testing. Adding this type of termination to a fiber optic cable requires polishing and splicing, like the requirements for single-mode cables. Consequently, many technicians choose to use other multimode connectors for fiber optics that offer easier installation and testing.
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When choosing among different fiber connectors, consulting a fiber optic connector types chart might help. Knowing the type of cable and the proper connectors for use with the cable and application help the most. The equipment the connector plugs into will also play a role in choosing the type to use. Ask the following questions about a project to choose the right fiber connector types:
Cables have two main formats, single-mode and multimode. These modes describe the interior design and the number of rays that light travels through the fiber in. Single-mode fiber cable uses a 9-micron core through the center that light travels along in one path, thereby reducing loss and increasing potential bandwidth to 100,000 gigahertz. Both CATV and telephony use single-mode fiber cables.
Multimode uses a much larger central core, measuring 50 microns, for accommodating many different rays of light. These cables often appear in use with local area networks and other networking applications. The type of connector used must work with the cable design. For instance, SC connectors come in both single-mode and multimode formats.
To identify the type of cable, look at the jacket color. Single-mode cables have yellow or blue covers on the cables. Multimode fiber cables will be orange, bright green or aqua. Military applications also use plain green and slate for multimode cables. Since manufacturers differ in their color choices but remain consistent across the brand, always check with the cable maker first to verify the colors used.
Connectors also have colors to designate their type. Beige typically indicates multimode connectors. Blue is for ultra-physical contact (UPC) single-mode connections, and green goes with single-mode angled physical connector (APC) fiber connectors. When determining whether to use single-mode or multimode, another decision appears when choosing single-mode connectors &#; the type of physical contact.
The type of connection with single-mode cables is crucial. Today, single-mode connectors use physical contact (PC). Some PC connectors have convex ends, which increase the contact between the cores of the cables. This reduces loss and reflectance, earning the name of ultra-physical contact.
In some single-mode connectors, angling this physical connection to 8 degrees creates an angled physical connector, which reduces reflectance even more than convex PC connectors. This type of connection ensures better connectivity for use with CATV and similar applications.
Lastly, consider what type of connector the electronics require. Look at the type of connection required and use that to inform a decision on the type of terminations needed for the fiber optic cables leading to the device.
Find out more about custom fiber optic solutions for your business today. Multilink can help you sort through the different types of fiber connectors and their advantages and disadvantages. Our connectors work with any other products, regardless of brand. Plus, we provide customized bundles of fiber connectivity components for solutions that work with your needs.
For more than 35 years, we've created fiber optic packages for companies' various telecommunications needs. Our professional team can do the same for your business. Contact us at Multilink for more information about our fiber optic connectors, our telecommunications products and much more.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Multi Service Terminal Box.
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