Centrex is Pacific Bell's Central Office-based telephone service for
businesses of all sizes. "Centrex IS" is Pacific Bell's business
ISDN basic rate service that works with Pacific Bell Centrex.
Centrex IS provides an all digital network that lets you use a
single line for both voice and data communications at the same
time. Withe Centrex IS, you can use existing phone lines instead of
dedicated computer lines, plus reduce cabling and other
communications costs.
And because it's based on Pacific Bell's Central Office-based
Centrex, Centrex IS gives you maximum flexibility for your
communications planning.
Centrex IS is based on ISDN -- Integrated Services Digital Network
-- an international communications standard recognized world wide as
the future of telecommunications.
HOW IT WORKS
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Pacific Bell owns and maintains the Centrex system. Which means you
never have to worry about maintenance or repair for your network
calling features. They just keep working for you -- 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
With the Centrex IS solution, the main functionality of your system
is housed in Pacific Bell's Central Office. These locations are
fully "disaster- prepared" and supplied with power backup in case of
an emergency. This is why Centrex has superior performance during
earthquakes and power outages.
APPLICATIONS
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- Video conferencing
- File transfers
- LAN interconnectivity
- Telecommuting
- Replacement of telephone key systems
- Multimedia
- Remote training
- Group IV Fax (56/64 kbps)
- Modem replacement
- Backup of point-to-point circuits
- High quality audio
EQUIPMENT
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The user will need special equipment to use Centrex IS, including:
- NT1 ($200 to $300)
- Power supply ($60 to $100)
- Terminal Adapter ($600 - $1,500)
- Additional equipment, depending on the application
(e.g., phone, video conferencing, computers, etc.)
Pacific Bell has arrangements with equipment manufacturers to help
you select the correct equipment.
COST
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The minimum number of lines available with Centrex IS is two.
Each Centrex IS line is capable of carrying two "B channels" of 56
(or 64 kbps for some applications served by the same switch) plus one "D" channel of 16 kbps. The B channels can be configured for either voice or data. The D channel can be used as a signaling channel and/or for packet data.
