Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

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Did you know? In 2024, global landline/PSTN subscriptions declined to approximately 407 million lines, a drop from the 1.22 billion peak in 2006.

1. What is the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the global network of traditional circuit-switched telephone lines. It enables voice calls using copper wires, fiber optics, and undersea cables, supporting analog and digital voice transmission across landlines and mobile networks.

2. What is an example of a PSTN?

A landline home phone using copper wiring to place or receive calls is a classic example of PSTN. Most office PBX systems that use analog trunk lines also operate on PSTN infrastructure.

3. Is PSTN wired or wireless?

PSTN is primarily a wired network, using copper or fiber-optic cables. However, it can interface with wireless technologies (like cellular networks), which ultimately route calls through PSTN lines during transmission.

4. What is PSTN on a router?

When a router or gateway lists a PSTN port, it allows analog telephone devices to connect to digital VoIP systems. This enables legacy phones to send and receive calls via internet-based telephony, while still interfacing with the traditional PSTN when needed.

See how VoIP call centers upgrade legacy PSTN systems with AI