Overview#

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN, POTS) is the aggregate of the world's Circuit switching telephone networks that are operated by national, regional, or local telephony operators, providing infrastructure and services for public telecommunication.

At the turn of the 21st century, the oldest parts of the telephone network still use analog technology for the Last Mile Loop to the end user. However, Digital Communications such as DSL, ISDN, FTTx, and cable modems have become more common in this portion of the network.

Several large private telephone networks are not linked to the PSTN. Some of these are:

• military purposes.
• large Private Branch Exchange (PBX).

More Information#

There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:

• Asynchronous Transfer Mode
• Base Station Controller
• E.164
• Integrated Services Digital Network
• Land Line
• Loop Start
• POTS
• PSTN
• Phone Line
• Phone subscriber
• Public Land Mobile Network
• Routing
• Signalling System No. 7
• Telephone Numbering Plan
• Telephone exchange
• X.25