Integrated service digital networks (ISDN) have been a popular type of internet connection for many years, offering high speeds through a standard phone line. Unlike the dial-up internet connections that it replaced in the 1990s, ISDN lines are capable of sending and receiving both voice calls and digital data, so no phone calls will be missed when the internet is in use, and the connection is highly scalable to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

The basic rate interface of ISDN has largely been phased out, capable of delivering just 64 kilobits per second through its dual data channels, and most large businesses that use ISDN today utilise a single line of 23 channels, which boasts speeds up to 1,544 kilobits per second. This can be particularly beneficial for companies with high demand for phone lines and internet connectivity.

Compared to a standard analogue phone, ISDN connects much faster, typically in less than three seconds. Users can also benefit from consistent speeds when downloading or uploading content, visiting websites and carrying out other online activities. However, there can be significant differences between different ISDN services offered by companies, which is why care must be taken when choosing your modem and phone line.

If you're buying your first ISDN modems for your business, asking the opinions of other business owners and reading customer testimonials online could help you make a better informed decision, as well as find out what features to look for. The compression of the ISDN modem is one such feature, with some options such as Microsoft compression being more suitable for businesses that require faster speeds per second, rather than standard hi/fn compression.

You should also pay special attention to the number of ports included on the modem, depending on the number of connections required. However, it's important to note that more connections will consume the same amount of bandwidth overall, making multi-port modems suitable only for higher speed ISDN connections. Due to the increasing rarity of ISDN lines in businesses, it's also essential to make sure your modem is covered by warranty, in case something goes wrong and it needs to be replaced.

Speaking to your business phone or broadband provider should help you to determine whether ISDN is a suitable option for your company, or if you would benefit from a different type of connection, based on the number of people you employ and other considerations.

Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.