Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISDN?
Integrated Digital Services Network is a digital telephone, fax and personal computing communication service.
Instead of the one analogue line, it provides at least two (ISDN 2) digital lines over copper wire and, being digital, both lines can send data at twice the speed of the average modem. Using ISDN, you can continue to make normal telephone calls as you add faster internet access and other higher performance communication services to your business.
- ISDN 2 is basic rate access with two digital lines.
- ISDN 10/20/30 are primary rate access offering 10, 20 or 30 digital lines.
How does it work?
ISDN is similar to conventional telephone (PSTN) lines, consisting of Digital 'B' channels which provide high speed digital end-to-end transmission path. Multiple channels can be joined together to achieve much greater data throughput rate. A 'D' channel is a special communication link between the customer and the network, used to request a service and carry small messages between customers.
What can I use ISDN for?
Telephony, Internet, Video Conferencing, Data & Bulk file transfer and Remote LAN access.
What ISDN products are currently available?
There are two types of ISDN services with a range of products:
Basic Rate Service
Primary Rate Service
How do I upgrade my existing service to Westnet ISDN 2?
One existing PSTN service is upgraded to a Standard ISDN 2 service or ISDN 2 Enhanced. Two digital lines are supplied with two separate phone numbers. Westnet ISDN 10/20/30 has 10/20/30 channels respectively.
Contact our Business Solutions Team by telephone on 1300 786 006 or by email at business@westnet.com.au to assist you in upgrading your service to Westnet ISDN.
Can I keep my existing number?
In most cases you can keep your existing number as well as receiving an additional one.
Are there any features I cannot have?
Incompatible features include Call Back, Call Forward, Call Return, Delayed Hotline, Call Forward Set the Time, Call Forward Selected Callers and Smart Ring.
What are the line rental and call costs with ISDN?
What if I want to convert my service back to a PSTN line?
To convert your service back to a PSTN line a technician will need to attend to remove the NT1 unit and replace this with a standard PSTN socket. The standard fee for this is an in place connection with a technician visit $125.
Please contact our Provisioning Team to organise this on 1300 887 387.
What internet plan do I need to use my ISDN service?
There are various ISDN plans available through Westnet depending upon usage based on 64k & 128k channels.
Do I pay for the call when dialling up with ISDN?
Data calls (local) to 01983 numbers are charged at 30c per hour.
Do I need any extra equipment?
ISDN compatible phones, phone systems and PABXs can be plugged directly into the NTU. Computer equipment may require either an ISDN Terminal Adaptor or an ISDN PC Card to be wired between the NT1 and the computer. All equipment connected to the ISDN network must be ACA approved. Equipment used with ISDN services must be compatible with the ETSI ISDN standards.
Will I need a new phone number?
In most cases customers who upgrade to an ISDN service from a PSTN will be able to switch their number across to the ISDN service.
Can I use my old telephones and/or fax machines?
If your ISDN terminal adaptors, ISDN PC cards or network terminating unit supports your old analogue equipment.
