How to Choose the Best PABX Intercom System for Apartments – Benefits, Installation, and Cost

The use of PABX in apartment System in Bangladesh

PABX stands for Private Automatic Branch Exchange. It is a telephone system used within a company or organization to manage internal phone lines and facilitate communication between employees. The main function of a PABX is to route calls internally (within the organization) and externally (to the public telephone network).PABX systems used to be hardware-based, but today they are often software-based or cloud-based, known as IP-PABX (Internet Protocol-based PABX), which can operate over the internet and offer additional features like integration with other digital services. Because it manages internal communication, it reduces the need for separate phone lines for each user and helps save on costsEmployees can call each other using extension numbers without needing to dial external phone lines. In short, a PABX is a critical tool for managing both internal and external telephony within an organization.

Use of PABX in apartment

Using a PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) system in an apartment complex is less common than in businesses, but it can still be beneficial, particularly in larger apartment buildings or gated communities with many units. Here are the main ways a PABX system might be used in such a setting:

1. Internal Communication Between Apartments

• Extension Numbers: Each apartment or unit is assigned an internal extension number. Residents can call each other directly within the building, bypassing the need for public phone lines.
• Cost Savings: It reduces the need for each apartment to have its own separate landline phone service, as calls within the building can be routed internally through the PABX system.

2. Management Communication

• Centralized Communication: The apartment building management can have a dedicated number for residents to reach maintenance, security, or the leasing office. This can be connected to a central extension that is easy for staff to manage.
• Intercom System: PABX can integrate with an intercom system, allowing residents to communicate with the building’s front desk or security. This is especially useful for guest access or for reporting maintenance issues.

3. Visitor Management

• Gate Access Integration: If the apartment complex has a gate or lobby entrance with an intercom system, PABX can manage calls from visitors to the appropriate resident’s phone. Residents can then “buzz” in their guests using the system.
• Security: Visitors might be required to call a specific extension at the security desk or building management to get clearance to enter the complex.

4. Voicemail and Call Forwarding

• Voicemail: Residents can have voicemail functionality integrated into the PABX system. If someone calls but the resident is unavailable, the call can be forwarded to voicemail.
• Call Forwarding: Calls can be forwarded to mobile phones, alternate lines, or voicemail when the resident isn’t home or doesn’t answer.

5. Cost-Effective Telephony

• Reduced Charges for Local Calls: If there are several units in a building, residents can make internal calls without incurring charges, and the building can manage external calls more effectively, using shared lines or VOIP technology.

6. Emergency and Maintenance Alerts

• The building management can use the PABX system to send out emergency alerts or maintenance notifications to residents, either by calling individual extensions or by sending out a broadcast message.

7. Centralized Billing and Monitoring

• Unified Billing: PABX allows for centralized billing of phone services, which can simplify the administration for both the residents and the building management. This system can charge residents for calls beyond the internal extensions (for external calls).
• Monitoring: Calls can be monitored for usage, ensuring that the system isn’t being misused.

Benefits 

Streamlined Communication: Reduces the need for external phone lines and simplifies communication within the complex.

1. Centralized Control: Building management can monitor and manage communication and services.
2. Scalability: As more units are added, additional extensions can easily be set up.
3. Security and Convenience: Residents can communicate with guests, the front desk, or security quickly and securely.

Consideration

1. Maintenance: Setting up and maintaining a PABX system may require some technical expertise, especially if it’s a more advanced system.
2. Cost: While it can save on external phone bills, there are upfront costs for installing the system and maintaining it.
3. Integration with Modern Technology: Many apartment buildings today use VOIP-based systems (like IP-PABX), which can offer more flexibility and features compared to traditional analog systems.

How to set a PABX in apartment

Setting up a PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) system in an apartment complex requires careful planning, proper equipment, and understanding of the communication needs of the building. Here’s a step-by-step 4 guide to setting up a PABX system for an apartment:

Step 1: Assess Communication Needs

Before starting the installation process, assess the needs of the apartment complex:

1. Number of apartments: Determine the number of units that require extensions.
2. Management needs: Decide if the building management needs to communicate with all apartments or certain areas (e.g., reception, security).
3. External communication: Decide how residents will communicate with external phone lines (e.g., landlines, or a combination).
4. Advanced features: Identify if any advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail, video intercom, or emergency alerts are needed.

Step 2: Choose the Right PABX System

There are two main types of PABX systems you can choose from:

1. Traditional PABX (Analog): Works with standard phone lines and analog telephones. Suitable for smaller or less tech-intensive setups.
2. IP-PABX (VoIP-based): Works over an internet connection and allows for cheaper internal and external calls, more advanced features, and better scalability. Ideal for modern apartments with internet infrastructure.

For most apartment buildings, IP-PABX is the recommended choice due to its flexibility, scalability, and lower operating costs.

Step 3: Plan the Physical and Network Infrastructure

1. Wiring and Cabling:
   1. For Analog PABX: You will need to install traditional phone lines (PSTN) to connect the central PABX system with each apartment. This requires running wiring to every apartment or at least to the common areas.
   2. For IP-PABX: An Ethernet network is required. Every apartment should be connected to the building’s local area network (LAN) via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, and the central PABX server should be placed in a secure location, like a telecom room.
2. Power Supply:
   1. Ensure there’s a reliable power source and backup for the PABX system, as communication is critical in an emergency.
   2. If using IP-PABX, ensure that the system and phones are connected to uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to avoid downtime during power failures.
3. Internet Connectivity (for IP-PABX):
   1. You will need a high-speed, reliable internet connection to handle voice traffic, especially if residents are making external calls through VoIP.
   2. Consider a dedicated bandwidth for voice calls (QOS – Quality of Service) to prioritize voice traffic over regular internet usage.

Step 4: Install the PABX Hardware and Software

1. Centralized PABX Unit:
   1. Analog PABX: Set up the main PABX box (can range from small to large depending on the size of the building). Connect it to the telephone network (PSTN).
   2. IP-PABX: Install an IP-PABX server, which could be a dedicated hardware appliance or software running on a server. Ensure it is connected to your network and has the necessary software licenses.
2. Extension Phones:
   1. Install phones in each apartment. For traditional PABX, these will be regular analog phones. For an IP-PABX, you can use IP phones (with Ethernet ports) or softphones (software on computers or mobile phones).
   2. If you choose IP phones, ensure that they support the VoIP protocol that is compatible with your IP-PABX system (e.g., SIP, IAX).
3. Integrate with External Lines (if needed):
   1. Analog PABX: Connect the PABX system to external telephone lines (PSTN lines).
   2. IP-PABX: If you’re using a VoIP provider, configure SIP trunks to route calls through the internet.

What is the price of PABX in Bangladesh ?

There’s many types of PABX in Bangladesh and their price is also different. Recently,the price of PABX in Bangladesh has been determined according to size, quality,brand, type,extension line and feature. It could be a minimum 5,500 taka and the maximum rate is 30,000.

In conclusion, a PABX system is a cost-effective and efficient telecommunication solution for businesses, offering features like free internal calls, advanced call management, scalability, and easy integration with modern communication tools. It enhances productivity by improving call handling, supporting remote work, and providing detailed analytics. With the transition to cloud and IP-based systems, PABX continues to evolve, offering businesses greater flexibility, mobility, and reliability while reducing operational costs. Overall, PABX remains a critical asset for modern organizations looking to streamline communication and improve customer service.

## Nabiha Infotech is the Most Popular BABX & Intercom Solution Provider in Bangladesh.