Difference Between FXO and FXS


FXO and FXS are telecommunications interfaces that connect analogue devices to digital networks. They serve different purposes and perform different functions.

FXO (foreign exchange office) is a telephone interface that connects a telecommunications service provider's phone line to a voice over IP (VoIP) gateway or private branch exchange (PBX). The FXS (foreign exchange station) interface connects an analogue device, such as a phone, to a VoIP gateway or PBX.

Read this article to find out more about FXO and FXS and how they are different from each other.

What is FXO?

FXO is a telecommunications service provider interface for connecting analogue telephone lines to a digital network, such as a voice over IP (VoIP) gateway or private branch exchange (PBX). The FXO interface is responsible for receiving the call signal from the phone provider and sending it to the VoIP gateway or PBX.

When an analogue phone line is connected to an FXO port, the FXO interface monitors it for voltage and impedance changes. When a call is received, the FXO interface recognises the ringing signal and notifies the VoIP gateway or PBX. When a call is answered, the FXO interface transmits the analogue line's audio signal to the VoIP gateway or PBX for processing and routing.

FXO interfaces are frequently used in businesses with a mix of analogue and digital communication systems, allowing them to take advantage of the benefits of VoIP technology while maintaining the use of traditional analogue devices such as telephones, fax machines, and modems. FXO interfaces can also be used to connect analogue lines from different service providers, allowing businesses to use numerous phone lines while benefiting from VoIP's redundancy and flexibility.

FXO interfaces can be implemented with various types of hardware, including PCI cards, USB adapters, and standalone gateways. They are usually configured with software, which allows businesses to customise the settings for each individual interface and optimise their telecommunications system for their specific requirements.

Overall, FXO interfaces are an essential component of modern telecommunications systems, allowing businesses to maintain consistent communication with their customers and clients.

What is FXS?

FXS, or Foreign exchange Station, is an interface used to connect analogue devices such as telephones, fax machines, and modems to a digital network, such as a voice over IP (VoIP) gateway or private branch exchange (PBX). The FXS interface is responsible for providing the dial tone, ringing signal, and other signalling to the analogue device.

When an analogue device, such as a telephone, is connected to an FXS port, the FXS interface sends the device a dial tone, signalling that it is ready to make a call. When a call is made, the FXS interface produces the necessary signalling, such as DTMF tones, to indicate the dialed number. The FXS interface then transmits the analogue device's audio signal to the VoIP gateway or PBX for processing and routing.

FXS interfaces can be implemented with a variety of hardware, including PCI cards, USB adapters, and standalone gateways. They are usually configured with software, which allows businesses to customize the settings for each individual interface and optimize their telecommunications system for their specific requirements.

Overall, FXS interfaces are an essential component of modern telecommunications systems, allowing businesses to maintain consistent communication with their customers and clients.

Difference between FXO and FXS

The following table highlights the major differences between FXO and FXS −

Characteristics

FXO

FXS

Definition

It is a telecommunications service provider interface for connecting analogue telephone lines to a digital network such as a VoIP gateway or Private Branch Exchange (PBX).

It is an interface used to connect analogue devices such as telephones, fax machines, and modems to a digital network such as a VoIP gateway or Private Branch Exchange.

Stands for

Foreign Exchange Office

Foreign Exchange Station

Usage

FXO connects analogue telephone lines from the service provider to a VoIP gateway or PBX.

FXS connects analogue devices such as telephones, fax machines, and modems to a VoIP gateway or PBX.

Function

It receives the call signal from the service provider and sends it to the VoIP gateway or PBX.

It provides a dial tone, a ringing signal, and other signalling to analogue devices.

Configuration

FXO are configured using software, allowing businesses to customize settings for each interface.

FXS are configured using software, allowing businesses to customize settings for each interface.

Hardware

It is implemented using different hardware such as PCI cards, USB adapters, and standalone gateways.

It is implemented using different hardware, such as PCI cards, USB adapters, and standalone gateways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FXO and FXS are two interfaces used in telecommunications systems to connect analogue devices to digital networks. FXO connects a service provider's phone line to a VoIP gateway or PBX, whereas FXS connects an analogue device such as a phone, fax machine, or modem to a VoIP gateway or PBX.

The call signal is received by FXO from the service provider, while FXS gives the dial tone, ringing signal, and other signalling to the analogue device. Understanding the difference between FXO and FXS is important for efficiently configuring and maintaining a telecommunications system.

Updated on: 14-Apr-2023

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