Home Telephone Options:

•  Multi-line phones: Similar to a traditional "key system" phone, these support two to four incoming phone lines from the telco's central office (CO). Many have features like paging. These can be useful for homes with family members that need to be on the phone at the same time or for homes with home offices.
•  "Key System" Systems: These are similar to multi-line phones, except that all incoming central office (CO) phone lines go to a central "key system" unit while each phone is connected in "single line" mode to the "key system" unit. Many offer voice mail modules.
•  "Mini-PBX" Systems: With a PBX (Private Branch Exchange), CO lines connect at a PBX switch. The phones also connect to the PBX switch. Each phone has a single line, but the user does not have to know what line they are using. Such mini-PBXs may have advanced features like voice mail, auto attendants, call forwarding, paging, call conferencing, and other features a business office. They may also be Voice-over-IP (VOIP) enabled. A PBX for homes is "overkill" for most home, but because small PBX solutions have become competitively priced, they may be an excellent choice for executives, for larger homes, home offices, and heavy users of communications. An outstanding example of a mini-PBX is the 3COM V3000 which is covered on this web site.
•  "Wireless/Cordless" Systems: There are single line and multi-line phone systems that have cordless phone sets. There are also cordless phones for mini-PBX systems. The biggest advantage of cordless/wireless phones is mobility. Some less expensive phones may have problems with voice quality, and some may be subject to interception by eavesdroppers. However, wireless/cordless phones are an attractive option for many homes.

NIC Telephone Systems for the Home:

•  Design and install state-of-the-art infrastructure wiring for your home.
•  Provide and install a state-of-the-art telephone system, be it a series-2500 standard phone, a multi-line phone, a key telephone system, or a mini-PBX.
•  Arrange for telephone service from one of the telephone carriers in your area.