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A2D |
Analogue to Digital Switchover |
The industry-wide migration from analogue PSTN networks to all-digital IP networks, driven by telecom providers (e.g. BT’s “All-IP” programme in the UK). Analogue lines are expected to be phased out by 2027 in most regions.
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A2B |
Analogue Gateway / Converter / Bridging device |
A temporary or transitional device that allows older analogue telecare equipment to function over digital networks by converting the Protocols — a short-term bridging solution. |
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ATA |
Analogue to Digital Adaptor |
An ATA converts the analogue voice signals from a standard telephone or fax machine into digital data packets that can be transmitted over an IP network (such as the internet). It performs the reverse conversion for incoming digital audio, allowing analogue phones to function as if they were connected to a traditional phone line. |
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DTMF signals |
Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency |
Analogue tones |
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End-to-End IP |
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A fully digital communication chain, from the user’s telecare device through the network to the ARC — with no analogue conversion points in between. |
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IP |
Internet Protocol |
The digital communication method that replaces analogue signal transmission. |
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PDPL |
Pre-Digital Phone Line |
A pre-digital phone line transmits voice signals as continuous electrical analogue waves over copper wires. When a person spoke into the handset, their voice was converted by a microphone into varying electrical signals that represented the sound’s amplitude and frequency. These signals travelled through the public switched telephone network (PSTN), which used physical switches and circuit connections to complete calls between two points. |
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PTSN |
Public Switched Telephone Network |
The traditional copper-based telephone infrastructure that has carried voice and tone-based alarm signals for decades. It is being replaced by digital networks. |
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Router |
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A device that connects telecare equipment to a broadband or mobile network. It acts as a bridge between telecare devices (e.g., pendant alarm) and monitoring centres. |
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VoIP |
Voice over Internet Protocol |
A digital method of transmitting voice calls over IP networks. VoIP lines can disrupt analogue signal transmission, making some legacy telecare devices unreliable. |