The simplest network design consists of a single PBX system. There are several single system design configurations based on the location of the system s station users. These configurations are used to support the following types of communications requirements:

1. One or more station users at the same location who are physically remote from all customer premises locations housing PBX common equipment

2. One or more station users residing on the customer premises but exceeding the maximum loop length for their desktop telephone equipment

3. Station users physically remote from the customer premises location housing the main PBX common equipment room but supported by local common equipment

The first PBX configuration option supports remote teleworkers. The second and third configurations are based on a distributed common equipment architecture. Some PBX systems have a standard distributed port interface cabinet/carrier design, and others use hardware options designed for remote premises communications requirements.

The first single system PBX networking category supports station users who are remote from all common equipment but require desktop communications support as if they were located at their organization s premises. These type of station users are now referred to as teleworkers. Teleworkers fall into two categories:

1. Fixed teleworker

2. Mobile teleworker

A fixed teleworker has a permanent desktop location relative to the remotely located PBX system. Fixed teleworker solutions are sometimes referred to as small office/home office (SOHO) configurations. Mobile teleworkers are constantly on the move, but need to be linked...