Analog Versus Digital
There are two type of phone lines commonly available in the United States, analog
and digital. The modems in Hasler's meters require an analog line.
The easiest way to figure out if the phone system is analog or digital ... is to look at the connector.
Remember the local phone carrier can always arrange for an analog phone line from the local telephone switch. Sometimes it will be necessary to add a card to the switch, but it is always possible.
There are also digital to analog adapter boxes that plug into
an digital phone line and converts it to an analog line.
 |
 |
| Digital
6-8 grooves, this is a digital connector (phone line). Digital phone lines connect to telephones with multiple
lines, status indicators, etc. |
Analog
4 grooves, this is probably an analog connector (phone line). You can use it with a modem. |
Dedicated versus
Nondedicated
A dedicated phone line is a line that does not go through a switch board. Your
phone at home is most likely a dedicated phone line.
A nondedicated phone line is a line that is shared ... goes through a switchboard at which time the call is routed to you. If you have an extension (example 203- 925-1918 ext.254), you have a nondedicated line.
Direct Line
A direct line is the another name for a dedicated line.
Fax Lines
99.9% of fax lines are both analog and dedicated ... a good choice
to use when downloading postage with an Hasler meter.