Definition of E.164
E.164 is an international numbering plan established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for assigning unique, standardized telephone numbers across the globe. It primarily comprises a maximum of 15 digits, which includes the country code, area code, and local subscriber number. This system enables worldwide direct dialing, allowing for seamless and efficient communication between different countries.
Phonetic
E.164 in phonetics would be pronounced as: “E-dot-one-six-four” or “E-period-one-six-four.”
Key Takeaways
- E.164 is an international standard for numbering and routing of telephone numbers for public telecommunications networks worldwide. It ensures a consistent dialing plan and interoperability across different countries and regions.
- The E.164 numbering scheme can have up to 15 digits, with the first few digits being the country code (1 to 3 digits), followed by the national destination code (NDC) and the subscriber number (SN). This allows for unique identification of subscribers within the worldwide telephone network.
- Using E.164 simplifies the process of making international calls, allowing callers to dial the ‘+’ symbol followed by the E.164 number, without the need for dialing additional codes or routing digits. This promotes a consistent and efficient user experience in telecom services.
Importance of E.164
The E.164 is a significant technology term because it serves as the international telecommunication numbering plan (ITU-T recommendation) and provides a standardized way to format and structure telephone numbers globally.
This uniform numbering system ensures seamless connectivity and efficient communication between different countries and networks.
E.164 establishes a succinct, easily-recognized format consisting of a maximum of 15 digits, which includes the country code, area code, and local number.
By following this standardized system, network operators can easily route calls across diverse international telecommunication services and facilitate smooth global communication, ultimately contributing to the interconnectedness in today’s increasingly digital world.
Explanation
E.164 serves as the global numbering plan for public telephone networks and is designed to facilitate seamless international communication between parties. Established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), E.164 comprises the formatting, allocation, and management of telephone numbers, ensuring that each number maintains a unique and universally recognizable identity. This robust numbering plan simplifies communication by allowing users in different countries to connect with one another directly and efficiently.
E.164 addresses the interoperability of various networks and telecommunication systems, creating a harmonious functioning environment for seamless communication, acting as a crucial pillar of modern telephony infrastructure. The primary purpose of E.164 is to streamline and standardize communication, reducing the complexities that might arise from regional differences and incompatible telecommunication systems. The format comprises a few integral components including country-code, area-code, and local subscriber number.
This standardization of telephone numbers concerns both private users and businesses alike, enabling them to engage in international communication without the inconvenience of differing dialing procedures. Additionally, E.164 numbers play a significant role in the rising popularity of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, as they allow for mapping traditional phone numbers to IP addresses. Overall, E.164 is designed to ensure that the growingly interconnected world remains connected through hassle-free, consistent, and accessible communication channels.
Examples of E.164
E.164 is the international numbering plan for public telephone systems, which establishes a standard format for telephone numbers globally. It consists of a country code, area code, and local subscriber number. Real-world examples of E.164 formatted telephone numbers include:
United States: +1 (212) 555-1234 In this example, the E.164 formatted number begins with the country code (+1) for the United States, followed by the area code (212) for New York City, and finally, the local subscriber number (555-1234).
United Kingdom: +44 (20) 7123 4567 In this example, the E.164 formatted number begins with the country code (+44) for the United Kingdom, followed by the area code (20) for London, and finally, the local subscriber number (7123 4567).
Germany: +49 (30) 1234 5678 In this example, the E.164 formatted number begins with the country code (+49) for Germany, followed by the area code (30) for Berlin, and finally, the local subscriber number (1234 5678).These examples demonstrate how the E.164 numbering plan allows for a standardized format of telephone numbers internationally, improving global communication and interoperability between different countries’ telephone systems.
E.164 FAQ
1. What is E.164?
E.164 is an international public telecommunication numbering plan used for telephone numbers. It provides a unique numbering scheme for each active telephone line within a country or a geographic region.
2. What are the key components of an E.164 number?
An E.164 number consists of: a Country Code (CC), an Area or National Destination Code (NDC), and a Subscriber Number (SN). The maximum length of an E.164 number is 15 digits, including the Country Code.
3. Why is E.164 important?
E.164 is crucial for ensuring seamless and accurate international telephone communication. It standardizes the numbering format and ensures unique identifiers for each phone line, facilitating easy and error-free connections between different countries and networks.
4. How does E.164 affect VoIP systems?
In VoIP systems, E.164 helps prevent call routing errors. By adhering to the E.164 numbering plan, VoIP systems can accurately route calls between different countries and networks, ensuring efficient and reliable communication.
5. How can I convert a local phone number to an E.164 formatted number?
To convert a local phone number to an E.164 formatted number, you need to add the Country Code and, if applicable, the Area or National Destination Code before the local Subscriber Number. For instance, for a US phone number, you would add +1 (the Country Code) followed by the local number.
Related Technology Terms
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Global Numbering Plan
- Country Code (CC)
- National Destination Code (NDC)
- Subscriber Number (SN)
