A phone system refers to a network or infrastructure that enables communication between two or more parties through electrical signals transmitted over wires, cables, or wireless networks. It typically includes hardware such as telephones, switchboards and other equipment used for routing calls, as well as software applications that manage the call processing and user features like voicemail, caller ID, and call forwarding. The term can also refer to a specific type of phone system, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or PBX (Private Branch Exchange), which are used by businesses for their communication needs.