Switchboards are a crucial aspect of communication infrastructure. Also known as telephone exchanges, switchboards have come a long way since their invention in the late 1800s. Today, there are several synonyms that one can use in place of the word "switchboard." One such synonym is "telephone exchange," which highlights the functionality of the switchboard as a crucial hub for telephony. Another synonym is "communications center," which conveys the central role that the switchboard plays in managing telephone traffic. Other synonyms include "central office," "public exchange," and "telephone switch." The evolution of switchboards has led to the creation of new terminologies, such as "PBX system" and "IP telephony".