What is MSN? Easily explained
Hardware, software or just a website - you will often come across the term MSN on the Internet. In this article we clarify exactly what that is and what you need MSN for. Depending on the context, the term means either an instant messaging program from Microsoft or an internal connection detection.
MSN: Windows Live Messenger is a thing of the past
Windows Live Messenger used to be called "MSN Messenger", which stands for "Microsoft Network". The program is no longer available.
- The service was discontinued in 2013 and outsourced to Skype.
- The messenger had its own network, but also supported communication with users of other messengers such as Yahoo Messenger and Facebook Chat.
- You could use MSN Messenger on different operating systems and even on your smartphone. All of this now also works with Skype.
MSN: The term related to ISDN
MSN can also stand for "Multible Subscriber Number". This is especially the case when it comes to Internet connection:
- In this context, MSN denotes a multiple number, that is, an internal connection detection on the ISDN multi-device connection.
- With this number a single ISDN basic connection can be reached under several phone numbers. That means: You only have one device at home with which you can access the Internet and connect your landline. However, you can still reach other people on different numbers.
- In Germany, you as a customer normally receive three telephone numbers for an ISDN point-to-multipoint connection.
- The telephone number is forwarded from the exchange without an area code as an MSN. The connected device only responds when its individual MSN is addressed.
- In Germany, the number of MSNs per ISDN point-to-multipoint connection is limited to ten by the Federal Network Agency. On request, you will receive up to ten individual numbers, i.e. ten MSNs.
MSN has become extinct as a messenger. Therefore, in the next practical tip, we will introduce you to current instant messengers for your mobile phone. "Windows Live Messenger 2012" is the latest version of Microsoft's free chat tool available for download.