What Is Voice over Internet Protocol

What is Voice over Internet Protocol

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a new technology in which voice communication is sent over a packet-based network (IP) instead of traditional circuit-switched system. There are situations where VoIP is the right solution and there are also many situations where it is not. As an enterprise, we will practice sound risk management by making sure all of the following migration components are considered.

Planning Considerations:

* Site Assessment

* Network Assessment - VLans, Layer 3,4 Prioritization, Quality of Service,

Bandwidth utilization on WAN, Power Protection, Security

* Wiring - Cat 5 minimum throughout

* Staff Readiness - Training

* Redundancy & recovery features

* Redundant Power Systems

* Conduct a Pilot

Security Issues:

* Develop an appropriate network architecture, using central or distributed models.

* Ensure that the organization can manage and mitigate risks to information, systems operations and continuity of essential operations

* Consideration to E-911 emergency services communications

* Evaluate costs for additional power backup systems.

* Employ and regularly test, VoIP ready firewalls and other appropriate protection mechanisms.

Quality of Services Parameters:

* Service availability

* Application loss rate

* Delay (response time)

* Jitter (delay variation)

* SLA development

Many operational benefits will be realized through convergence. Staffing resources can be realigned to create a more flexible, agile and supportive organization. A collaborative spirit between voice and data across the enterprise will be fostered. Other operational and cost benefits are as follows:

Operational Benefits:

* Centralized routing

* Elimination of multiple dial plans

* Ubiquitous access to telephony services

* Unified communications and advanced applications

* Call Center

* Desktop video

* Network consolidation for voice, video and data

* Flexibility and portability

* Mobile workforces

* Geographic redundancy and disaster recovery

Potential Cost Benefits:

* Single cabling and switching infrastructure

* Scalability

* Ability to move individuals seamlessly and rapidly

* Better use of available bandwidth

* Reduced telephony and videoconferencing costs

* Toll bypass

Definitions of Terms:

Converged or Integrated Network - The combination of telephones, video conferencing and data onto one network.

IP Telephony (IPT) - Voice over an Ethernet LAN, local area network technology.

VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol or voice transmitted over a digital wide area network (WAN).

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