Voice and Data Combination Offers Cost Savings for Users
Recent advances in technology are finally making the convergence of voice and data systems possible. Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP, technology enables users to save money by placing telephone “calls” using computer networks. VOIP works by converting spoken words into data packets that can be sent over a data network or over the Internet. Two-way conversations are still possible, however the expense of voice cabling is eliminated.
Although VOIP has only recently received wide spread recognition following the introduction of new consumer services offered by Vonage and AT&T CallVantage, the technology has been in development for many years. Cisco entered the VOIP market through an acquisition in the late 90’s. After spending millions of dollars in development costs to refine the technology, today Cisco is a leading manufacturer of VOIP products. Avaya is another industry leader providing this technology to business.
Business class VOIP controls the Quality of Service (QoS) of VOIP traffic on a company’s data network. Networking equipment from Cisco and other manufacturers uses QoS programming to guarantee the bandwidth needed to ensure that VOIP “calls” reach their destination in time and without the choppy sounds that are prevalent when a data packet exceeds 150 milliseconds. Companies planning to implement VOIP on their internal networks should seriously consider upgrading their network equipment to handle QoS issues. Small business generally can use a VOIP phone on their existing data networks without QoS equipment and achieve good results.
Vonage and AT&T CallVantage offer slightly different VOIP service for consumers. The underlying technology is the same as VOIP service from Cisco or Avaya, but the phone calls are placed over the Internet using a Public Switched Network (PSN) to complete the “call”. Your voice data packet travels from your phone to the Vonage Interchange, and from there it travels to the PSN. While the “call” is being carried on the Internet, there are NO QoS rules to protect it from interruptions. This may lead to echoes and choppy calls, however once the call is on the PSN, the quality is guaranteed. A substantial part of the VOIP provider’s monthly fee goes to the PSN operator.
New services offered by companies like Reynwood Communications are overcoming these problems for business customers. Reynwood applies QoS rules to the combined Internet and voice traffic traveling over the line by bringing a Reynwood controlled T1 circuit into the business. This efficient utilization of T1 technology results in quality “telephone” service at a substantially lower cost than traditional technologies. Reynwood also combines VOIP service with “Centrex” like functions, giving small businesses the option of eliminating their landline telephone system. Remote and branch locations can seamlessly be included in these solutions, allowing employees who work at home to be part of the company’s telephone system. Reynwood can also install a black box that links directly to the legacy phone system for companies that don’t want to invest in new VOIP phones and want to protect their current system.
DeckerWright Corporation has the engineering expertise to implement VOIP solutions for small and medium businesses. Contact us today to find out how VOIP can benefit your company by saving money.
Call for VOIP solutions 732.747.9373.
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