Historically, two communication infrastructures have existed in most
companies, data networks and traditional telephone systems. Due to
this, it is necessary to have twice as much knowledge for operation
and maintenance of both systems, and because each system is based
on different technologies, rapid developments of new applications
have been hindered.
Traditional Telecommunications system
Traditional telephony normally consists
of a central control unit usually located
on a wall, connected to the handsets, and
establishes an end to end connection with
a reserved bandwidth of 64kbytes for every
phone call. These systems are proprietary,
and therefore only the manufacturer can
develop hardware expansions and integrated
applications, leading to inflated pricing.
Digital handsets from one manufacturer are
not compatible with other systems, and simple
applications such as voicemail require expensive
modules normally available only from the
manufacturer.
IP-PBX Telephony
The IP –PBX (also LAN-PBX, Soft PBX, or Packet PBX) is a new
concept. In this concept, the voice is not directed through a separate
system, but becomes an integral part of a converged voice and data
network. By integrating the voice with the computer network, IP telephony
digitalizes, compresses, converts, and packs the voice data into IP
packets and then sends them over the data network together with other
IP traffic.
No special 'switching unit' is required, as is the case of traditional
communications systems, the IP-PBX provides the call handling functions
by assigning IP addresses and phone numbers to the IP telephone terminals
connected to the PC network.
What are the benefits of IP-PBX telephony to
an organisation?
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One voice and data network which
can be administered more easily, and in house. |
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One infrastructure
to support all forms of voice, data
and video products. |
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Organisations with multiple sites
can make use of their existing data circuits (Kilostream/Megastream)
and add voice calls, saving money, without the need to install
expensive multiplexers. |
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Home workers can become an integral
part of their company even when working miles away from the
office, they can have a handset which is an extension of the
main company telephone system, in some cases, an operator can
even see if a user is on the phone when at home! |
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Multiple site companies can work
as one, even sharing applications such as voicemail and centralised
operators. |
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Potentially free calls using the
internet anywhere in the world. |
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True 'hot desking', companies which
have mobile employees can load a 'soft telephone' on a users
laptop which can be plugged into any network point and used
in conjunction with a portable headset/handset to make calls.
The user can then dial at random using the keyboard or portable
handset, even from applications such as Microsoft Outlook at
the click of a button. |
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Potentially, IP handsets and applications
from any manufacturer can be integrated into the system, you
will not be tied into buying from one manufacturer. |
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One single network connection for
your computer and handset, halving the amount of cabling required. |
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Pocket PC ( PDA ) devices can potentially
be used as in house cordless telephones. |
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Applications are normally cheaper,
some are being offered as standard, such as the ability to dial
from screen. |
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NEC's PDA Phone, the future.
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These are some of the potential benefits
of Voice Over IP but there are also possible
disadvantages for some companies. Please
click here
to consult an advisor.
We can advise on the most suitable system for your organisation. To
request a brochure, free communications audit or more information
please click here. |
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