IP Telephony
IP telephony or VoIP (Voice over IP) is a term defining voice transfer over the Internet Protocol (IP). Integrating VoIP with the IP network enables new voice services not just for the end user but also for the network systems. Furthermore, with VoIP any changes are easier to implement. VoIP integration makes possible for the end user to use a computer to manage phone functions. It can also be implemented on a network level thus enabling integration of IP Telephony server with an LDAP domain server. So VoIP has several benefits: better user efficiency, simple implementation of changes, internal telephony management, easier connection of different locations to each other and a possibility of CRM and ERP systems integration.
IP Telephony design example
The company's HQ are located in the capital city. The company has 24 branch offices around the country and another 5 all over the world. Most of the phone communication is placed between the HQ and the remote offices and the costs are high. Having reached the end of its life cycle the HQ's PBX is obsolete. Remote locations use Centrex; POTS is used outside of the country. The goal of VoIP implementation is to consolidate the phone network, lower its costs, implement new voice services and
integrate VoIP into the IP network.
The solution
IP telephony will be implemented using two redundant central servers at the HQ and a SIP trunk as a gateway to the PSTN. The remote locations will be connected to the HQ using IPsec VPN connections that will transfer voice and data traffic. In case an Internet connection goes down on any of the locations, POTS lines will act as a gateway to the PSTN to ensure backup telephony services. GSM gateways will be used for calls into mobile networks to lower costs and enhance reliability.
The advantages
VoIP implementation lowers costs of calls between different business locations and forms a unified phone network that can be integrated with the user's computers and business server. Mobile users can make and receive phone calls through their IPsec VPN connections by using a software phone on their computer that connects to their stationary phone while working from home or on the road. The design of the network ensures high availability of the telephone network.