Getting and using VOIP. Where to start?

[Duran]

Hi,

I am really keen on getting thison my networkbut would liketo knowthe in's and out's and the pitfalls and possibilites of it all in the 'real world'.

Thanks to anyone who can provide me with an insight.

D I plug you in, dim the lights
Electric Barbarella !

 

[lockout]

Firstly, ask yourself if you really need VOIP at all. Traditional telephony may still provide a lower cost option with more telephony features. Are you looking to add to an existing telephony system, or is it a new install (much easier). Have you checked that your LAN/WAN can support and manage/prioritise the VOIP traffic.

On the plus side, VOIP can work well on infrastructure which is designed to support it, and is gaining ground over traditional solutions (largely through the expenditure of millions of marketing dollars by interested parties).

But IMHO it is still a technology in search of an application, too expensive, and lacks the stability and features to be a genuine alternative to traditional telephony.

I would recommend that you trial it carefully in a controlled environment before deciding to implement it across your existing system.

Good luck !!

G.

 

[trickenb]

Hi ! I regularly use VOIP to connect a PBX phone at home
to my PBX in the office, through Cable/internet at home
(Comcast) and conversane DSL (at work) I needed to set jitter delay up to 130, to adjust for network latency, but it works extremely well. Call is you have any q's 978-475-7200.....Tom

 

[benzguy777]

trickenb:

What Voip Brand of Hardware are you using?

 

[MTVW]

I would hold off on it. There are advantages to it, but they are not that significant. If your infrastructure is compatible with it (Phone switch....network switch) then you are in a good position to see for yourself by testing it.

 

[BenJP]

Duran,

I would take their advice.

If you don’t have remote users or sites that need access to your PBX then I would not be in any hurry to add this to your list of headaches.

But, it could be your cup of tea, if you have the time and like to play with this kind of thing.

Regards,

Benton Shafer