Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP
promises large gains in functionality for enterprises and consumers alike whilst
dramatically reducing costs - by integrating and leveraging existing broadband IP networks
which are already in place to carry our data communications. Many of us have experienced the cost savings of
making local and overseas calls for next-to-nothing by using a VoIP network instead of the Plain old Telephone
System. With your virtual phone-number and a high-speed internet connection, you can be contacted or can
make calls over the Internet ... anywhere in the world.
Hosted Enterprise Systems
Large scale carrier grade systems are available through Telco service providers.
Some of the leading hosted VoIP packages and providers are listed below ...
PBX Devices
Many large enterprises have their own IP or hybrid PBX that connects various physical
areas/sites or logical groups through VoIP. Some of the leading vendors are listed below ...
Session Border Controllers
Session Border Controllers provide the IP interface into a VoIP network.
They connect IP phones, Integrated Access Devices (IADs) and PABX devices through SIP providing the
back-to-back SIP user agents to securely handle VoIP network traffic. SBCs can also handle other voice-protocols
such as MGCP, H.323 and H.248 to facilitate on-net calls from disparate access devices.
Quality of Service Monitoring
QoS monitoring and service level assurance are vital functions within a VoIP network.
Maintaining the QoS for VoIP involves measurement, analysis and reporting to keep the caller satisfied with
the VoIP service. Listed below are some of the leading vendors in this QoS measurement...
VoIP Providers
Major Telco's have service offerings but the consumer and SME sectors are moving fast
to deliver VoIP solutions to customers who want cheaper voice calls and who already have a broadband connection
to their premise.
VoIP Offerings from the major players
The major software and communication players are or will be investing heavily
into VoIP services - leveraging their own software and hardware infrstructures. Voicemail, Instant Messaging,
eMail, Voice Calls, Call Conferencing and Presence are just the tip of the Unified Communications iceberg.
