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The telephone system is a part of life, and has been since Alexander Graham Bell invented it in 1876. Now, with the advent of the Internet, the communications traveling over the "plain old telephone system," or POTS, and the IP network are merging. Existing data network infrastructure can handle phone or voice calls. This increasingly popular technology is called Voice over IP (VoIP).
Already the acronym is clouded. David Morris, spokesperson for Alaska's GCI, says, "We define VoIP as voice traffic that goes through a packet-switched telecommunications network. It is under constant scrutiny of regulatory bodies. It has a variety of quality of service levels, may or may not support E911, may or may not pay network access fees, etc.
"It can be confusing because we carry voice traffic using IP today; when we hook up a local telephone customer with our cable plant-and while it is technically VoIP it is not what's commonly--and most of the time confusingly--referred to as VoIP in popular media.
"IP Telephony, on the other hand, is generally used by large businesses with several locations. While it is still packet switched like VoIP, because it is an internal enterprise application, it is not subject to the FCC, RCA, etc. It does provide a good amount of flexibility and reduced costs."
In considering VoIP, think of it as digitizing the analog voice signal and sending out the voice traffic over the data network. As a telephone call can now travel over a company's network lines or the public network--the Internet--there are no long-distance charges.
IP telephony uses the data network within the company to replace the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) with digital technology, thereby generating dial tone, signaling, gatekeeping and switching within a company. It interfaces with the public-switched telephone network, or CO (Central Office), using call agents, such as the Cisco CallManager product to manage the system. IP phones look like, feel like and sound like a standard telephone, but use Internet Protocol (IP) to digitize and send the voice signal digitally along its merry way over the data network.
For both the professional or those who dabble in data networking and telephony who are looking for a good read to help digest a solid foundation of VoIP, check out the book "Voice over IP First-Step." The published work provides a clear introduction to the world of VoIP networks. The concepts are presented in plain language, so you don't need in-depth background knowledge to comprehend the technologies covered. If you work with data or telephony networks, if you're a home user interested in how VoIP can reduce your monthly phone bill, or if the concept of VoIP simply intrigues you, this book provides the answers.
VoIP-POWERFUL AND PRODUCTIVE
For the office using IP telephony, the available hardware is almost limitless. Full-featured telephones provide the end user with the ability to change the phone profile, such as call forwarding and follow-me features. The IT department can handle moves of the telephone in the same way PC moves are manipulated. No longer does changing a desk or even moving from one building to another mandate modifying the user's extension number or profile.
Phones are not limited to phones in the traditional sense. For the businessperson on the road or working at home, "soft phones" loaded on a laptop allow the employee to travel wherever work takes them. The software intuitively determines the user's location and contact preferences. This makes the laptop a traveling office. Just like e-mail, the phone with the same office extension number goes anywhere and everywhere.
"CEOs hate to see people on their cell phones at their desk, but it happens all the time," says GCI's Senior Manager of Commercial Marketing, Cindy Baldwin. Now, with certain models of Blackberry and Nokia phones utilizing GSM networks, users can enjoy one number that rings at the desk or on the cell phone. Offices equipped with Cisco IP Telephony (IPT) allow the user to take a call on a cell phone and, when back at their desk, pick up the desk phone and continue the call, hanging up the cell phone. Conversely, Baldwin points out, if you are on the phone and have to leave for a meeting, it is possible to pick up the cell and hang up the desk phone, never dropping the conversation. A great side benefit is the cell minute savings.
Companies, such as Percipia Networks, specialize in development of communications software for IP Telephony products. Custom applications display the company logo and promotional or motivational messages.
The technical vocabulary also should include Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Lauded for years as an open and flexible technology that delivers multimedia and interoperability, new versions of the IP PBX platform are emerging every day. Cisco System's CallManager 5.0, rebranded as Unified CallManager, lets users integrate desktop productivity applications with VoIP and IP video, as well as instant messaging technology.
The SIP-based VoIP services can do away with voice T-1 lines and ISDN and link directly into voice provider via IP. New construction can save on infrastructure cost by combining data and voice networks.
Smart tags in documents created in the latest version of Microsoft Office can be tied to click-to-dial or other communications channels. Cisco says its presence server can work with Microsoft's Office Communicator client and multimedia communication platform.
Integrated wired and wireless platforms are conveniently supported on the new Samsung VoIP applications, including OfficeServ Wireless (WLAN) phones, traditional phones, PCs, servers and other peripherals. Samsung Business Communication Systems (BCS), a Dallas-based division of Samsung Telecommunications of America and with dealers in Alaska, specifically targets small to medium business with its OfficeServ[TM] 7200 converged platform. "The convergence of wireless and wireline is the next step in enterprise communications," says Steve Gobili, vice president of Samsung Telecommunications America. The system is targeted practically for 25 to 75 stations. The system allows the mix and match of trunk cards, station cards, voice mail, VoIP cards, and more. Gobili says, "These and other OfficeServ-enhanced applications this platform supports allow businesses to have more information at their fingertips, more call control functions, better voice and data connections and, ultimately, provide better service to their customers."
Wireless solutions liberate the user from the traditional desk set while allowing them to stay in touch. Wireless, such as OfficeServ, delivers advantages, such as:
* No monthly airtime charges-uses the unlicensed 2.4 GHz frequency band
* Excellent voice quality-guaranteed priority for voice IP packets
* Full-feature integration with Samsung IP-enabled key systems
* Easy installation and operation-no lengthy training
* Innovative wireless handset-lightweight with easy access to system features
* Flexible configuration-separate voice and data network management
* Programming through phone or PC
ALASKA COMPANIES JOIN THE IP TELEPHONY REVOLUTION
GCI's first install of a full-blown IP telephony system was Credit Union 1 half a decade ago. Shortly thereafter, in the 2002 to 2003 timeframe, Arctic Slope Regional Corp. requested GCI to provide IP telephony to include user devices and services scaled for 500 to 600 users. The system is based on Cisco's Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data (AVVID), says GCI's Baldwin. GCI met the key milestones established by ASRC with a fully functional system including:
* A call-processing system with built-in redundancy and backup capabilities
* Unified messaging hardware, application and configuration and auto-attendant implementation
* Voice gateway hardware, software and implementation to support caller ID and multiple network nodes (requested later)
* Conference/bridging hardware, application and configuration to support Meet Me Conferencing
* Configuration and placement of 500+ client devices (telephone sets) and attendant console setup for one to two attendants per company
* Capability of supporting multiple ACD groups with up to 15 attendants per group
* Integration with the current ASRC LAN/WAN, including Quality of Services (QoS) configuration and implementation
* Initial end user training and training documentation for 800 users
* Five sets of system documentation for technicians
* Onsite support for the first 90 days after building occupancy
New systems require training and GCI provided training on a rolling schedule to coincide with the company's move. Training include classroom sessions for end users, specialized small group training for receptionists, operating attendant consoles, and a full-day of follow-up training where the trainer made on-site visits to each user's desk and provided training as requested on key features.
VoIP PITCHES FREE LONG-DISTANCE
The sales pitch of VoIP is unlimited local and long-distance calls for a flat fee. The subscriber numbers are growing and most every computer store features analog telephone adapters (ATA) to replace traditional phone service.
Vonage is the leader in VoIP service, but so far an Alaska area code is not available. VoIP requires a high-speed Internet connection and the device can travel with the user, maintaining the assigned number wherever they travel. Because the Internet is a best-effort, packet-delivery system, the quality of service (QoS) may not always reach expectations. Some systems, such as Net2Phone, do not require an appliance, using simply the computer, software and headset.
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