|
I've had a VoIP phone on my desk, and in my home office, for over 3.5 years. This technology will definitely replace POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) in the coming years.
Conceptually, it's very simple. You "digitize" the analogue signal and then send it over your data network in embedded IP packets. It's no different from "steaming video" you see on the internet.
The main challenges for VoIP solutions revolve around "feature equivalency" with PABXs; these have been around for decades and VoIP is still relatively new. Effectively, a VoIP solution replaces your PABX with a server that manages all the call routing etc.
Most VoIP networks are internal to a company. That is, it replaces your old phone system in the office, but you still interface with the PSTN (or POTS) network for sending calls outside. Some companies, mine included, do send voice traffic over their data WANs, but only from site to site. For sending/receiving calls to those who don't have VoIP, you simpy use a gateway.
VoIP is definitely something worth considering for long-term investment.
Some of the major players are Cisco, Avaya and Symbol.
If you want more information, just let me know...
Mr Mephisto
|