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How it works

In the most basic form, IP telephony is about taking phone conversations and converting them into a stream of IP packets and sending them over a packet switched network as opposed to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Voice traffic is converted to IP telephony packets by different devices, depending on the architecture of the solution. In toll bypass applications, gateways convert voice between the PBX and IP network. In most IP telephony deployments, packet conversion occurs at the IP phone as well. And in the case of architectures involving analogue phones and phone hubs, IP telephony conversion occurs at the phone hub.

Implementing an IP telephony infrastructure needs to be an evolutionary step with proper consideration for legacy TDM PBX systems.

IP enables businesses to align PC applications with their telephone system; both systems are interconnected on the same network. In this case, IP acts as the glue that binds together front-office and back-office applications with a communication server.

IP-based telephony has been around for some time, but like many new technologies, its mainstream adoption in business was tempered by concerns regarding voice quality and reliability. While in many cases the transmission of data is not time critical, a voice conversation relies on a high quality connection that is maintained throughout its duration.

Essentially, if you pick up a phone to make a call you expect it to work every time. As IP networks were designed originally for computer communication rather than human interaction, IP standards have needed to evolve to ensure that voice and other demanding applications such as video are given priority transmission, at high quality and also with high security.

 

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