Voice over IP(VoIP) has been popularised by applications such as Skype, which allow people to talk to each other via the Internet.

In the modern office, VoIP solutions can replace the traditional (and often very costly) switchboard solution. There are many possible permutations and certainly not a one size supposedly fits all solution, but here are some of the components that we would recommend for a typical VoIP implementation.

VoIP

Voice over IP(VoIP) has been popularised by applications such as Skype, which allow people to talk to each other via the Internet.

In the modern office, VoIP solutions can replace the traditional (and often very costly) switchboard solution. There are many possible permutations and certainly not a one size supposedly fits all solution, but here are some of the components that we would recommend for a typical VoIP implementation.

VoIP Server

A computer replaces the old switchboard and all the logic of a phone network is handled by software on this computer. This has many implications, such as no limit on the number of extensions supported by the switchboard, easily extensible (upgradeable) and sophisticated routing tables such as least cost calling.

IP Phones

There are various IP phones, from simple desktop solutions to sophisticated phone operator consoles. Each of these has it's own advantages and there is no limits or requirements for which types are needed in any particular implementation. In fact, it is not even neccesary to use IP phones because any existing analog phones could be used instead by using a special analog/IP switch (gateway).

Using VoIP, an enterprise positions a "VoIP device" at a gateway. The gateway receives packetized voice transmissions from users within the company and then routes them to other parts of its intranet (local area or wide area network) or, using a T-carrier system or E-carrier interface, sends them over the public switched telephone network.

Gateways

There are various gateways available to connect your VoIP system to analog phones, analog phone lines or Internet Voice service providers. With this last option, you could dial from your phone at your office to dial anywhere in the world, often much cheaper than normal phone call costs.

Cabling

Usually, no extra cabling is required. The systems runs on your existing computer network, which also makes moving phones from one location to another extremely simple. The only time you might need is cabling is for locations where no computer networking exists. Of course, if you already have analog phone cables, using a Analog/IP switch and analog phones you can still use this cabling.