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INSIGHT: Difference is in details when talking Internet communications |
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By Larry Wetsch For the Sioux Falls Business Journal
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Tuesday, 08 May 2007 |
Voice-over-the-Internet-Protocol, or VoIP, is a revolutionary technology that has been reshaping the world’s phone system. Companies now are offering their own versions of standard and alternative IP-based phone systems.
 VoIP, an IP address is assigned to each computer, printer or server that resides on a network. Working similarly to a street address for a house or business, IP addresses enable computers, printers or servers to be found.
For many years only computers used IP networks because of quality of service, or QOS. QOS allows a computer to send and receive information seamlessly. A computer can decipher information no matter how it is sent, but VoIP works differently. Without QOS, a phone call using VoIP would not work properly. Imagine trying to have a conversation where every other word is missing or the reply time is delayed. QOS assigns voice calls priority over computer information so this does not happen.
All VoIP services are not the same or created equal. Many of the standard VoIP systems rely on a switch owned by the company and focus on providing an IP solution within the company’s own IP network. Alternative VoIP solutions provide IP phones outside the company’s owned IP network and rely on the public Internet.
Internet speed and redundancy are important factors when choosing a VoIP solution, as is network architecture for alternative VoIP solutions. Look for a provider who offers a network architecture that minimizes the amount of time the VoIP phone call spends on the public Internet.
 Super-POPS, which are main locations interconnected with high-capacity fiber links, create a redundant VoIP connection across the United States. The more super-POPS a provider’s network offers, the more robust voice quality will be when using their VoIP services. A high-speed Internet connection using a cable modem, DSL line or T-1 is required for alternative VoIP services.
The public Internet is a necessary evil when using alternative VoIP solutions. Most VoIP phone calls use the public Internet for the duration of the call. This voice call gets bounced around the public Internet, a process that often causes poor voice quality due to the lack of QOS. Some VoIP solutions reduce the amount of time the phone call spends on the public Internet. The VoIP phone call starts out on the public network but jumps to the provider’s redundant network as soon as possible. These providers offer a more reliable and feature-rich VoIP solution for businesses.
VoIP offers a new realm of possibilities for traveling business people. It also makes communication easier between home-based employees or businesses with multiple locations.
In addition, many VoIP providers have no long-distance charges within the United States, allowing companies that make numerous long-distance calls to save money.
Wetsch is co-owner of TeamLogic IT |