Mountain Biking

(Our sponsor "Groundforce IT" knows networking...both residential and business - so keep them in mind when you need network support since they do a great job in supporting our sport)

Demystifying VOIP and IP Telephony 

A buyers guide for phone systems

If you've been approached by a phone system vendor recently, you may have found yourself lost in terms like "VOIP" and "IP Telephony" or "IP/PBX." It's easy to get caught up in the jargon, but don't. A basic understanding of how calls are routed and a focused approached to buying is the key to making the right decision. Here is a quick explanation and our guide to help you select a system. If you have additional questions, contact GroundForceIT. We're here to help!

"How Does My Phone System Make Phone Calls?"
Most local and long distance calls are routed to a major phone carrier network (i.e. Verizon, Paetec, Comcast) whose core systems have been in place for decades. Calls are guaranteed to have a certain call quality. Once the call hits the carrier's network, it's their responsibility. It's important to go with a good phone company. Calls may also be made across the Internet, as discussed below. 

An IP Telephony (IP/PBX or IP Phone) system simply uses your Local Area Network (LAN) as the transport mechanism (versus separate cabling exclusively for the phone system) for calls from the handset on your desk to the phone system in the telecom closet in your office. Once there, the call will go to the phone carrier (i.e. Verizon, Paetec, Comcast). This is especially beneficial in new office buildouts as only one data cable needs to be dropped at each employee workstation area resulting in a cost savings.

VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol or Voice Over the Public Internet) is a service that uses the public Internet for placing/routing phone calls instead of a traditional phone carrier network. As a general rule, VOIP providers are less expensive than traditional phone carriers, but customers have no control over the quality of service when the call gets routed over the Internet.

If you have an IP/PBX, it will either connect to a traditional phone company with traditional services, (you may have heard of a T1, POTS lines or PRI) or it may connect to a VOIP provider.

How to Choose a Phone System
Whether you purchase a traditional phone system or an IP-based phone system, your main focus should be how easy it is to make and receive calls. Secondly, determine what additional services you need from you system. For example, do you need voicemails to automatically route to an email account? Make sure you have the support you need from the manufacturer and installation company. Lastly, as mentioned at the top of this article, go with a good phone carrier.