As IP telephony continues breaking new grounds in modern, reliable yet cost effective services to relay data and voice, a vital questions arises for many companies – Whether to continue with separate voice and data networks or opt for a converged data and voice network for their enterprise needs. This article gives you a few advantages of setting up a converged network rather than continuing with the traditional separated voice and data networks.
Converged Networks – A Crisp Brief
Popularly known as ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ or VoIP uses packet switching over a stable TCP/IP infrastructure to transmit audio or video between two points using an Internet connection. The source voice is first converted into digital signal and then conveyed at short bursts (‘packet’) of digital information. At the destination end, it is then re-converted into sound in a chronological order and then relayed to the receiver’s VoIP device.
Why voice over data network and not data over voice network?
Traditional telephone systems use line switching to relay information, while VoIP uses packet switching to connect two or more parties in a telephone call. Some may argue that data over voice is as effective as compared to voice over data networks. However we need to ask ourselves just one question here. Which is a preferable scenario and which is the scenario that can spell IT and business disaster?
Scenario 1 – Telephone line is down for an hour
Scenario 2 – Internet connection is down for an hour
As is amply clear, if an internet connection is down for an hour, it will spell calamity due to operational disruptions. Hence having voice over data is preferred as data networks will then be the sole network to manage, administer and monitor rather than having two sets of cabling, wiring, routing, switches, or other infrastructure. Even emerging standards account for voice over data network and thus it makes complete business sense to go for it.
Vital business advantages of converged networks
- Avoiding redundancies – Imagine having to maintain separate lines for PBX, telephones, computers, cabling, switches, hubs or routers? This is what separate network does. Also it doubles the need for different staff to look after planning, budgeting, supervision and change management for telephone lines and Internet connection. This can be avoided completely by setting up converged networks from experienced companies like Hutaib Infotech Solutions.
- Cost effective – Further to the above points separate setup, maintenance and administration of two separate lines means spike in costs. Having a single line for both data and voice ensures almost 40% savings
- Productivity hike – Employees need not carry separate devices for office and for personal use. Also they can be easily reachable at all times thanks to the widest coverage enabled by Internet. Even remote access to office systems is easier due to the converged networks. These factors ensure enhanced productivity levels amongst the employees thus making it a profitable business proposition.
Do you have any other advantages that you can think of in adopting converged networks for enterprise? Write in to us and share your views.
