The VoIP connection: telecommuters and remote workers gain one-wire access - Internet/IP Technologies

Communications News,  Oct, 2002  by Richard Barry

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The rise of telecommuting and the proliferation of remote company offices pose daunting communications challenges for many companies. Both the business and the worker need to create an environment that mirrors that of the home office, providing equal access to critical application, as well as an enterprise-level voice system.

Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) managed IP networks, can reduce a company's communications infrastructure a single, affordable, one-wire son. VoIP networks can connect departments, buildings, branch offices and telecommuters by voice over the same wire and through the same broadband service provider the company already uses for its data connection.

These solutions include full, service-provider-hosted PBX/Centrex functionality that can make any remote IP phone (a PBX-type phone connected directly to an IP network), or any remote POTS phone connected via an integrated access device, a virtual twin to those in the corporate office--complete with full support for such features as extension dialing, hunt groups, attendant support and hoteling, regardless of worker location. This means small branch offices and their telecommuters and mobile workers can get many advanced voice services not available from conventional phone systems.

A branch office handling service calls, for example, could configure remote service workers to be part of a service hunt group, with all workers using the same IP connection they use for data access. No expensive equipment is required-just a standard IP connection like DSL or cable modem, and the same phone that is used by workers sitting at the corporate office. Also, a permanent home office worker could have access to attendant call screening, corporate voice mail and other features with nothing more than a broadband connection.

BENEFITS AND SAVINGS

The solution also offers carrier-grade local and long-distance service that integrates seamlessly with the PSTN, as well as legacy phone systems and voice private networks. This allows the branch office to get all voice and data services from one broadband IP service provider (BSP), producing a lower monthly phone bill and eliminating multiple access connections to the local phone company and a long-distance provider. Call quality is indistinguishable from PSTN calls, and the branch office can use lower-cost private dial plans to call headquarters or other branches, without requiring the installation of tie lines.

Finally, there is no need for all enterprise offices to migrate to this solution at the same time. VoIP networks can integrate seamlessly with existing voice systems at headquarters and non-VoIP branch offices. Additional benefits include:

* savings on monthly phone bills by eliminating multiple access line costs and bypassing traditional PSTN access fees;

* productivity-enhancing features, such as one-number find-me/follow-me service;

* low fixed-cost private network dial capabilities that eliminate the need for employees at different sites to dial through the PSTN;

* elimination of credit card calling for home office workers;

* employees themselves can move their office phone between offices by plugging into the office LAN;

* self-provisioning of voice services using a Web interface;

* voice and data billing from a single provider; and

* elimination of the need for on-site telephone expertise at small branch offices.

VoIP networks can help future proof businesses against technology changes and the complications that business growth can cause for their phone equipment. By moving toward a voice network model that uses an IP-based infrastructure, companies gain access to the latest technologies as soon as they become available (such as the soon-to-emerge desktop multimedia services), hook up with a system that automatically scales as the enterprise expands, and dramatically reduce maintenance and support.

CONFIGURING THE NETWORK

VoIP networks can be installed either to connect to an enterprise's existing PBX (VoIP business trunking service) or to replace PBXs or existing Centrex service lip Centrex).

In the first case, legacy PBXs or new IP PBXs at branch offices are connected to the managed IP network for all local and long-distance calls, and for private network (voice VPN) calls. Telecommuters and mobile workers can use either IP phones, cell phones or standard POTS phones to access the corporate voice network via either IP or PSTN. Legacy PBXs at company headquarters are seamlessly integrated for private network calling.

In the second case, branch-office sites using IP Centrex integrate with the headquarters site, still using the company's legacy PBX. Telecommuters and mobile workers can use either IP phones or PSTN phones. In this case, however, the IP phones use media gateway control protocol, not H.323, offering increased functionality.

Because the service is furnished by the enterprise's BSP, a VoIP network only interfaces with legacy infrastructure as needed. Minimal amounts of equipment reside on customer premises, reducing IT staff responsibilities and simplifying installation, especially for branch offices. Any home or business that uses a broadband provider with a VoIP network capability can be connected under the system.