The Components Of a VoIP System

VOIP and Unified Communications can be configured in many different ways, and there is a wide array of products available.

From a system perspective, VoIP systems can be thought of as being built from a number of "layers": (1) the Infrastructure to carry the calls, (2) Call Processing to manage the calls, (3) the Applications which the VoIP system interfaces with, and (4) the End Points for end-users. However, note that one or more of these "layers" may be combined together within a single product, and the choice of how these should be configured depends upon the clients' need.

1. Infrastructure

The underlying infrastructure consists of VoIP capable Routers and Switches, or specialised Voice Gateways. It is critical that the infrastructure is sufficiently robust to carry the voice and data calls - it forms the foundations for the systems. The infrastructure may also include a VoIP capable Firewall. In order to deliver a sufficiently robust system, both redundancy and quality of service (QoS) are critical.

The infrastructure also includes the connectivity between sites and other voice users. This may be configured using a variety of different links, including WAN, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and SIP Trunks, ISDN and various analogue systems (including standard PSTN).

Least Cost Routing is also typically implemented in the infrastructure "layer", and the efficiencies of combining data and voice make this one of the most immediate cost-saving drivers.

MintTec has specialist in-house capability to configure and implement your underlying infrastructure needs, and to provide very competitive circuits and least cost routing services, and would be pleased to discuss these issues with you.

2. Call Processing

The call processing layer manages the calls, processing the commands and delivering the functionality to the end user.

The call processing may be implemented in a number of different physical forms - these could include a dedicated specialist VoIP/ Unified Communications server, embedded on another server or on a Virtual Machine, or through a managed VoIP system where the call processing layer is hosted by an external third party.

MintTec is able to deliver solutions that cover all four of these solutions. We have a very robust hosting capability that can deliver fully outsourced Hosted VoIP, on either a Hosted Secure or a Hosted Standard platform, and which offers full user administration and control.

3. Applications

The applications layer interfaces with the core voice applications and as necessary with line of business systems, borderless voice and other advanced capabilities - which can make VoIP such a powerful and feature rich tool.

There are many applications that a VoIP / Unified Communications system can interface with. Typical examples include:

• Voicemail, VM
• Interactive voice response, IVR
• Integration with business process solutions, eg a CRM system
• Call attendant, auto attendant
• Call centre
• Conference calling
• Follow-me automatic call rerouting
• Presence collaboration
• Remote office systems
• Integration with email and scheduling
• Video calling and video conferencing
• Instant messaging

4. End-Point for users

The end point for users will typically consist of one of the following:

• IP handset - this is a handset with IP capabilities built in, and considerable functionality. Generally contain a switch so that the user pc is logged into the system through the phone handset, which greatly simplifies the process of users moving desks
• Softphone - ie software program for making telephone calls using a pc, rather than using dedicated hardware. Often a softphone is designed to behave like a traditional telephone, sometimes appearing as an image of a phone, with a display panel and buttons with which the user can interact. A softphone is usually used with a headset connected to the sound card of the PC, or with a USB phone.
• Conference Bridge
• Video phone

VoIP system suppliers

There are multiple suppliers for VoIP systems. MintTec is an independent systems integrator, and works with the main suppliers and with our clients to deliver impartial best advice on a system that is tailored to the clients need. This tailoring is from both a systems capability and pricing point perspective.

MintTec works with:

Note that some of these systems are hybrid IP, whilst others are pure IP. Hybrid IP systems have an IP core but offer backward compatibility to traditional products including TDM. This means that organisations with large installed TDM infrastructure are able to phase migrate to IP. However, the system is essentially a compromise and some of the advanced capabilities of IP will not be available to all users. Pure IP systems carry the entire traffic within the system in IP, and offer considerably more functionality, but have limited capability to work with legacy systems.

VOIP system installation and support from MintTec

MintTec offers a full service capability for VoIP and Unified Communications services. Hence we are able to offer:

• VoIP system consultancy - advise on which system to implement, to match with your requirements
• VoIP system installation and configuration - including all layers of the system
• VoIP system maintenance and support, including full 24/7 engineering support
• VoIP system hosting, on a VoIP managed services basis
• Communication carriers, including SIP trunks, ISDN, WAN and least cost routing

We frequently run test beds for VoIP systems and VoIP demonstrations, and would be pleased to discuss your requirements directly with you.