Is
an IP system right for me?
Even if you don't need an IP telephone
system yet, Telephones.com still recommends going
with an IP system. Most IP systems actually come out
of the box as a conventional digital telephone system.
You would install, program, and use it just like any
other telephone system. Once you are ready to add
go IP, you simply add the optional IP module and IP
telephones. This keeps your initial costs down, and
similar to a conventional telephone system.
Are you still using *TDM? Time-Division
Multiplexing (TDM) is used in traditional
digital phone systems. TDM could very well be reaching
its expiry date, and the timeline for support for
TDM is shrinking. It's inevitable. TDM is being quickly
displaced with VoIP and IP Telephony.
Some IP Systems require the licensing
of optional equipment and software. Larger, more advanced IP
Systems like the Samsung
OfficeServ, the NEC
DSX, and the Vertical
SBX IP320 have optional advanced features
and functions that may require the purchase of separate
licenses and/or equipment in order to activate that
particular product or feature. An example of this
would be adding an off-site IP telephone in a different
city or state connected to the main system that might
require a site license. License costs and optional
features vary from IP system to IP system, so please
research them thoroughly. Smaller and medium size
systems normally DO NOT require any licensing fees.
IP Phone Systems have features and optional equipment
that are EXTREMLY advanced and unlike most features
found on conventional analog, digital, or hybrid systems.
IP Phone Systems are NOT harder to install than regular
conventional systems, but they may require additional
expertise when it comes to programming and configuring
them. Besides the basic telephony knowledge required
for phone systems, a complete understanding of LAN’s,
WAN’s and Data Networking is also required for
programming and configuring most IP Systems for off-site
operations. The provided system manuals will fully
explain this in technical terms, but depending on
your knowledge on IP addressing, you may also require
help from your local Network Administrator since the
provided manuals will assume you already have a basic
knowledge of computer networking fundamentals. An
IP phone system will become PART of your computer
network system (LAN), so if you understand your LAN's
operations, you should have no trouble integrating
the phone system to it. The rule of thumb here is
that if you can configure a computer network system
using IP addresses, MAC addresses, routers and switches,
etc, then you should be able to set up an IP phone
system as well. Most IP Systems tend to cost more
than a conventional analog or digital phone system
due to the more advanced features they contain. If
you DO NOT have multiple offices that require integration
or require off site locations for telecommuters, then
most likely a regular analog or digital phone system
will meet all your business needs and requirements.
Are
there disadvantages to an IP phone system?
- On the average, and IP phone system will cost
you more. If you don't have multiple business locations
that need to be networked together, a conventional
analog, digital or hybrid phone system may be a
better choice for you.
- Most IP Phone System require CAT5/6 wiring. Its
the same wiring used for your Computer network system.
This may be advantages when adding a phone where
a PC is already located because you can use the
same wiring for both the IP phone and PC. If you
don't have a networked PC at that location, then
you will need to run Cat5/6 wiring to that location
for the IP phone.
- There is a myth that an IP system is not reliable.
The fact is, an IP system is just as reliable, if
not more reliable, than a conventional digital phone
system. The MOST commonly reported problem with
an IP system has to do with Quality-of-Service (QoS).
The fact is, if you do not have the proper amount
of bandwidth at all locations, then you will experience
poor voice quality. The rule of thumb is simple.
Maintain proper bandwidth for the amount of equipment
is use and you will be extremely happy with the
features and functions of an IP system. Period.
Need
more help? ask us or download the free dummies manuals
below provided by Avaya (also apply to all other IP
phone systems):
Download
SIP for Dummies by Peter Gregory |
Your Business Phone and IP System
Superstore! 
