… Functions, Components, and Signaling Protocols in VoIP Networks Part Number: 200087-002 May 2007 Copyright ©2007, Juniper Networks, Inc.* Voice Over IP 101 Introduction Although voice over IP (VoIP) has existed for several years, it has only recently begun to take off as a viable alternative to traditional voice systems and public …

Although voice over IP (VoIP) has existed for several years, it has only recently begun to take off as a viable alternative to traditional voice systems and public switched telephone networks (PSTN). Interest in VoIP has grown in part because the technology can help both service providers and enterprises to reduce costs by using a single IP network for both data and voice applications. Cost is not the only factor driving VoIP’s adoption. Growing experience and continued refinements in standards and technologies have led network managers to plan VoIP implementation as part of a more comprehensive communications transformation. In this context, VoIP can play a critical role in improving the effectiveness of a call center, for example, or in achieving the efficiencies of Unified Communications, new solutions that intermix all forms of communications and media. Service providers are now leveraging VoIP technologies to introduce a wide variety of value-added applications and services for their customers. Although VoIP is an attractive alternative to traditional PSTN voice services, deploying VoIP is not as simple as flipping a switch. Before implementing a VoIP solution, organizations must consider the following issues: • What impact will deploying VoIP have on the IT organization? • What functionality will the organization require from its VoIP network? • How can an organization evaluate whether their VoIP solution will be able to provide high-quality voice services? Organizations can choose from a variety of equipment and networking protocols to implement their VoIP solution. Just as in data networking, identifying the appropriate equipment and technology for the VoIP network depends heavily on an organization’s business and technical requirements. This paper describes the basic networking functions, components, and signaling protocols in VoIP networks. It explores the ramifications of deploying VoIP as well as the service considerations that drive specific equipment and technology choices. This paper provides a general understanding of VoIP, so that organizations will be better prepared to solve the more complex issues associated with deploying a secure, assured, and high-quality VoIP network.

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