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[W497]What Is Ip Telephony

by Derek Rogers, Der

IP telephony refers to the system of transmitting voice over a data network such as in broadband Internet connection. In comparison to the traditional analogue phone line, as an extension to the practical Internet applications, it presents a cheaper and more accessible option to communicating with people from any part of the world. With its call sound quality that is comparable and sometimes better that that observed in analogue telephone conversations, it presents a modern and improved system for call management having total flexibility in using and locating phone numbers.

IP telephony, broadband telephony or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications is operated over the Internet through packets of switched network. It introduces a system of voice transmission that carry telephony signals as digital audio, which reduces data, rate through speech data compression methods. It encapsulates the digital audio signals into the data packet stream over the IP. In sense, as a particular call is made, the conversation is broken down into tiny packets for faster and clearer transmission, which is then reassembled at the receiving end. One common misconception about IP telephony is that it needs to access a computer to operate. That is not the case; however, it does need a broadband Internet connection to operate.

A VoIP service usually comes in two types of public switched telephone networks (PSTN), the access numbers and the direct inward dialling (DID). In access numbers service, the caller is required to have the extension number of the person called through VoIP. It needs to key in the extension number of the person being contacted. On the other hand, DID presents more convenient and direct solutions to callers; it does not need codes or extension numbers to contact another VoIP user. The great thing about these services is that they provide solutions to the difficulties encountered in implementing traditional PSTN calls.

Through Internet lines, VoIP services connect people in a number of ways:

• Computer to computer applications is perhaps the easiest way of availing VoIP services for free, no matter the distance. There are also companies that offer free and very low long-distance call fees. All it needs is a computer with a microphone, speakers, sound card and Internet connection that also runs software that supports VoIP applications.

• Computer to telephone VoIP calls, similar to computer-to-computer calls, requires a software client. It allows a person to call anyone from his computer. While the software usually available for free, the calls may require minimal fees. Call rates depend on the software provider or on the VoIP service setup provider.

• Telephone to computer calls is now made possible. Today, a number of companies are providing special numbers and calling cards, which enable phone users to call a computer user. However, the computer needs to have a vendor's software installed but is a lot cheaper than making traditional phone-to-phone long-distance calls.

• Even telephone-to-telephone calls are possible with VoIP. By using the gateways, anyone can easily and directly contact any standard phone in the world via IP-based network.

The practicality, accessibility, value and ease of use of IP telephony or VoIP services are increasingly gaining popularity. Today, more and more businesses and companies are installing and using IP telephony systems. Time will only tell on when with IP telephony or VoIP services find their way into today's modern homes.

The heavy adoption of IP-based telephony has triggered concerns regarding potential security issues and threats have risen proportionally. This necessitates the need to make IP telephony secure. Many of the concerns relating telephony security are the same for both traditional TDM technology and IP-based systems. However, IP-based telephony gives rise to additional areas of insecurity, which if not managed in the right way, may lead to threats.

Many VoIP deployments are established with performance and quality of service as top requirements for the converged network. Mistakenly, security was not given enough emphasis at the time of deployment. Due to the fact that these business critical telephony services are now working on a multi-service network, that, if not secured properly, can put the security and integrity of said services in danger. Security as an add-on is far from acceptable and may in fact be detrimental.

A recently published report states that VoIP systems can be expected to be more susceptible than conventional telephone systems, partly because they are attached to the data network, leading to additional security vulnerabilities and possibilities of attack.

Fortunately, most IP-based networks today already possess integrated security capabilities and the widespread experience residing in the traditional voice world can be summoned to bear on the common issues. By increasing the capabilities across both spheres, IP telephony can be as reliable, even more reliable, than conventional telephony systems.

Threats to IP telephony can come from various areas. Theft of service is related with the toll fraud by way of the unauthorized utilization of telephony services. Monopolizing resources maliciously or accidentally so as to thwart normal operation can be referred to as denial of service. Eavesdropping includes encroachment of privacy via listening in on telephone conversations or illegal access to messaging services like voicemail.

Theft of service assumes equal significance both as a policy definition and enforcement issue, and as a technology one. Technology is ideally applied when it can spot theft of service events and make sure the ongoing enforcement of policies to counter them. Tools that identify anomalies in call patterns and spot potential telephony abuse and fraud are obtainable in the marketplace today.

Many of the threats to enterprise IP telephony are not typical to telephony but common to many IP-based applications on the network. Establishment of best-practice security methods for IP telephony will push forward overall security across many other network-based applications. If established properly, IP telephony can be made more secure than conventional TDM telephone services at a reduced cost.

While taking into account an investment in IP telephony, the more planning and analysis is done at the beginning, the fewer worries during and after deployment. An infrastructure assessment and risk assessment should be included to every IP telephony project.

The right partner can assist determine if the prevailing infrastructure has the capacity and resilience to provide the required backup to IP telephony and deliver a level of uptime consistent with the organization's tolerance for potential threats. System integration firms with both converged networking and security policies will be equipped to plan, build and back-up secure IP telephony infrastructure keeping with industry-accepted best practices.

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Both Derek Rogers & Gregory Smyth are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Derek Rogers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Leadership, Food and Drink and Computers and The Internet. Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Voice and IPT Solutions, he recommends Prodec Networks, a leading supplier of. Derek Rogers's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Gregory Smyth has sinced written about articles on various topics from Types of Cancer, Luxury Hotels and Family Travel. . Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, Microsoft solutions, s. Gregory Smyth's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.