Consider MPLS Networks
For a Robust, Bullet Proof
VoIP Solutions Architecture

So although a VoIP Solutions Architecture might sound like more of an enterprise VoIP issue, we’ll touch on a number of equipment and networking items here of interest to most decision makers when considering deploying business VoIP, or any real time data need.

The term VoIP Solutions Architecture to me inherently means multi-site deployment, however I’ll include a few tid bits about Local Area Network issues that are appropriate for any size office.

Of course, you can contact me to help you get what you need, click here to contact E-Dude About Business MPLS Networks and VoIP Phone Service.

Because of the need for enterprise branches to effectively communicate with one another, traditionally we’ve used VPN over internet to securely connect our offices together.

With the advent of moving to VoIP to provide branches toll free calling, on-net dialing, call transfer and voicemail (and other on-net advantages) our desire increasing becomes building a low latency platform for converged services. In other words if we’re going to VoIP, let’s give it the best transport we can, and migrate all our data needs to this great new IP backbone.

In this way we save the maintenance and equipment costs by doing away with the VPN, and we also provide new options for increased security, employee productivity and business continuity on our new VoIP Solutions Architecture. For more on these issues read my article on What Is MPLS? A Layman’s business MPLS Tutorial

A good place to get MPLS pricing is at this website,click here they have a free tool that guarantees the lowest possible cost.

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Our new IP backbone network must be unencrypted (unlike VPN) if possible and also allow for secure transport of our voice and video packets. So let’s dig into some of the benefits of converging our real-time and non real-time services onto MPLS shall we?

So the overview here is we want speed and security, we also want scalability and a fully meshed network. MPLS provides for all four of these enterprise imperatives when it comes to branch office IP connectivity for our VoIP Solutions Architecture and providing VoIP business phones to our enterprise.

Multiple branches pose a number of challenges, but also a number of possibilities for expense savings as well.

Depending on how far ahead you’re thinking (like all the way out to Unified Communications) or if it’s only to erasing toll charges and providing a secure IP backbone for video and voice services between branches, MPLS is a great option to take a look at.

MPLS essentially is a cloud service, quickly replacing frame relay as the next generation Wide Area Networking (WAN) technology of choice. This is mainly due to its inherently fast data transport, ability to allow packet priority, scalability and low cost.

Although it’s not yet as cheap as “cheap” internet service, it is being deployed more and more over best effort connections like DSL and cable modem. This gives us a viable alternative to VPN for virtual workers and small branch offices that previously required a costly T1 to be on the corporate network.

Feel free to take my MPLS survey, it will help you see if MPLS is a good fit for your firm click here for the MPLS survey.

Local Area Network Considerations
In designing A
VoIP Solutions Architecture

Some basic hardware issues you might check if you have an IP PBX and are having quality of service issues. These also go for a bunch of IP handsets if you are using a hosted PBX.

So we're assuming here that your equipment is working correctly, and we're looking at issues on the Local Area Network (LAN).

It's smart to make sure that when setting up your LAN for VoIP you assure a couple of basics:

1. If possible, assure all IP phones are on CAT 5 cable or better, copper only.
2. Don't allow small, cheap switches or hubs between the phone and the end point (WAN or Internet Access)
3. If you're using a switch, make sure it's compatible with VoIP.
4. If you have a large number of users, make sure the VoIP is segregated on a separate VLAN or physical LAN segment.
Major issues can also occur with Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) when you cross wires over electrical, near A/C units.

Lastly do not run wires parallel to other wires like power or coax, and of course limit CAT5 wire runs to 100 meters.

If you'd like a quote for MPLS, Click here and check out this link they have a free comparative shopping service, tell them E-Dude sent you!

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