Delivering Voice over IP Networks

Develop cost-effective, long-term solutions for packetized voice with this guide to the latest standards and practices An increasing number of companies are taking advantage of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. Before implementing VoIP, companies must decide if the packetized voice should be delivered over Layer 2 networks such as ATM or Frame Relay, or over Layer 3 IP networks. This comprehensive book presents the latest standards and practices so you can determine which approach is best for your company. Drawing upon years of practical experience, the authors explore the unique engineering problems posed by running voice over a connectionless network. They clearly explain the advantages and disadvantages of IP versus traditional packet networks. This book is a significant expansion of the authors' first edition, which published in 1998 and had the distinction of being the first book in the industry dedicated to this important topic of key interest to enterprise customers. Along with several case studies, you'll find in-depth coverage of: * Advances in signaling protocols such as SIP, H.323, and MEGACO * Network architectures to support voice over IP * Performance and voice quality considerations * Technology and standards for low bit-rate vocoding methods * Compression and integration methods for IP transmissions * Advances in numbering techniques for Internet-era telephony such as ENUM * Voice over IP technology for intranets, routed networks, and the Internet * Second-generation switching and the development of non-switched alternatives * Internet telephony servers and other support hardware