Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange - Essay Example

?IP-PBX Table of Contents Introduction Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange (IP-PBX) is a telephonic structure that is used for the transportation of data and information such as video, voice, etc on a communication network. Additionally, IP-PBX has appeared as a true advancement in the contemporary technologies seeing that it permits the transmission of diverse categories of data. In addition, IP-PBX is particularly useful for carrying out various business activities or enterprises that require upholding continuous communication link with business associates as well as customers that are remotely connected to the business. Thus, IP-PBX is a system to supervise and manage a corporation all through the globe. Moreover, it enables the companies to perform complimentary telephone calls that make IP-PBX extremely well-known these days. Thus, distant or international phone-calls are becoming a great deal less expensive at this time thus companies are saving a large fraction of expenditures that they had to spend on worldwide and long distance phone calls. Furthermore, IP-PBX presents less costly telecommunication facility that enable businesses to stay in touch with the people in the different areas on the earth. In this scenario, with the adoption of IP-PBX hundreds of businesses have controlled to reduce their operating cost as well as become more beneficial. However, the main need of IP PBX is the accessibility of broadband internet link. In addition, IP-PBX is extremely proficient with respect to its cost and technology. Furthermore, at present Telecom corporations present many IP-PBX technological facilities so that clients could be able to regulate IP-PBX according to their requirements (CallingTools., 2011; TechTarget, 2005). This paper presents a detailed analysis of the IP-PBX technology. This paper also outlines the facts due to which the use of this technology is growing rapidly. This paper will assess main advantages and architectural confines of IP-PBX technology and present its main SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) technology that is a significant promise to provide tighter incorporation between business processes, desktop applications, plus collaboration tools. IP-PBX and Its Principal Characteristics A Private Branch Exchange (PBE) is a user’s site telephone framework that has the capability to handle telephone calls coming to the corporation as well as works as a door for the outside voice communication networks. In this scenario, a network router or switch transmits coming data packets to the suitable data communication network. Conventionally, two different communication networks are required in order to perform this procedure: one network is required for voice and other network is required for data transmission. Moreover, in place of 2 different networks, simply one communication network is preferred when voice data is divided into packets (VoIP) and transmitted on communication network. Furthermore, an IP-PBX is a merger of a router/ switch and a PBX that manages Voice over IP (Silicon Press, 2010). As shown in below given image: Figure 1IP-PBX Working, Source: http://www.silicon-press.com/briefs/brief.ippbx/brief.pdf In an IP-PBX, systems could be connected in a shared LAN (local area network) that is usually connected to the IP-PBX. In this scenario, telephones have to be straightly linked to the IP-PBX. So this configuration eludes QoS (Quality of Service) concerns that could take place if both telephones and computers are configured on a joint LAN. In the same way, communication voice packets will need to struggle with data packets intended for the network based joint LAN. Thus, less effective telephone voice feature will take place if network voice packets are not broadcasted in a suitable way (Silicon Press, 2010). An IP-PBX works like a gateway that offers voice links (for example voice lines, T1s) to a LEC, a large scope business, etc. as well as data links (DSL, cable, E1, ISDN) to a LEC, a cable operator, an Internet Service Provider, etc. In addition, IP-PBXs could be utilized to avoid the traditional circuit switched telephone based communication network through the data network to establish a link with the branch offices as well as further sites offered by the data communication network (Silicon Press, 2010). IP-PBX does not make use of the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). In this scenario, the telephones inside the corporation are linked through a routing device known as router. Additionally, the network router will also establish a connection with the Public Switched Telephone Network. In this scenario, every telephone is known as the "extension" and is identified with an extension number. Typically, network communication access to the PSTN is facilitated by providing a proper access code, while a number of extensions could be stopped from dialing a specific number. Moreover, in an IP-PBX it is a general observation that the communication expenses are minimized through integration of a business telephone system with the common communication data network. Thus, there is no need of 2 detach systems of wires, as well as technological services to be subcontracted. Furthermore, the voice is somewhat simple to encode or encrypt for security purposes as well as it could be condensed in order to enhance network operations. In the world of network communication digital signals are simpler to operate in order to increase sound excellence. Moreover, IP-PBX processes telephone calls using software structures like that CRM (Customer Relationship Management) (Cooper, 2010; Apostolacos et al., 2009; Goncalves et al., 2010). Figure2. Integration of IP-PBX into a Network: Source: http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/services/terminal_services_thin_clientpbx.htm SIP and Related Technologies for IP-PBX The prime purpose of a PBX is to manage the process of routing for the arriving calls to the suitable extension inside the company as well as to transmit a set of trunk or telephone lines among extensions. In this scenario, when the need of an external call takes place, an access digit is pressed (for instance 5) to get access to an external trunk line. The PBX then transmits the network call to the phone corporation’s main branch. The telephone corporation afterward passes the call to the desired telephone number located in the outside world. Eventually, PBXs have turned out to be extremely complicated. In addition, a lot of services and utilities have been incorporated to build an internal communication center. These communication services encompass automatically recorded messages, employee compliments, links to voice mail, immediate voice reply, call passing, automatic call distribution, forum calling, wireless functionalities and a lot of other services (Voip-Articles., 2007). An IP-PBX structure is composed of a single or more Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones. Additionally, an IP-PBX communication server system works as a VOIP Gateway to make a connection with available PSTN lines. In addition, the IP-PBX server works in the same manner as proxy-server works. In this scenario SIP customer, hardware phones and soft phones, get registered to IP-PBX communication server, when they desire to dial a number they inquire the IP-PBX to establish a link. Moreover, the IP-PBX holds an index of the entire clients/phones and their equivalent SIP address and consequently is capable to connect a local call or pass an distant call through a VOIP service supplier or a VOIP access (Galea, 2011). A single joint network that takes both data and voice (in data packets format) allows enhancement of new services which are not normally available on the customary communication network, for instance utilization of one directory all through numerous sites and combined communication. Additionally, the new IP-PBX technology has replaced the conventional PBX. In addition, it could be utilized by an IP phones (by means of an incorporated DSP circuit that changes IP packets to voices and Voice to IP Packets). Subsequently this technology also allows a soft phone (that can be computer based software system that changes packets to voice and voice to packets), that is utilized through headphones or a receiver, to traditional phones structure and communication adapters that changes data to voice packet, and standard network phones connected to personal computers (Silicon Press, 2010). In the scenario of computing contrivances, IP addresses are routinely allocated to network phones as they establish a connection with the communication system. This outlines that a telephone set could be shifted from one place on the communication network to another. In this scenario, telephone number remains the same as it was given to the phone. The VoIP packets can be broken into packets by protocols like that G.723 otherwise G.711. In this scenario, G.711 protocol provides an encryption standard for packetized voice. It is 64-kbs and able to communicate with other G.711 devices. On the other hand G.723 protocol provides a ciphering standard for packetized voice data which carries out the process of compression; uses 6.4-kbs and is able to communicate with other G.723 system but not G711 system (Silicon Press, 2010). SIP and IP-PBX So far, the large numbers of VoIP establishments have been seen at the wire-line networks. In this scenario SIP based VoIP technology has broken the wire-line marketplace. This is because mostly extensive implementations of IP- PBXs up-hold the SIP supported VoIP. However, wire-line based communication at the business and residential side both are totally diverse matters. In addition, a number of domestic wire-line VoIP suppliers have bounced the power and impact has been negligible. A large fraction of this is because of the reality that people are progressively adopting the wire-less technology based phones. At the present age the wireless networks have turned out to be a main communication platform for data sharing and communication among business areas. In addition, IP-PBX progressively requires linking other devices and networks that are designed on the basis of SIP. Here one of the important examples of such communication arrangement is the customer care call center that offers communication facility for home and worldwide calls. Gradually more these call centers make use of SIP supported IP-PBXs. Accordingly, if a client calls at the customer care center using his wireless handset, the call is transferred from the wireless network center through BICC however requires signaling and possibly media changes sequentially for the call to arrive at the SIP-supported site of call center. However, this communication arrangement unnecessarily joins communication resources. One more instance of SIP supported inter-connection is for inter-carrier links. In this scenario, inter-carrier links are more and more cost efficient if SIP and VoIP are utilized in place of Time Division Multiplexing technique (Lesch, 2010). Is there Need to replace the Existing PBX Technology? In the present age the latest communication technologies like that VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) are spreading the impacts from customarily administrative systems. This communication technology gets analog voice data signals and afterward changes them into digital format for data and information communication. In this scenario, the data connections are a great deal additional proficient as analog lines mostly keep on linked even throughout the time when the communication process is not performed. In addition, when the VoIP data packets are transmitted and accepted each time there is some action. On the network the data and information packets are passed on some open before a dedicated network line that facilitate overall network data transfer and communication greatly effectual (Voip-Articles., 2007). A large numbers of businesses are able to save a lot of money from this technology based framework. In addition, the reduction of data size (compression) and form of data transmission all through the numerous communication channels and routers makes data packet switching well-organized, faster and less costly. Moreover, the amount of concurrent data transfer and communication could be drastically augmented by means of packet switching technology as compared to the circuit switching network. Furthermore, the major developers of PBX equipment are spending a lot of money on their development and technology research finances in order to generate such systems that facilitate clients to powerfully transfer their customary PBX communication services. In addition, a number of companies are skillfully offering communication bridging solution systems and application like that hybrid PBXs that encompass new and innovative technology based VoIP potentials and customary Time Division Multiplexing techniques (Voip-Articles., 2007). According to a research carried out by the Infonetics-Research, yearly profits in the joint PBX marketplace is predicted to increase up to $11.4 billion in 2009, that is obtained through powerful IP-PBX selling internationally as several businesses are willing to shift to VoIP technology based arrangement. In addition from 2005 to 2009, IP-PBX technology profits are predicted to move to 82 percent as TDM revenue goes to 88 percent. In the current technology based age, the communication managers need to fight with organizational confronts comprising arrangements of educational as well as financial aspects. The PBX is altering itself to convene these constantly varying requirements of the businesses (Voip-Articles., 2007). Advantages of IP-PBX Technology This section presents some advantages of IP-PBX technology based arrangement. I have outlined below some crucial and fundamental advantages of IP-PBX technology: (Galea, 2007; Voip-Articles., 2007) A great deal simple and easy to set up and organize IP-PBX system as compared to traditional ownership based telephone system. Simpler to handle communication arrangement due to its GUI/web supported configuration user interface Considerable savings of money by means of VOIP service suppliers through less costly calling system Throw away phone cabling and minimizes the overall complexity of system installation Get rid of tough retailer impound and offer complete user freedom of usage Scalable technology offers proprietary systems those are simple to grow faster through incorporating additional phone lines or extensions frequently needs costly hardware components. In a number of situations we require a completely novel calling system. Effective client service as well as efficiency. Offering double communication features at the half cost. Permits latest roving as well as helpdesk support services. Improved phone functionality because SIP communication based phones are easy to use for an organization. Problems with IP PBX Technology This section outlines some possible disadvantages or issues in IP-PBX working arrangement. These issues are mainly about the Quality of Service or QoS: Quality of service issues like that network transmission missing data packets along with jitter take place the moment when we start utilizing VoIP on the public communication network. In addition, the Jitter related issues create the QoS concerns that arise when a computer system and a telephone are on a joint LAN network. In this scenario data and voice packets struggle for the joint LAN transmission line. In this scenario, customary PBXs are recognized for their enhanced and effective consistency. In its place the new technology based IP-PBXs are designed on personal computer systems by means of commercial software systems. As a result, their software cannot be 100 percent trustworthy, hence to offer round the clock (24?7) working facilities by means of an extremely small down time (Galea, 2007; Voip-Articles., 2007). Conclusion IP-PBX is presently accepted as the future of digital communication. These technologies offer more enhanced and effective communication at very small cost. In addition, this technology offers enhanced support in case of administration and management combination at all levels of the business. The major influence of this technology can definitely be seen at the business areas those are getting more and more higher level advantages to this technology. IP-PBX technology has completely transformed the traditional working and operational structure of traditional communication and this technology has offered enhanced communication and data sharing facilities. This paper has presented a detailed analysis of IP-PBX and SIP communication based technological arrangement. This paper has assessed its possible working and operational areas. This paper has also highlighted some of the possible advantages and issues in this technology. References Apostolacos, S. et al., 2009. Design, Implementation and Validation of an Open Source IP-PBX/VoIP Gateway SoC. In VLSID '09 Proceedings of the 2009 22nd International Conference on VLSI Design., 2009. IEEE Computer Society Washington, DC, USA. CallingTools., 2011. IP PBX - Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange. [Online] Available at: http://www.callingtools.com/ [Accessed 20 March 2011]. Cooper, S.B., 2010. What Is IP PBX? [Online] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6879862_ip-pbx_.html [Accessed 21 March 2011]. Galea, N., 2007. Ten Reasons to Switch to an IP PBX. [Online] Available at: http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Ten-Reasons-Switch-IP-PBX.html [Accessed 19 March 2011]. Galea, N., 2011. 10 reasons to switch to an IP PBX. [Online] Available at: http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/services/terminal_services_thin_clientpbx.htm [Accessed 22 March 2011]. Goncalves, F.E., Goes, G. & Goncalves, L.F., 2010. Learning Guide for Asterisk 1.6: Learn how to build a PBX using Asterisk in a week (Volume 1). CreateSpace Paramount, CA. Lesch, V., 2010. Wireless to the Rescue of VoIP and SIP? [Online] Available at: http://blog.tekelec.com/blog/?Tag=IP-PBX [Accessed 22 March 2010]. Silicon Press, 2010. IP PBX. [Online] Available at: http://www.silicon-press.com/briefs/brief.ippbx/brief.pdf [Accessed 22 March 2011]. TechTarget, 2005. IP PBX (private branch exchange). [Online] Available at: http://searchunifiedcommunications.techtarget.com/definition/IP-PBX [Accessed 21 March 2011]. Voip-Articles., 2007. The PBX Evolution. [Online] Available at: http://www.voip-articles.net/ip-pbx/the-pbx-evolution.html [Accessed 22 March 2011]. Read More