Summary

The success or failure of a Voice-over-IP implementation frequently relies on the quality of the network carrying the voice traffic. That quality is usually measured in terms of bandwidth, latency, and jitter. When implementing a new VoIP system, it is important that the existing network infrastructure is understood, and that any changes that need to be made to ensure the success of the implementation are communicated and agreed early on, particularly if there is a requirement to provide an SLA to the customer. The network is required to carry voice traffic, frequently alongside other traffic, in a timely manner if call quality is to be acceptable. Implementing Quality of Service throughout the network may be crucial to effective prioritization of voice traffic. It may also be required, should the customer deem it important, to deal with loss of components without a break in service, known as failover. This is essentially achieved through the use of redundant equipment running alongside the active devices. Planning and agreeing all this work up front with the customer is essential to the ongoing success of the system.