32552 IP Telephony and Voice over IP

Telephony based around the internet protocol (IP) is a significant issue for modern businesses as well as to traditional voice service providers. This subject provides an introduction to converged voice and data networks as well as to the challenges faced by its various technologies. Practical work allows students to learn about connecting telephone users via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) using a router, so bypassing traditional PBX devices. Practical work also includes the connecting of IP phones directly across WAN or LAN data links using Voice over IP (VoIP). Cisco Call Manager Express is used in laboratory work. VoIP Quality of Service (QoS) issues and techniques are discussed and implemented. It is assumed students have knowledge of the IP, router configuration and routing protocols.