IP telephony for various enterprises is a new generation telephone network, the most dynamically developing modern communication technology.

The main advantage of IP technology is the low cost of network deployment, easy scalability, the ability to transmit large volumes of various information (audio, text and video signals) with a sharp increase in data transfer speed over the IP protocol. All this simplifies all work processes. Increases production efficiency.

In many ways, the transition to IP telephony is associated with the desire not to depend on the constant increase in prices for traditional analog communication services. Moreover, even the use of analog equipment allows you to take advantage of many of the advantages of IP technologies.

Types of equipment

Structurally, all IP PBXs are built on the basis of the following equipment:

• Directly PBX (switch or processor)
• Subscriber devices (telephones and DECT handsets)
• Communication lines (telephone or fiber optic cables)

In addition, you can connect to the network additional devices: faxes, modems, routers, intercoms, printers, etc.

IP phones (SIP or VoIP) can be software or hardware. The first is a simpler option, which can also be called virtual phone. Calls here are made using a regular computer on which a softphone program is installed. In this case, no special telephone equipment is required, but you can use any available computer headset - headphones and microphone or built-in microphone, speakers and video cameras. In this case, it is convenient to make video calls, for example, if you need to conduct instructions, training or a webinar. But in conditions industrial production, it is better to use the computer for its intended purpose.

A hardware telephone is equipment specifically designed for making calls. Such a telephone can be analog or digital. A simple analog telephone can be converted to digital using software for transmitting voice packets and special IP equipment - voice gateways, which are also called VoIP gateways. Such devices are based on the use of VoIP voice transmission protocol.

There are IP phones specifically designed for video conferencing. The number of participants in them can reach ten people. Unlike traditional phones, such models are necessarily equipped with a large diagonal display on which the participant’s image is displayed. In addition, the advanced version of the software provides settings for the moderator (speaker), who can give the floor to speak or take away such right. The speaker is also given the ability to determine who can only listen and watch without the ability to talk.

If an organization has a lot of mobile employees who need to move around the building and who are rarely at their workplace, it is rational to purchase radio equipment and subscriber devices DECT standard(microcellular communication). These IP phones have a cordless handset that charges from a base station and can be taken with you. Unlike conventional mobile phones, within the microcellular network, all conversations will be free. The range of such handsets, depending on the model and power of the base station, can reach 600 meters in open space and 50 meters indoors.

For the proper functioning of such equipment, it is important to carry out radio planning of the entire territory of the organization for proper placement base stations in order to maximize communication coverage.

When introducing telephony, not a single modern production Currently, it cannot do without emergency warning devices and public address systems. This is important for preserving the life and health of employees in the event of emergencies or other dangerous situations for humans. In this case, using speakerphone, you can quickly convey important information to all personnel about how to behave in difficult conditions. (see article “Industrial warning systems)

Where is IP telephony equipment in demand?

Special studies show that 70% of companies that actively use IP telephony sell goods, provide services, create websites and Internet marketing. The remaining 30% is distributed between the following areas: service, software development, education, integrators, construction, production, logistics, consulting, wholesale And information portals. They sell everything: from auto parts to rolled metal, from flower pots to dental equipment and medical equipment, from women's bags to water treatment plants. Services: realtors, insurance companies, legal and accounting support, IT and sales outsourcing, equipment rental, debt collection, celebrations, etc. Depending on the purpose and scale among IP telephone stations, the following types can be distinguished:

• Mini-PBX – several subscribers, 1-3 external lines
• Office IP PBXs – wider functionality, larger number of subscribers
• UPATS (institutional and industrial automatic telephone exchange) - designed for installation in large organizations with an extensive network of branches. Often these branches may be located in other cities of the country or abroad. In this case, installing equipment when switching to IP telephony allows you to significantly save on the cost of long-distance calls, since the cost of the tariff practically does not depend on distances; data transfer occurs over Internet networks. This PBX is different backup source power supply, which helps ensure uninterrupted communication even in the event of an accident or short-term failure.

Due to the modular architecture of the IP-PBX, it is possible to gradually equip it with the equipment that is required at one time or another. At the initial stage, it is not even necessary to change old analog telephone sets; you will only need to buy special gateways (adapters) for them.

Even if you preserve analog equipment when switching to an IP format, the quality of communication improves significantly, and the cost of calls is reduced significantly. But you need to take into account that such devices will not be able to perform some functions. For example, they will not be able to display caller information on the display if the display is not included in the design of a regular traditional telephone. (see article “IP phones”)

Main advantages and capabilities of IP telephony:

• The ability to use internal lines with a short number in corporate networks, which makes it easy to remember the numbers of colleagues and relieve the burden on access to external city lines
• Simple and fast software setup and maintenance
• If corporate users move, the numbers do not change; they will “move” with the company
• In some cases, it is not necessary to buy a lot of additional equipment, especially if you use existing modern computer equipment. In this case, the organization can use a soft (virtual) IP phone installed on the subscriber’s computer. You only have to pay for software, setup and maintenance
• In case of transition from an analogue station to digital telephony, you will not need to buy a full set of equipment, but only a router and an IP gateway
• IP telephony allows you to reduce costs for international and long-distance calls
• No additional cables are required - the connection occurs via the Internet
• High functionality, including the ability to make video calls, transmit high-quality audio information, any images and videos, integration with CRM and other functions
• Allows you to easily build a highly organized corporate network
• Conference calls with the simultaneous participation of several people, both internal and external. This is important, for example, for negotiations involving partners located in another city or abroad. If the capabilities of the equipment allow, then you can organize a video conference and communicate with partners face to face, which significantly increases the level of business trust
• You can get caller information and prepare for a conversation before picking up the phone. If the information is entered into the database, it will be displayed on the display of telephone sets
• Full reporting of calls, the ability to track at what time, from which device, which employee made the call, as well as obtain information about the number to which he called
• Forwarding a call to another telephone line if the employee does not answer the phone or the line is already busy. This can significantly reduce cases of inability to get through, sometimes by 50%. Ultimately, redirection leads to customer retention, increased orders and organizational profitability.
• Possibility of gradual upgrade of IP station and capacity expansion telephone numbers. At any stage, due to the block architecture of the station, it is possible to add numbers and functions by purchasing additional equipment and installing special software. At the same time, it is not necessary to completely replace the old IP equipment
• Ability to change in the settings the phone numbers to which calls from external lines should be received first
• The ability to manage the entire IP PBX system remotely using a computer

Different models of equipment from different manufacturers may differ in their characteristics, so only a specialist can figure out what equipment for IP telephony you need to purchase.

Now many IP telephony providers use technology cloud services and offer the service virtual PBX. Its difference from traditional telephony is that IP telephony servers are physically installed on the premises of the IP telephony service provider. Thus, corporate users do not need to purchase expensive equipment and spend money on maintaining a system administrator. In this case, the user pays for server rental and maintenance.

The transition from analogue to IP telephony gives a sharp jump in the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. Installing IP equipment not only helps improve communications between employees and increases the transparency of the work process. It also allows you to provide high-quality communications, attract new clients and retain existing clients by repeatedly increasing the level of service.

Where to buy equipment for IP telephony

If your offices require telephony equipment, contact Intecom! Our company offers modern IP equipment of domestic and foreign production for creating telephony in organizations of any size. Among our solutions are UPBX “Gamma” and “Plugin”, multifunctional SIP phones, video conferencing devices, explosion-proof and all-weather communication devices that can remain operational even in extreme conditions, options for hands-free equipment, etc.

VoIP equipment for IP telephony

What equipment is needed for IP telephony (VoIP)? In principle, to make calls via IP telephony, a headset and a softphone program installed on the computer may be sufficient.

For those who are uncomfortable talking in a headset or who are too used to a handset, there are IP phones that connect to a computer or directly to an Internet line. There is also the option of connecting a regular phone to the IP network via an IP adapter or IP router.

It should be noted that hardware solutions (IP phones, adapters...), as a rule, provide higher sound quality than software solutions (softphones).

For network deployment corporate telephony IP-PBX (IP-PBX) software and hardware systems are used, to which several regular (or IP) phones can be connected.

2013. Oracle bought VoIP equipment manufacturer Acme Packet

Are investments in VoIP companies resuming? Only recently Roman Abramovich poured money into Truphone, and now Oracle himself has decided to enter a new market for itself and bought the American company Acme Packet, which produces VoIP equipment for telecom operators and enterprises. This vendor is especially known for its solutions for securely combining communication networks between enterprises (Net-Net) and solutions for recording and storing audio/video communication sessions.

2009. Zebra Telecom will become a preferred VoIP provider for AGAT IP-PBX

Manufacturer of VoIP equipment "AGAT" and telecom operator "Zebra Telecom" announced the start of a joint project to promote IP-PBX of the "AGAT UX" series and services long distance communication Zebra Telecom. The companies offer a ready-made solution - a hybrid, multifunctional PBX "AGAT UX" and access via the SIP protocol to high-quality and inexpensive international and long-distance communications. In this case, the user does not need to waste his time and money on connecting the equipment and the operator. It is enough to connect the IP PBX "AGAT UX" to the Internet and configure an output to the Zebra Telecom communication center to reduce the cost of long-distance/long-distance communication. For the convenience of users, the delivery package for each IP-PBX of the AGAT UX series includes test access to Zebra Telecom services and configuration instructions. The delivery package also includes a contract form and tariffs.

2009. New VoIP gateways from AllVoIP

The Russian company AllVoIP presented two new models of VoIP gateways: AV4004 and AV4008. The new AllVoIP VoIP gateways are equipped with four FXS (RJ-11) and eight FXS (RJ-11) ports, respectively. In addition, each device has one WAN and LAN port and supports the NAT IP address conversion mechanism. IP gateways can be managed via a Web interface and voice menu. To interface with telephone network devices, VoIP/SIP gateways can support three types of interfaces: analog FXS (for direct connection of one or more telephones), analog FXO (for connecting a PBX), digital ISDN PRI / E1 (for connecting to a PBX or in a break). interface between the corporate and city PBX. The “in-gap” option is good because it does not require reconfiguring the PBX).

2009. Sitronics created VoIP infrastructure for Astra Bank

The SITRONICS Information Technologies company has completed a project to create a VoIP infrastructure for Astra Bank OJSC. The bank's IP network is designed taking into account the installation and launch of equipment to connect more than 2000 user devices, including equipping more than 700 workplaces with IP phones. Communication between remote offices occurs using dynamic multipoint VPN (DMVPN) technology, which provides high degree information protection. The basis for building the network infrastructure was equipment and software from APC, Cisco, Citrix, IBM, Microsoft, VMware and R&M.

2008. Hybrid IP phone Siemens Gigaset C475 IP

New from Siemens is an attractive dual-mode Gigaset C475 IP phone for VoIP and landline, supporting up to 3 simultaneous calls and equipped with an answering machine. This smart hybrid phone is the last word in modern communications. It allows you to easily switch from Internet calls to landline calls by pressing just one button on the handset and works without a computer. By connecting additional handsets, you can expand your home phone system so that three family members can use the phone at the same time. If you suddenly miss any call, the Gigaset C475 IP alert system will send you an SMS and alert you new entry in the answering machine. When you need quick access to online information, this phone offers a full range of the latest features, including free information services such as RSS feeds, weather forecasts or access to an online phone book, straight from the handset. The Gigaset ECO DECT energy-saving technology supported by your phone significantly reduces energy consumption and saves you additional money.

2007. Testing has begun new service Ooma IP telephony with VoIP gateway

The young company Ooma has begun limited beta testing of its IP telephony service of the same name. Unlike most existing VoIP services, which require either a computer or a dedicated phone, Ooma allows you to make calls over the Internet using a regular landline telephone. True, for this you will have to purchase special device Ooma Hub costs $400. The device is connected to a broadband Internet channel and a fixed line telephone line, redirecting audio data from the Internet to a regular phone. Moreover, if several additional telephone sets are installed in the house, then for each of them the user will have to buy a special Ooma Scout extender, which will be sold for about $40.

2007. fring released for Windows Mobile

The fring mobile VoIP client now supports devices running the Windows Mobile operating system. Now the fring program can be used on almost any PDA or communicator running Windows Mobile. fring for Windows Mobile is a full-featured analogue of the already popular fring client for Symbian OS, and allows you to make free calls on the fring, Skype, Google Talk, MSN and many SIP providers using 3G, GPRS or Wi-Fi connections. The WM fring client also supports IM (instant text messages) and Presence functions - displaying the user's online status in real time. Unlike Symbian, on the Windows Mobile platform it will be a little more difficult for this client to gain a place in the sun. Users Skype already have been using “native” for a long time Skype client for Pocket PC, which has been actively developing recently.

2006. The IP phone market will grow 16 times by 2010

Today, about 10 million IP phones are sold annually in the world. The penetration of these devices into homes and offices is currently minimal. However, by 2010, sales of devices for IP telephony will increase more than 16 times - by the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the volume of phones sold annually will reach 164 million, according to In-Stat. The annual growth in sales of IP devices in Russia reaches about 20 - 25%. The customer is currently faced with a choice between IP and traditional telephony. The leader in the production and sales of IP phones is Cisco, occupying 43% of the global market. The next largest manufacturer in this market segment, Avaya, occupies about 12%.

2006. Plantronics Voyager 510 USB - Bluetooth system for VoIP

Plantronics has introduced a new Bluetooth system optimized to work with VoIP - Voyager 510 USB. The system consists of Voyager headsets 510, which comes with a Bluetooth USB adapter. Installation of the adapter is done in plug-and-play mode and does not require special knowledge. Thanks to software PerSono Call®, Voyager 510 USB is perfectly compatible with the most popular softphones from Avaya, Cisco, Nortel and Skype. The function of receiving and ending a call by pressing a key on the headset will allow the user to move freely within a small room (10-20 meters). Multipoint technology allows you to use the headset simultaneously with a computer and mobile phone. The headset's talk time is 6 hours and standby time is 100 hours.

2006. Cisco and Citrix will collaborate on unified communications and business applications

Citrix and Cisco have announced a partnership to bring presence and call capabilities to a broad range of enterprise applications running within the Citrix Application Delivery solution. As a result, customers will receive proven packaged IP solutions and will be able to eliminate the risks, problems and costs associated with the implementation of individual custom projects. In addition, new solutions with broad functionality based on the SIP protocol will increase communication efficiency and allow businesses to more quickly solve problems. Until recently, enterprises purchased converged capabilities that reduced network and administrative costs by delivering unified network only voice and data. The agreement between Cisco and Citrix takes convergence to a whole new level by enabling the integration of communications and computer applications and increase business flexibility.

2006. Plantronics and SIPNET signed a long-term partnership agreement

The largest manufacturer of telephone headsets Plantronics and popular Russian network Internet telephony SIPNET have joined forces to promote Plantronics wireless and wired multimedia headsets as equipment for IP telephony on the Russian market. Plantronics wired headsets are high quality, modern design and reliability, which create comfortable conditions when making phone calls from a computer, and wireless headsets are the most convenient solution, providing freedom of movement when communicating via the Internet.

2005. Hybrid phone with VoIP

Centrepoint Technologies has released a telephone system that allows you to make calls both via a regular telephone line and using IP telephony. The TalkSwitch device is designed for small businesses that want to save money with VoIP service, but are not yet ready to completely give up their traditional telephone. The head of the company, Can Schieren, said that telephone service is evolutionary and switching to VoIP right away is almost impossible. TalkSwitch ensures normal telephone communication in cases where IP telephony may still experience problems such as a power outage or a 911 call, thereby ensuring a gradual transition from business as usual to advanced technology.

2005. Wireless IP phones for home and city

UTStarcom, one of the largest suppliers of access equipment to the countries of Southeast Asia (primarily China), has announced the F1000 VoIP handset for 802.11b (2.4 GHz) networks, i.e. Compatible with most existing wireless LANs, including Wi-Fi zones. The device uses the SIP signaling protocol, which provides support for intelligent functions implemented in the IP telephone network. It is expected to be distributed through VoIP providers, the first of which will be Vonage, today's largest American alternative provider of IP telephony services over broadband access channels. In addition, VTech has released the 4106 VoIP Mini Gateway, which works only with the Vonage network. Its other cordless phone, the usb7100, allows the user to talk through popular system Internet telephony Skype, as well as via a regular telephone line. Wireless headsets (there can also be up to four of them) communicate with the base station at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. All of the listed VTech equipment should, as in the case of UTStarcom, go on sale during the spring-summer of this year.

2004. VoIP and telephone in one headset

Many offices are already starting to use both VoIP telephony and a regular telephone at the same time, and the question arises about the effective organization of the workplace. The ideal solution for the office is the special MX10 adapter from Plantronics. The MX10 allows you to connect a professional Plantronics headset to both your office phone and your computer's sound card simultaneously. Using the controls on the adapter body, you can adjust the sound volume and microphone sensitivity. High quality sound transmission is ensured through the use of SoundGuard® Plus™ and Call Clarity™ technologies. The adapter is powered from the network. The power supply is included in the kit.

2004. Nortel opens SIP protocol

Nortel Networks has decided to open source code implementation of the Session Initiation Protocol used by the company in its products. Now SIP is the de facto standard signaling protocol in IP telephony systems. Nortel hopes that open source SIP will encourage manufacturers to make their VoIP systems interoperable with Nortel products. Uniden America plans to release Nortel Multimedia Communications Server (MCS) compatible IP telephony servers cordless phones, at Texas Instruments - chipsets, at i3 Micro Technology - subscriber IP gateways, at Polycom - audio and video conferencing equipment. TI also plans to provide its customers with documentation for designing SIP devices designed to work with MCS. Nortel uses a SIP support stack developed by Radvision and modified by Nortel for its needs.

Communication networks are undergoing enormous changes: the segment of classic wired analog PBXs and analog telephones is being persistently replaced by new digital technologies and VoIP telephony caused by the development of the Internet and network technologies. Today it is difficult to imagine a company that would not use IP telephony in its work. The development of computer telephony - IP telephony - with its rich functionality at a significantly cheaper cost of calls (up to tens of times cheaper), especially long-distance and international, with SKYPE and SIP telephony, with the introduction of mini-PBX for office workers - opens up new prospects and opportunities for the transition to unified communications.
IP telephony today is a broad concept that includes various equipment for transmitting voice data over digital communication channels.

Insotel has the best range of telephony equipment:

• In the ATS sector Our offers cover all areas: IP PBX, Digital PBX, analogue PBX, PBX boards - from leading manufacturers: Avaya, LG-ERICSSON (LG-Nortel), Samsung, Grandstream, Otixtream, AddPac, Planet, Yealink, ZyXEL. From us you can choose and buy PBX for large and medium-sized enterprises, supporting DECT, VOIP, PRI EUROISDN technologies, PBX for small and growing businesses and mini-PBX for home offices.
• VOIP gateways- a basic element for building VoIP networks. These devices convert analog and digital voice data signals into data transfer protocols over IP networks, including the Internet. Most often, these protocols include SIP and X.323. There are analog and digital VoIP gateways. In most cases today, small and large organizations use analog VOIP gateways that are compatible with existing equipment and lines. Insotel presents Analog (with FXS, FXO, PSTN) and Digital VoIP gateways with different numbers of ports - in a wide range, for different levels of enterprises, in different price categories.
• GSM gateways provide connecting a corporate VoIP network to networks mobile operators. Using special tariff options operators and SIM cards from several companies at once, GSM gateways can significantly reduce communication costs. A GSM gateway pays for itself within a couple of months and is an ideal way to install telephones in industrial premises. Insotel offers a truly extensive selection: VoIP GSM gateways, Analog GSM gateways, Digital GSM gateways from manufacturers 2N Telekomunikace, AddPac, KTS, Portech, Topex - everyone will find the best option for themselves.
• Boards for IP telephony designed to transform any modern computer into a powerful VoIP server with dozens of ports. There are analogue and digital IP telephony boards, as well as data transmission boards. Insotel offers all types of IP telephony boards from Digium, OpenVox, Portech, Sangoma.
• IP phones having an internal VoIP gateway connect to Ethernet networks RJ45 port. The best choice IP phones than in the Insotel company it is difficult to imagine: Wired, Wireless IP phones, USB phones, IP DECT telephone systems, Unified IP Phones, as well as Accessories for IP phones. Especially considering that our offers include IP phones from almost three dozen manufacturers.
• IP Videophones- a special case of an IP phone, a device that allows you to see the subscriber during a conversation and organize video conferences. Modern IP video phones have high quality, allow you to organize local video surveillance at workplaces, improve discipline and have many other advantages. Insotel offers IP Video phones from AddPac, Cisco, Fanvil, Grandstream, Planet, Tandberg - from super executive devices to low-budget ones.
• Digital system phones and terminals designed specifically for use with telephone exchanges With full set functions and programmable keys, are used for programming PBX, and can also be used simply as a telephone set. At Insotel you can choose Digital system phones and terminals from Avaya, LG-ERICSSON, Nortel, Plantronics, Samsung
• Telephone Headsets- allow you to free the operator’s hands when making calls. Headsets connected via USB have built-in digital converters, which improves the quality of communication on both sides. The use of headsets allows you to save time and increase productivity in a company; there are also non-professional headsets, including gaming headsets and many headsets for multimedia users. Insotel has a wide range of telephone headsets from Avaya, Jabra, Plantronics, Snom: Headsets for office, for call-center, Wired headsets, Headsets for PCs and laptops, Bluetooth headsets, DECT, as well as Speakerphones and many Accessories.

In this article we will look at VoIP technology, analyze the main advantages and disadvantages of VoIP telephony, as well as the equipment and programs that are used in VoIP networks.

Over the course of more than a century of development, wired telephony, due to technical and economic obstacles, could not become the universal property of mankind. In developed countries, telephones were installed in all government agencies, commercial firms, in almost every city apartment and rural house, but in our country landline telephone communications, even at the end of the 20th century, remained unattainable for many, not only in remote and sparsely populated areas, but also in large villages. But in order to quickly resolve many private and business issues, people need to be able to communicate by voice “here and now.”

Mobile telephony, which began its expansion about forty years ago, has significantly increased the availability of voice communications, especially in areas not covered by landline communications, and in a short time has become a technology of mass application.

Wired and wireless technology settled into their niches and coexisted happily, undisturbed by competitors, just ten years ago, when suddenly a third “rival” appeared - VoIP technology. And this rival turned out to be dangerous, first of all, because it provided the opportunity to pay significantly less for the same minutes of voice communication that could have been spent in the networks of its predecessors. Moreover, it can easily be “infiltrated” into both stationary and mobile zones, communicating with subscribers of both the first and second speech communication technologies. Not to mention “our own contingent on our own VoIP territory.”

VoIP technology: why is it cheaper?

To provide landline telephony services, it was necessary to create an infrastructure in the form of cable communication lines of enormous length. For mobile - build base stations for radio signal transmission. And the Internet became the physical environment for VoIP technology, that is, providers of the new telecommunications direction did not have to create their own infrastructure: there is the Internet - there is the possibility of offering VoIP services, which is reflected in the “name” of the technology - Voice over Internet Protocol- “voice over Internet protocol”.

The costs of building base stations are returned to the operator in payment for calls on mobile phones. Providers of VoIP technology that were integrated into the “ready-made” Internet network did not incur such expenses for VoIP equipment, and, accordingly, they are not included in the tariffs for communication services.

True, the name VoIP does not fully characterize the technology that allows for the reception and transmission of not only speech (this segment is given the name “IP telephony”), but also video content and, in general, any data presented in digital form. However, since IP telephony is the most in demand today, using its example we will consider all the main technical and economic indicators of VoIP, noting at the same time that this technology, in addition to working on the Internet, can be implemented in any dedicated digital channels that support the Internet protocol and components IP network.

So, the first component of the cost-effectiveness of IP telephony (it would probably be more correct to say “deductible”) is the lack of investment in the creation of infrastructure, which for fixed and mobile operators must pay off, for which they are “invisibly present” in their tariffs.

The second circumstance that allowed IP telephony providers to set a minimum level of payment for their services is that in public telephone networks (PSTN, PSTN), payment for a call is determined by its duration and the length of the dedicated channel. And in IP telephony you only pay for the Internet connection and the volume of transmitted traffic.

The third cost item for landline communication providers, included in the tariffs, as paradoxical as it may sound, is payment for pauses in conversations. The fact is that in traditional circuit-switched networks, payment is calculated for the duration of the “rent” of the channel. And the billing system does not take into account the fact that pauses in a conversation are essentially a waste of time, but simply counts the minutes of “rental” channel and multiplies them by the tariff. And in IP telephony there is a mechanism for blocking the transmission of pauses (dialogue, syllabic, semantic, spent by the subscriber searching for the right words, distractions from the conversation, etc.), which can account for up to 40-50% of the time the transmission channel is occupied.

VoIP telephony: equipment and programs

VoIP telephony terminals: wired and cordless phones, fax machines, USB, WiFi, soft, IP and video IP phones.

VoIP telephony provides speech transmission and reception between computers (with connected microphones and headphones or speakers), a computer and a landline (analog and digital) telephone, mobile and IP telephones, as well as between any of the listed types of telephones in arbitrary combinations. Note that the analog telephone set we are used to can be converted into an IP telephone by connecting an analog telephone adapter (VoIP ATA) between its input and the Internet outlet.

Each IP phone (with wired and wireless input/output or built-in analog modem) is connected to the Network by an Internet provider, then registered with an IP telephony service operator, receiving a login and password.

But to use this technology, it is not necessary to have a special device if you install a client program on your computer that simulates a phone and connect headphones and a microphone or a USB phone that performs the functions of headphones and a microphone to the PC. Such a computer-software complex is called a softphone (softphone). SoftPhone software can be downloaded for free on the website of your IP telephony provider, and then you can register your device there. Most Popular free program for VoIP telephony in the world is Skype.

A type of softphone are dual-mode GSM/WiFi (cellular/VoIP) mobile phones, used in two “guises”: in the GSM network they behave like a cell phone, and in the WiFi zone (with SoftPhone software installed in the phone) - in IP -networks Moreover, in the second mode, roaming on the mobile network is practically free.

Videophone - equipment operating using VoIP technology provides the effect of the presence in the office of a subscriber who is “on the other end of the line”, thereby increasing the effectiveness of business negotiations.

To organize voice communication between computers, IP phones and video phones, just connect them with a cable to an Internet outlet and log into the Internet. And to connect an IP network to the PSTN, you need to use analog VoIP gateways FXS or FXO. In the case of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) digital telephone networks, their connection with World Wide Web provided by digital VoIP gateways.

VoIP gateways allow you to connect to the networks of several operators to create several traffic routes with minimal tariffs, reserve them for use in case of overloads and failures in fixed and mobile networks. At the same time, thanks to the availability of alternative routes, companies can achieve a significant reduction in costs for communication services, while also increasing the availability of subscribers located in networks that support various voice transmission technologies.

In VoIP gateways, virtual objects can be created that determine the routing of telephone calls, which allows the company to “limitlessly” connect direct numbers in any country on the planet (this technology is called Direct Inward Dialing, DID).

VoIP gateways are VoIP gateway equipment for transferring voice traffic between traditional telephony networks and data networks.

Another advantage of IP telephony: the ability to simply increase the number of numbers in the office (the so-called “number capacity”), which, as a rule, can be done with great difficulty in the PSTN (and only if the landline operator has the technical capability).

As noted at the beginning of the article, the attractiveness of IP telephony for the mass user lies in the savings in payment for voice communications compared to payment for the same conversations in fixed and mobile networks. This indicator, of course, is also important for the business segment, for which, it turns out, there is another “bonus” - low costs of creating corporate network IP telephony (hardware IP PBX, software PBX, virtual PBX) based on an existing PBX.

Pitfalls of VoIP technology

You have already heard about the advantages and benefits of IP telephony and have even repeatedly seen equipment and programs for VoIP in use by one of your friends. Liked. And so you decide to implement it yourself. But have you been told about a couple of “pitfalls” that can nullify all your expectations? But they exist.

vThe well-known saying that “disadvantages are a continuation of our advantages” can be applied to all technologies without exception. And, of course, to IP telephony. This technology lacks voice quality and security. But these defects can be eliminated if you understand their roots.

So, in PSTN the quality of speech did not cause any complaints because in this technology, based on switching communication channels, the “song flows” continuously in the same “pipe”. And VoIP technology transmits the same “song” in parts (in free given time channels) in accordance with the Internet protocol, switching data packets (as is customary in the transmission of any information over the Internet). And if, for example, in the transmission of texts and photographs, this batch sequence can end “when it happens”, and we calmly wait for its completion and open the “finished work”, then Voice connection works in real time and does not wait for the next packet to arrive.

Therefore, if the delay time in receiving packages and their loss exceed the values ​​​​established by the standard, this inevitably affects the intelligibility, purity, volume level, the appearance of echoes, wheezing and other sounds that are uncomfortable for auditory perception. But, as the popular cartoon says, “we will survive this trouble.” Naturally, with the help of a system integrator who will be able to carry out all the work for intelligent processing of packet receipt delays, interpolation (partial recovery) of information contained in lost packets, echo cancellation and voice signal level control. And everything will be as good as your friend allowed you to see at his company.

When connected telephone communication You need to select equipment for the office. The variety of models, rare replacements and high prices due to the fall of the ruble - all this forces you to choose more carefully. Our customer research will show you which equipment to purchase. Go to the sections “What to choose?” and “Where to buy” if you are looking for ready-made answers.

Initial data

We made a cross-section of users by user-agent and analyzed them. User-agent is a parameter that is sent to the PBX by each SIP phone or program. It usually contains the name and version, for example MicroSIP/3.1.11. This approach is limited: you won’t be able to find out the headset model.

The sample includes 3210 users. Only those users who turned on the SIP client on the day of data collection were included here. Those who were in a different time zone or were on a day off were not included in the analysis.

The assessment was carried out only by quantity. Duration of use was not taken into account. If one user worked in different SIP clients, then both were counted.

General conclusions

The devices are used O in greater demand than programs with a headset. Analog gateways occupy a small share; they are needed when connecting previously purchased simple phones. The “Other” category included FMC, software and hardware PBXs.

Two thirds of all devices are wired and only a third are wireless. Softphones - softphones - are almost never used on mobile phones: their share is only 4%, and 1.5% of the total number of SIP clients.

Wired IP phones are twice as popular as cordless ones. If we look at SIP clients as a whole, their shares are 31.5% and 16.1%, respectively. Now let's look at the equipment in more detail.

IP phones

Let's find out which SIP equipment manufacturers customers prefer.

As expected for us, Cisco/Linksys/Sipura IP phones and gateways took first place. We have combined the companies into one brand because they are owned by Cisco. note: Cisco is developing its own line of equipment that is incompatible with SIP - select specific models (more details below).

Next, with a gap of two percent, are Yealink, Panasonic and Gigaset (Siemens). Every tenth device is Grandstream, this is the fifth place. At the end of the list is D-Link, we basically have their devices. The “Other” group included Eltex, Escene, Fanvil, Flyingvoice and Greenlite - there are too few of them to draw conclusions.

Wired (landline) IP phones

Separately, the situation changes slightly for wired phones. In demand landlines Cisco and Yealink companies are the best devices on the market. Behind them are Grandstream and D-Link, 10% each.

Cordless (DECT) phones

We recommend Panasonic more often, but Gigaset (Siemens) phones are used O In greater demand - their share is 49%. Gigaset has a larger selection, so it's easier to find the right option. The third and fourth places are occupied by Grandstream and Yealink, respectively.

Device models

We will also divide telephone models into wired and wireless. The most popular stationary was the Cisco SPA 303. This is an excellent model: reliable and easy to use. It entered the market in 2011 and is still on sale. We have created a configurator for it - you can configure any phone in three clicks.

The second most popular model is Yealink SIP-T21P. After the price increase for Cisco phones, we began to actively recommend Yealink - it is a good replacement at half the price. If for some reason it does not suit you, look at the entire SIP-Txx line.

The leader among cordless phones was the Panasonic KX-TGP500. We have also been working with him for a long time and recommend him to our clients. Behind it are two Gigaset models - A510 and C610A. If you are a Yealink supporter, then check out the SIP-W52P model. So far, few clients use it, so statistics have not accumulated.

Softphones and headsets

The chosen research method does not allow us to find out which headsets customers prefer. Therefore, we will consider softphones (softphones), and offer recommendations on models based on our experience.

The absolute leader is PhonerLite. PhonerLite is used by 82.3% of our customers. The fact is that we offer to download a ready-made program that does not need to be configured. If you're looking for an alternative, check out the chart below.

Zoiper is implemented by our integrators, and sometimes we advise if PhonerLite is not suitable for some reason. Telephone is a very simple client for those running Mac OS X. There are practically no alternatives to it.

Those who use softphones need a headset. We will talk about them below, now we will look at SIP clients for smartphones.

Smartphones

Too few customers use SIP on smartphones - there will be no charts, tables or graphs. Let's just list the clients.

CSipSimple- the most popular softphone in Android. Immediately behind it is the SIP client, as it turned out it does not work in all mobile phones. Clients use iPhone Acrobits And Bria.

Other equipment

Gateways

Owners of analogue telephones prefer to save money and not change working devices. In this case, IP gateways are suitable. They connect to the Internet and are configured like IP phones, but have connectors for connecting regular phones. There are also disadvantages: IP gateways are limited in the number of connected lines, the organization of telephony becomes more complicated - the quality decreases.

The most popular gateways are manufactured by Cisco. Models: SPA8000, SPA112 and SPA2102. In second place is Grandstream and its four-port model GXW-4004. We do not touch upon GSM gateways in this study; we do not recommend their use or provide advice.

PBX

Some clients register existing hardware PBXs into the virtual PBX. Panasonic has the unconditional leadership here, but the reason for such popularity is not entirely pleasant. Panasonic uses incompatible equipment. Those who have already bought a Panasonic PBX and phones for it are forced to continue using it so as not to buy new equipment.

If you are thinking about purchasing a mini-PBX, think again so as not to find yourself in a similar situation.

What to choose?

Let's make a summary that will help you choose. We distinguish four categories of SIP equipment: headsets, gateways, landline and wireless IP phones. Each has its own purpose and the choice is yours.

Headsets

Use headsets when employees talk a lot on the phone: receive incoming calls or make calls themselves. In our understanding, “a lot” is 5-6 hours a day, that is, more than half of the working time. If they say less, then the headset is inconvenient - you will have to constantly take it off and put it on. The second advantage is the price. A USB headset is cheaper than any IP phone, but requires a computer. If you work in CRM, then you already have it.

Desktop IP phones

They're wired. It’s convenient when you don’t need to talk a lot, and the employee sits in one place. A reliable device will last for several years, will survive moving to another office, will not get lost, and if necessary, you can connect a headset. It is easier to assign such a phone to an employee.

Wireless IP phones

If employees talk a little and you need mobility within the office, cordless phones (DECT) are suitable. Also use cordless handsets when you do not need to assign an extension to an employee. For example, one phone for the entire department.

Gateways

Focus on gateways if you already have regular phones. But don’t try to save money on them - you’ll lose more in quality. Our recommendations depend on the number of telephone ports you need. For two - Cisco SPA112, for four - Grandstream GXW-4008, for eight - Cisco SPA8000.

What do we use?

Technical support talks a lot with clients, so they use USB headsets with a softphone. All Plantronics Audio series headsets, models 622 or 628.

The manager and head of technical support use Cisco SPA303 IP phones, however, the manager’s phone complements wireless headset Plantronics W730, Savi.

A common office phone is the Panasonic KX-TGP500 cordless handset. There is only one and is used as a duty phone to order pizza to the office, for example.

Where can I buy?

There is no supplier that suits all our clients. Therefore, we recommend buying equipment for IP telephony on Yandex.Market - this is a large storefront with which different stores work.

Select the appropriate equipment model, use the Yandex.Market search to find stores, find out the delivery date, terms of delivery/pickup and payment. Use filters by region, rating and other parameters.

Nikita Lyalin
Marketing Director onlinePBX

Tell us in the comments if we missed something or made a mistake. Ask if anything is unclear.

Telephony for business with integration into any CRM