Download Avaya IP Telephony Configuration Guide

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Chapter 1
Introduction
IP telephony provides the flexibility, affordability, and expandability of the Internet to the world of
voice communications.
This section includes an overview of the components that make up the Business Communications
Manager version 3.6 IP telephony and Voice over IP (VoIP) features:
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“IP telephones and VoIP trunks” on page 22
“Creating the IP telephony network” on page 23
“Key IP telephony concepts” on page 27
Business Communications Manager with voice over IP (VoIP) provides several critical
advantages:
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Cost Savings. IP networks can be significantly less expensive to operate and maintain than
traditional networks. The simplified network infrastructure of an Internet Telephony solution
cuts costs by connecting IP telephones over your LAN and eliminates the need for dual
cabling. Internet Telephony can also eliminate toll charges on site-to-site calls by using your
existing WAN. By using the extra bandwidth on your WAN for IP Telephony, you leverage
the untapped capabilities of your data infrastructure to maximize the return on your current
network investment.
Cost flexibility: The three models of IP telephones offer three levels of functionality, that
allow you to choose an IP telephone that fits your budget and/or your service requirements.
Portability and flexibility. Employees can be more productive because they are no longer
confined by geographic location. IP telephones work anywhere on the network, even over a
remote connection. With Nortel Networks wireless e-mobility solutions, your phone, laptop,
or scanner can work anywhere on the network where a an 802.11b access point is installed.
Network deployments and reconfigurations are simplified, and service can be extended to
remote sites and home offices over cost-effective IP links. As well, IP telephone functionality
can be transferred between IP telephones using the Hot desking feature. All your telephone
features and setup can travel with you between offices.
Simplicity and consistency. A common approach to service deployment allows further
cost-savings from the use of common management tools, resource directories, flow-through
provisioning, and a consistent approach to network security. As well, customers can centrally
manage a host of multimedia services and business-building applications via a Web-based
browser. The ability to network existing PBXs using IP can bring new benefits to your
business. For example, the ability to consolidate voice mail onto a single system, or to fewer
systems, makes it easier for voice mail users to network.
Compatibility. Internet telephony is supported over a wide variety of transport technologies.
A user can gain access to just about any business system through an analog line, Digital
Subscriber Line (DSL), a LAN, frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode, SONET, or wireless
connection.
IP Telephony Configuration Guide