Voice Over IP

By

Joseph Cook

“This paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Network Convergence - MGT. 7353, University of Dallas – GSM, November 2, 2000, Prof: David A. Coates”

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ii
Abstract 1
Executive Summary 1
Network Convergence 2 Definition 2 How it Works 3 Benefits 4 Consequences 5
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 6 Definition 6 How It Works 6 Figure 1. Branch Office Application 7 Figure 2. Interoffice Trunking Application 8 Figure 3. Cellular Network Interworking Application 9 Benefits 10
Quality of Service (QoS) 11 Delay 11 Accumulation Delay (Sometimes Called Algorithmic Delay) 12 Processing Delay 12 Network Delay 13 Jitter 13 Lost-Packet Compensation 14 Echo Compensation 15
Conclusion 16
Appendix A 18
Selected Bibliography 20

Abstract

As Telecommunications technologies continue to advance with the advent of competition as set forth via the Telecommunications Act of 1996, many service providers are looking for alternative solutions concerning the delivery mechanisms for these same services. During the past several years, the topic of Network Convergence has made its’ way to the forefront of the industry. Many telecommunications providers are looking to provide communications as well as data services simultaneously over the same transmission medium. As a result of the boom in the search for logical solutions to the convergence issue, many companies have turned to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in order to deliver these converged networks to the end user. This paper explains the definition of Network Convergence, its’ application with regards to VoIP, potential benefits to be gained through the use of this converged network, the consequences of implementing Converged Network solutions such as VoIP, as well as insight into the future of Converged Networks such as VoIP within the Telecommunications Industry.

Executive Summary

In his book entitled “Telecommunications Convergence”, Steven Shepard compares the current telecommunications environment to that of the Big Bang Theory in physics.[1] He refers to divestiture as The Telecommunications Big Bang of 1984. This example is useful in achieving the purpose of showing the general public how the telecommunications industry is evolving towards network convergence. He states that “Similarly, technologies and networks have begun to merge, while the services provided over those networks and by those companies have begun to blur. We have returned to the concept of the network as a cloud. It doesn’t matter what’s in the cloud as long as it provides the services the customer requires.[2]” He also goes on to state that “The marketplace dictates applications, and for the first time, the technology follows the market as it races to accommodate application requirements.[3]” In any case, it is clear that the world of telecommunications is rapidly embracing network convergence solutions. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is leading the way in this newly converged world.

Network Convergence

As a result of voice and data network traffic increasing at a high rate of speed, more and more companies are looking to converge their various networks in an attempt to streamline the sharing of information amongst their employees. Many company’s have locations located throughout the United States as well as the rest of the world. This scenario often times creates hurdles and gaps when it comes to sharing voice and data amongst these locations as a result of the distance involved. The key for many corporations is to find a way to converge their networks while also keeping a constant eye on their Quality of service. Before a convergent solution can be suggested, it is important to examine an overview of the concept as well as look at the pros and cons of converging two separate networks.