Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) became one of

the most popular technologies that enable lots of people around the world to communicate seamlessly. VoIP refers to one of the newly emerging technologies that replace the old public switched telephone (PSTN) with IP based technology.

The great things about the PSTN are its reliability, stability, and accessibility, but the downside is that it needs more cables to connect devices to each other.

Background

Voice over IP refers to the communication protocols , technologies, methodologies, and transmission techniques involved in the delivery of voice communication and multimedia over the internet.

IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband , broadband telephony, IP communications, and broadband phone are some names called to identify the same technology.

VoIP technology

How it works

Due to flexibility and low-cost, VoIP has been seen rapid uptake in both enterprise and consumer level and like any other internet connected devices VoIP systems are susceptible to attacks. Protocols and products have been repeatedly found to certain vulnerabilities that have been exploited. This means that hackers who know about the vulnerabilities (such as insecure password) can institute attacks such as shown in next slide:

VOIP security

Security threats

Save money and cost efficient Free or nearly free calls to other VoIP users Integration with audio, data, and video applications Flexibility Quality can actually be quite good Ability to choose our own area codes You can receive calls anywhere where there is an

internet connection Nowadays, Internet spreads swiftly throughout the world The VoIP strengths are cheaper in costs compared to

PSTN, less usage of cable, user-friendly, simple connectivity, and variety of services.

Benefits of VoIP

Dependent on an internet connection. No service during a power outage. Emergency call. Packet loss. Reliability. Latency and traffic. Frequent bandwidth issues.

VoIP Disadvantage

Call quality. Cost of equipment. Local directories listings. Bandwidth difference. Power differences. Security issue. Emergency call. Legal issue.

Challenges of VOIP

Cisco Unified Communication manager is the solution to increase the productivity by providing an easier access to services. It is a system that provides traditionally telephony features as well advanced capabilities such as video, mobility, presence, preference and conferencing services. The benefits of the system include easier access and participation regardless the communication device, network or service the customer use. It also helps to ensure workers with consistent experience weather they work from office, remote site or their home.

Cisco Unified Communication Manager (Call Manager)

The goal of a "Unified Communication" strategy is to reduce the complexity of having multiple devices and multiple interfaces, and removing the barrier of location from communication.

Currently an employee work number is tied to his desk, his mobile number to his pocket and he may have separate identities for instant messaging, e-mail, video calls and fax. Unified Communication Manager aims to integrate all into a single environment with one identity.

The goal

There are many key technologies involved with Unified Communications such as: Voice Over IP (VoIP) Presence E-mail Audio Conferencing Web Conferencing Telepresence Voice/Video Mail Instant Messaging Data sharing Fax, paging, whiteboards, e-commerce and

various forms of mobility

Technologies involved

Cisco Jabber gives organization members the freedom to be productive from anywhere, on any device. It allows access presence, instant messaging (IM), voice, video, voice messaging, desktop sharing, and conferencing.

It allows communication from anywhere with mobile voice, video, IM, and web conferencing. Use any preferred device and get the same experience as at your desktop.

Cisco Jabber