VoIP and IP telephony
A strong unified communications strategy starts with voice technology. Explore all facets of enterprise telephony, including hardware and devices, architecture, and standards and protocols like SIP and H.323.
Top Stories
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Quiz
22 Nov 2023
Test your knowledge of E911 compliance requirements
Compliance with E911 regulations must be a core part of an organization's phone system strategy. Take this quiz to see how well you understand E911 compliance requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Nov 2023
Navigating E911 in the hybrid workplace
Companies are finding it more challenging than ever to comply with E911 regulations. Learn how you can minimize risk and ensure your workforce remains safe. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2019
Google Voice for G Suite expected to launch this spring
Google Voice for G Suite, a business version of its cloud calling service, will be available in at least nine countries, and its launch could come as soon as the early spring. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2019
5 considerations for selecting an on-premises VoIP platform
Although cloud-based VoIP is popular, organizations are consistently choosing on-premises VoIP systems, as they offer sites more control over their communications environment. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Avaya delivers cloud workforce management for contact center
Users of Avaya's contact center platforms now have access to cloud workforce management software through the vendor's partnership with Verint. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2019
How AI, machine learning improve real-time communications traffic
Ready to move on from legacy quality-of-service policies for your real-time communications? AI and machine learning offer new ways to simplify and improve real-time traffic management. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2019
Yealink, Crestron release first Microsoft Teams phones
Yealink and Crestron have received certification for their Microsoft Teams phones. Microsoft is expected to greenlight devices from Polycom and AudioCodes in the near future. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2019
Enterprise VoIP platforms provide UC functionality in a single system
The shift toward mobile workforces has dramatically changed how VoIP is deployed. Learn about three popular VoIP deployment models and use case scenarios and how VoIP is only a single component in a much larger unified communications strategy. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2019
Amazon contact center now supports real-time voice streaming
The Amazon contact center, Amazon Connect, now supports real-time voice streaming, a feature that opens the door to several emerging applications of AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2018
Understanding MOS for voice quality
Looking to improve the quality of voice calls? Learn which mean-opinion-score models measure and rate the user experience and the factors that influence voice quality. Continue Reading
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Quiz
12 Dec 2018
Test your knowledge of VoIP fundamentals
Do you want to test your knowledge of VoIP fundamentals and how VoIP works? Take this VoIP quiz and see what areas of voice technology elude you. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Online store launched for Avaya cloud products
Organizations can now buy multi-tenant Avaya cloud products through a self-service website targeted at small and midsize businesses. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Dec 2018
How to prepare for and manage VoIP call quality issues
Do you know how to maintain call quality when deploying VoIP? Get the answers to your VoIP quality concerns, from predeployment assessments to troubleshooting tools. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Oculeus unveils cloud service for toll fraud prevention
Oculeus-Protect, a toll fraud prevention service, automatically ends phone calls determined to be the result of PBX hacking -- a threat that costs businesses billions of dollars annually. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2018
New Microsoft Teams calling features narrow gap with Skype
Microsoft will complete its Microsoft Teams calling roadmap in the coming weeks, with the release of four advanced call controls targeted at enterprise users. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2018
7 steps to select the right product for deploying SD-WAN for VoIP
Ready to deploy SD-WAN for VoIP? Networking expert Terry Slattery offers seven tips for selecting the right product to support real-time voice needs. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
BroadSoft cloud calling begins to eclipse Cisco HCS
Cisco is pushing BroadSoft service providers to sell into the midmarket and above, raising questions about the future of Cisco HCS. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Cisco pushes BroadSoft partners to sell Cisco phones, displays
At BroadSoft Connections, the sponsors of which included Polycom and Yealink, Cisco wasn't shy about encouraging BroadSoft partners to begin selling Cisco phones and displays. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
In strategic shift, Avaya expands portfolio of open SIP phones
Avaya is doubling down on a decision to open its hardware to the software of competing UC vendors with the release of more than a dozen new open SIP phones. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2018
Migrating from PBX to VoIP: A hybrid VoIP approach
A hybrid VoIP system can be the bridge from PBX to VoIP telephony strategies. Our expert helps to highlight the advantages of a hybrid approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2018
How do I troubleshoot SIP configurations to solve service issues?
When your SIP service isn't connecting properly, process of elimination will help you determine if the issue lies in your configuration or elsewhere on the network. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2018
How to check for packet loss to manage call quality
Network managers learn more straightforward techniques to get a more accurate reading when testing for network packet loss in order to manage call quality. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2018
BlueJeans-Dolby meeting room service focuses on UC audio
In UC news, BlueJeans launches a UC audio offering with Dolby Voice, Talkdesk gets $100 million toward CCaaS, and Silver Peak's SD-WAN platform earns a VoIP performance certification. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Sep 2018
When do I need to use QoS for VoIP bandwidth support?
Is your call quality suffering? Network bandwidth may be growing, but demands on it are, too. Here's what you need to know to use QoS to help solve VoIP call issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2018
How to troubleshoot VoIP call quality issues
Issues with VoIP calls can bring business to a halt, or at least cause headaches and undermine productivity. Learn how to troubleshoot VoIP issues effectively. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2018
4 ways to prep the network when planning to implement VoIP
Before deploying VoIP platforms, make sure you have the infrastructure to support your communications needs. Learn what factors influence the network technology you'll need to support VoIP. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2018
NewVoiceMedia acquisition adds contact center to Vonage cloud
The acquisition of NewVoiceMedia will add a contact center to the Vonage cloud portfolio, which already includes telephony and developer tools. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2018
Polycom VVX series adds four new desk phones
A new cloud-based device management service will help Polycom partners provision and troubleshoot the vendor's devices, including four new Polycom VVX series phones released this week. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2018
PSTN vs. VoIP: What's best for your business?
Unsure of where your organization stands in the PSTN vs. VoIP debate? Use this feature-by-feature comparison to decide whether VoIP or PSTN services fit your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2018
8x8 X Series combines UC and contact center
The cloud delivery model has made it easier to combine unified communications and contact center technologies into a single platform, as evidenced by the release of the 8x8 X Series this week. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jul 2018
Voice assistants present new challenges for call clarity
Virtual assistant devices and applications offer ease and convenience when placing phone calls, but they could pose problems in terms of audio quality. Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2018
Polycom cloud service simplifies device management
A new Polycom cloud service will help businesses manage and monitor Polycom desk and conference room phones. The vendor plans to expand the service to cover video endpoints later this year. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2018
How to monitor application performance in the cloud
As you move real-time applications to the cloud, you might relinquish some network control. However, several mechanisms are available to monitor application performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2018
What are the steps to ensure SIP implementation success?
A robust strategy and several steps are needed to deploy SIP successfully. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the pieces that comprise a SIP strategy, from creating an RFI to documentation. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2018
Avaya partners with Afiniti for intelligent call routing
Avaya will add intelligent call routing to its contact center platforms. The vendor is partnering with Afiniti, which uses artificial intelligence to match customers with agents. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2018
AV1 video codec carries clout with royalty-free status
Industry giants, including Cisco and Microsoft, have backed AOMedia's new royalty-free codec. So, what does this mean for royalty-bearing video coding standards? Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2018
BroadSoft diversifies Cisco's cloud contact center portfolio
Cisco's cloud contact center portfolio now includes BroadSoft's CC-One. The vendor will use the multi-tenant platform to target small and midsize businesses. Continue Reading
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Video
05 Apr 2018
New Microsoft Teams features on deck, but more work needed
Microsoft has made progress, as it moves Skype for Business features into Microsoft Teams. But more capabilities, especially enterprise voice features, are needed. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Feb 2018
How do you build a disaster recovery communications plan?
Maintaining voice communications is vital to disaster recovery. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to build a disaster recovery communications plan. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2018
Is the virtual SBC market poised for rapid growth?
Recent market developments and research indicate virtual SBC products could see a significant upswing, as companies find success with virtualized offerings. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jan 2018
How to configure VoIP on a network
VoIP configuration requires significant preplanning to meet the requirements of voice traffic. Learn the steps to take when configuring VoIP on your network. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2017
Free phone service could boost Dialpad's UCaaS status
UCaaS provider Dialpad is offering a free cloud telephony service that integrates with G Suite, while a new partner program offers Workplace by Facebook support. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2017
Third-party E911 services expand call management tools
In UC news, organizations are deploying third-party E911 services for additional call management capabilities, while Genesys announces a chatbot integration with Amazon. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2017
Microsoft Exchange Online UM drops third-party PBX support
Some Microsoft customers must quickly re-evaluate their UC strategy after the vendor announced its intent to end third-party PBX support for Exchange Online Unified Messaging in 2018. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2017
Unified communications platforms lack security scrutiny
As UC platforms become more open to the outside world, IT leaders need to heed newer threats, including guest-access features, federation capabilities and cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2016
Voice gateways provide powerful connectivity options
Voice gateways connect VoIP networks to telecom providers and analog phones, while also providing backup call support. But these sensitive devices need proper security. Continue Reading
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Quiz
11 May 2016
This CCNP Collaboration quiz tests your Cisco UC smarts
The Cisco Collaboration certification covers several technological components from ports to protocols. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of Cisco UC technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Oct 2015
Mitel VoIP 3300 series controllers: Product overview
The Mitel VoIP platform consists of the 3300 series controllers. With support for up to 2,000 SIP trunks, the 3300 series can replace legacy telephony in small or large businesses. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Oct 2015
ShoreTel phone system: Product overview
The ShoreTel VoIP system boasts several voice switches, simplified administration and automated backup. The premises platform is ShoreTel's replacement for PBX telephony. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2015
Cisco UCM voice over IP system: Product overview
Designed for small and medium businesses, as well as large enterprises, Cisco UCM provides voice over IP technology that can replace a legacy telephone system. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2015
Comparing the leading VoIP vendors and their products
Before purchasing a VoIP system, enterprises need to carry out careful research as VoIP vendors offer intricate products with varying capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2015
Toshiba IPedge VoIP System Product Overview
The Toshiba IPedge is a secure software-based VoIP system intended to replace legacy telephony. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2015
Design redundancy into VoIP communication systems
Implementing redundancy at the VoIP and network infrastructure levels is an integral part of VoIP communication, ensuring call and business continuity. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2015
Five techniques for getting a robust VoIP infrastructure
A VoIP expert stresses the importance of a separate voice VLAN setup, quality-of-service enablement and edge routers for a robust VoIP infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2014
Calculating VoIP bandwidth needs for SIP trunk services
Part three of our series, SIP Trunking Explained, looks at the amount of VoIP bandwidth you'll need to avoid latency for SIP trunk services via a dedicated line or an Internet connection. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Dec 2013
What is the difference between H.248 and H.323 protocols?
H.248 and H.323 are protocols associated with VoIP. IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the difference between the two in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jul 2013
What are the advantages of SIP trunks versus analog circuits?
SIP trunking is not perfect, but it has more options and features compared to what traditional phone companies offer, says UC expert Matt Brunk. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 May 2013
What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?
UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Mar 2013
What are the different types of private branch exchange systems?
The types of PBX systems available shifted after the advent of Internet Protocol, according to IP telephony expert Jon Arnold. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Mar 2013
Are there advantages to using the public switched telephone network?
You may have to sacrifice some advantages of the public switched telephone network if you switch to VoIP, says telephony expert Jon Arnold. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2013
Why is SIP trunking better than PRI and BRI?
SIP trunking is preferable over PRI and BRI based on flexibility and cost benefits, says telephony expert Matt Brunk. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Nov 2012
How does VoIP performance differ over LAN, WAN and other networks?
Environment affects VoIP performance, so it's important to consider how VoIP best fits in your environment is important, our UC strategies expert explains. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Aug 2010
The value of toll bypass in the enterprise
IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the value of toll bypass in an IP telephony setup, detailing why enterprises should consider it as an option while tempering cost-savings expectations. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jul 2007
What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?
This expert response outlines the basic differences between a VoIP phone and a POTS phone. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2007
How silence suppression saves WAN bandwidth
Silence suppression, or voice activation detection (VAD), technology is used to save WAN bandwidth used by VoIP traffic, while comfort noise generation (CNG) counteracts negative affects on VoIP speech quality. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2007
VoIP bandwidth: Calculate consumption
The bandwidth needed for VoIP transmission depends on compression technology, packet overhead and the network protocol used. In this tip, learn how to calculate how much bandwidth your VoIP implementation will need. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2007
How voice compression saves bandwidth
Compression of voice traffic can save bandwidth on your IP network, but can cost quality or cause delays. Learn more about the CODECs or standards for voice compression -- and their effect on call quality -- in this tip. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2005
Defining traffic telecommunications style
There are three types of traffic: voice, data and image -- each with its own set of requirements for transmission. Find out here how these different types of traffic are quantified. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2005
What is tromboning?
In this expert reply, Patrick Ferriter explains what tromboning means in VoIP. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2005
Turning analog phones into VoIP phones
How an ATA or broadband phone works and what kind of features and performance you can expect from them. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2005
Working with the Layer 2 data link layer in an IP telephony deployment
This IP telephony deployment article provides solutions to performance issues in Layer 2, the data link layer. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2004
Policing and shaping within QoS
Learn about the policing and shaping methods within QoS that allow IT professionals to smooth traffic flows for VoIP transmission. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Feb 2004
What is the difference between gateways and gatekeepers?
Learn what the difference is between a network gateway and a gatekeeper in this Ask the Expert response. Continue Reading