ToIP or telephony over IP
The TCP/IP protocol forms the basis of today’s Internet architecture.
Its role is to define the rules by which computers communicate with each other.
As IT infrastructures have evolved, so has IP technology, broadening its scope of application.
Today’s data rates make it possible to deploy telephony over IP (ToIP) in the workplace, replacing the traditional switchboard.
An installation of this kind delivers excellent sound quality, and has the advantage of being cost-effective.
What are the advantages?
When a ToIP call center replaces a conventional switchboard in a company, the latter’s functions continue to be fulfilled.
However, ToIP goes much further, by initializing and managing the entirety of a company’s telephone communications.
Professionals are also able to take advantage of features previously reserved for large companies, such as interactive voice servers for external calls, or voicemail messages delivered directly to the mailbox.
In practical terms, users use a SIP-compatible softphone (VoIP software protocol) or a ToIP terminal to take advantage of the organization’s telephone network.
IP telephony equipment
Using IP telephony requires the acquisition of hardware:
- The IPBX server , the hardware size of which will depend on the number of terminals and telephone lines to be managed.
- The cards: fax, analog (if external calls are made via a conventional operator) or SIP (if calls are made via a SIP telephony operator).
- Telephone terminals (also known as IP-Phones) and Softphones, software for telephone functions
- Network equipment: switches can manage POE (Power over Ethernet) or VLANs (Virtual Local Area Network)
- SIP operators who route incoming and outgoing calls
