11. Appendix 2 – Things to consider

Audio quality

Ensure that the IP network does not drop data

Use QOS to ensure that VoIP traffic is given priority through routers

Choose best quality codec that is possible for the bandwidth available

Turn off silence suppression

Turn off Echo cancellation

Existing firewalls

Ensure that the existing firewall / NAT can cope with the data bandwidth required for the voice traffic (ensure that they do not drop packets, introduce too much latency or introduce too much jitter). If it cannot, consider using a specialist VoIP firewall for handling just the VoIP traffic.

Beware, some VoIP aware firewalls ‘get it wrong’. A VoIP-aware firewall that mis-translates things can be worse than a non VoIP-aware firewall. Check that the VoIP-aware firewall works correctly or turn off the functionality and use a purpose-designed product.

VoIPon Solutions www.voipon.co.uk sales@voipon.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1245 600560

Page 33
Image 33
Polycom Vega Gateway appendix Appendix 2 Things to consider Audio quality, Existing firewalls

Vega Gateway specifications

Polycom Vega Gateway serves as a crucial component in modern telecommunications, bridging the gap between traditional telephony systems and Voice over IP (VoIP) networks. As organizations transition to digital communication solutions, the Vega Gateway plays a vital role in ensuring compatibility and enhancing connectivity.

One of the primary features of the Polycom Vega Gateway is its ability to facilitate seamless interoperability between different communication protocols. It supports a range of signaling protocols, including SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), H.323, and analog interfaces, making it easy to connect legacy phone systems to modern VoIP setups. This flexibility allows businesses to gradually upgrade their telecommunications infrastructure without the need for costly complete system overhauls.

The Vega Gateway is equipped with advanced transcoding capabilities, which enable the conversion of audio streams between various formats. This is especially beneficial in multi-vendor environments where different systems may use incompatible codecs. Its ability to transcode ensures high-quality voice communication regardless of the underlying technology, thus maintaining clarity and reducing latency.

In terms of deployment, the Polycom Vega Gateway can be implemented as both a hardware appliance and a virtualized solution, providing businesses with deployment flexibility based on their IT environment. This adaptability is crucial for organizations looking to optimize their resources and scale their telephony solutions as needed.

Security is another key characteristic of the Vega Gateway. It incorporates robust encryption protocols, such as SRTP (Secure Real-time Transport Protocol), to safeguard voice communications against potential threats. Additionally, the gateway features firewall traversal capabilities, making it suitable for deployment in various network environments without compromising on security.

The gateway is also designed with ease of management in mind. Administrators can configure and monitor the device through a web-based interface or command line, ensuring that managing the system remains straightforward even for complex setups. Logging and reporting functionalities further enhance administrative oversight, allowing organizations to analyze their VoIP usage and optimize resource allocation.

Overall, the Polycom Vega Gateway is a comprehensive solution that addresses the complexities of integrating modern VoIP technology with legacy systems. With its robust feature set, diverse technological support, and commitment to security and manageability, the Vega Gateway stands out as an essential tool for organizations looking to enhance their communication strategies in an ever-evolving digital landscape.