VoIP as Architecture differs from the traditional VoIP as Service model in several important ways. For starters, VoIP as Architecture offers enhanced customer support. The typical support offered by VoIP service providers is limited to resolving outages and customizing call features. In contrast, VoIP as Architecture allows SMBs to engage a Managed Service Provider to maintain detailed records of the client’s installation and provide customized support as the client’s needs change over time.
Hosted VoIP
Hosted VoIP architecture is a network design that uses the internet for voice and data calls. This type of architecture ensures that network bandwidth is always available for calls, preventing network congestion and reducing latency. The architecture also relies on a gatekeeper that serves as the traffic controller, ensuring that VoIP traffic receives priority over other network traffic.
Hosted VoIP also offers disaster recovery features, such as the ability to automatically route calls to a wireless number, a home phone, or a third party answering service. Additionally, many hosted VoIP solutions offer the option to automatically change settings in case of a disaster. Another benefit is the ability to take IP phones off-site and use them with any high-speed Internet connection. In addition, some Hosted VoIP solutions have auto-attendants built in, which allows users to automatically answer incoming calls. This eliminates the need for a human receptionist and helps organizations provide after-hours service to customers.
SIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a cloud-based communications platform that lets devices communicate over the Internet. Voice calls require signaling, and database services are needed to locate endpoints by IP address and implement security features. VoIP is a highly flexible solution that can be tailored to the needs of your organization.
During the setup phase, the server sets up details between two endpoints, such as the number and duration of the call. Once that’s done, data transfer takes place. During this phase, packets are exchanged using protocols such as RTP. A SIP network is made up of multiple elements, including a server, receivers, and client software.
The registration server receives updates regarding the locations of users and then forwards requests to the next-hop server. The next-hop server can then better understand the location of the called party.
Gatekeeper
The Gatekeeper is a layer in the VoIP architecture, which allows the access control of calls from third-party providers. It implements a policy engine and an enforcement mechanism for service-level agreements. It also acts as the gatekeeper for network traffic. It provides call control and supplementary services. Gatekeepers can also be used to monitor the number of messages that a customer sends or receives per hour.
There are several types of VoIP gateways. In general, each one has a different set of hardware and software requirements. For instance, voice gateways may register with technology prefixes such as 1#, while H.320-gateways will register with a different prefix like 2#. The gatekeeper uses the technology prefix to select which gateways will answer a call.
Session Border Controller
A VoiP session border controller (SBC) is a network element deployed in a VoIP network for voice security purposes. A SBC encrypts voice traffic for network security. It is used by VoIP providers to provide a higher level of security. A SBC can protect data from being stolen or tampered with and prevent network attacks.
The SBC can handle a large number of simultaneous calls and be configured to handle a wide range of traffic. It can also provide security and control for calls. Its features vary depending on its purpose. For example, system administrators may need a SBC that can integrate signals and maintain session state, while telecom operators may want a SBC that can withstand large amounts of traffic. They may also want to incorporate deep packet inspection (DPI) to prevent unauthorized calls or other threats.
Application Server
When implementing a VoIP solution, it is imperative to choose the appropriate Application Server. The choice of Application Server should be based on the requirements and the technology available. VoIP servers can be either proprietary or open source. Both open source and proprietary servers will serve the same purpose, but there are differences.
An Application Server is an intermediary between a user and a network. It routes calls between the two. It can be a SIP terminal, media gateway controller, or other entity. It can receive multiple SIP dialogs and respond to each request. But this requires it to manage the SIP chain and handle internal application state.
An Application Server is also needed to establish a multimedia session. This is done by sending a SIP command to a subscriber. The server then sends the invocation to the necessary Application Servers based on priority.