5 Typical VoIP Network Diagrams

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems can be very good for businesses to use. But you should also know that there are many different types of VoIP device configurations. In order for you to get the most out of your VoIP system, it’s important to understand the details about VoIP device configurations. Getting a better understanding of the different VoIP network diagrams will help you on chooseing the right phone system. In this article we will discuss five typical VoIP network diagrams to help you get a better understanding of the different VoIP device configurations.

How Does VoIP Work?

VoIP works in the same way that computers transfer data over the Internet. For instance, when you send messages via programs like PingMe or emails, the VoIP system converted the data into data packets and sent over an IP network. VoIP uses the same concept and sends voice communications as data packets over IP networks.

First of all, VoIP runs over the Internet, and all your data stories on servers. Usually, you can access settings and configurations through an online administration panel. With VoIP, businesses do not need to use standard phone lines. VoIP provides benefits to businesses because it eliminates the need for dealing with multiple providers and solutions. VoIP makes it easier for businesses to scale their communication needs. And essential access features that will help businesses operate more efficiently.

Let’s take a look at some of the different VoIP network diagrams.

VoIP Network Diagrams #1. Pure Hosted Or Cloud Based Phone System

First of all, A cloud-based phone system is a phone service that is provided through multiple servers, data centers, or even different countries. It is different than a pure hosted phone system. Furthermore a cloud-based system is when the service provider hosts the servers and technology needs to operate your phone system on different cloud server zones. This as a result eliminates the need to maintain servers and provide ongoing tech support to keep the phone system operational. The phone provider will take care of your server maintenance needs and will ensure that it’s fully functioning at all times.

A cloud-based phone system doesn’t depend on the business needing special hardware in their facilities. This makes cloud-based phone systems appealing. Because it significantly reduces the costs in maintaining a large scale phone system.

This is VoIP Network Diagrams #2. IP Based PBX System That Connects to PSTN Lines through FXO Ports

An IP based PBX system is another type of VoIP service. PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange. A PBX is a private phone network used in a company or organization, and it connects all the phones in the organization.

PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. A PSTN is an older system that has been used since the late 1800s. PSTN uses an underground network of copper wires to provide a communication system for phones to connect with.

FXO stands for Foreign Exchange Office. An FXO is a type of port used by analog phone systems. The FXO port is the port that receives the analog line. This is the port that you see on telephones and fax machines. The analog line connects to the FXO port in the device and then connects to an FXS (Foreign Exchange Subscriber) port that is usually on the wall.

This type of IP-based PBX system uses a PBX server that connects to the standard analog phone lines. With this system, a company uses a VoIP gateway to link an IP system with the PSTN. The company has its own VoIP gateway, or they may use the gateway of the VoIP service provider. The PSTN PBX lines connect to the VoIP network using an FXO gateway.

There are some disadvantages when using an IP-based PBX system that connects to PSTN lines. There are usually large upfront costs in getting this system set up. The IP phones may need adapters to get connected on the VoIP network. Traditional and older phones will need to be replaced as well.

Implementing this type of system also support staff that has experience and expertise with the VoIP phone system. This can quickly increase business expenses just to install, implement, and maintain this IP-based PBX system.

VoIP Network Diagrams #3. IP-Based PBX System That Connects to SIP Trunking Provider

This type of phone system is similar to the IP PBX system that connects to FXO ports, except instead of connecting to FXO ports, this system connects to a SIP trunking provider. SIP stands for Session Initiated Protocol.

A SIP trunking provider delivers a solution that connects a company’s IP based PBX system to the existing PSTN over the Internet using SIP standard protocols. A SIP Trunk will allow phone calls to be made using the Internet to the PSTN.

SIP Trunks do not need physical lines to connect each line to the phone system. And instead uses the Internet to provide service to the phones. This makes it more cost effective and efficient than using traditional analog lines with FXO connections.

The old PSTN lines are getting out of the production, and many big telecom companies are switching over to IP-based phone systems. A business that still uses PSTN lines with analog phone systems will need to make upgrades to implement an IP-based PBX system. SIP Trunking providers help to bridge the gap in phone system needs by providing cost-effective ways to upgrade outdated PBX systems.

There are several benefits to using a SIP Trunk provider. Such benefits include lower call charges, flexibility, elimination of VoIP gateways, easily move offices and keep the same phone number, and leveraging a modern IP PBX system.

Let’s Take a Look VoIP Network Diagrams #4. Legacy PBX System That Can Only Connect to PSTN Lines.

A legacy PBX system uses traditional phone lines which can only connect to PSTN lines. This type of phone system uses legacy technology and can only provide voice communication services. A legacy PBX system is costly to maintain and does not have any of the modern features that a lot of businesses have come to rely on.

A legacy phone system is no longer sustainable as telecom providers are switching over to IP-based systems and will begin to phase out the legacy system. Businesses that still rely on legacy phone systems are not being as productive as they could be. There are several different reasons for this. The main reason is that with a legacy PBX system, you would not have features such as mobile integration, call analytics, and ease of scale. These features would save your company a lot of time, and thus increase productivity.

With a legacy PBX system, you would have a limited ability to work remotely. Modern society is becoming increasingly mobile. More remote job positions are opening up, and people are on the go a lot. You would not be able to easily route your calls to a mobile phone with a legacy PBX system. A cloud-based PBX system, on the other hand, will easily let you route your office phone directly to your mobile phone as long as you have a mobile Internet connection.

Another issue with legacy PBX systems is that you would have limitation in features and functionality. You would not have access to detail call analytics, call logs, automated voice systems, and more that would help in improving business operations and customer satisfaction.

VoIP Network Diagrams #5. Legacy PBX System That Connects to SIP Trunk Providers

Although legacy PBX systems are out in now a days, there are options available for businesses that wish to use their existing legacy PBX system. This solution is to connect the legacy PBX system to a SIP Trunk provider.

A SIP Trunk provider will let a legacy PBX system connect to the Internet using standard SIP protocols. There are still many companies who maintain legacy PBX systems and have not switch over to IP-based PBX systems. Some of the issues are because of cost or lack of technical expertise require to migrate everything to a new system.

A good solution has been introduced for businesses that still maintain a legacy PBX system. This solution is to use a SIP-capable Enterprise Session Border Controller which is deployed between corporate LAN and wide-area network. This solution will allow business with a legacy PBX system to connect securely to SIP Trunks and upgrade their phone system.

Conclusion

Above All, business is always about choosing the right people and right tools; a great VoIP tool with decent VoIP network diagrams can boost business rapidly. I hope after reading these 5 VoIP network diagrams can help you a better understanding of how to choose the right business phone system for your business. If you need any help, We are always here to help. 😉