Voice over IP Online Course
Lesson 2 - Why VoIP?
Review: Why VoIP?
This module looks at the reasons that VoIP is gaining in popularity and some of the issues
involved in deploying it.
Section A: Converging networks
Voice and data networks traditionally have separate characteristics because they moved
different kinds of data. Now voice is typically converted into digital form for transmission
and the two networks have for all purposes become one. Being able manage a single network
instead of two separate ones, excites many a network administrator.
Section B: Benefits of VoIP
This section examines some of the benefits touted for voice over IP including reduced
long-distance costs , more calls with less bandwidth, more and better enhanced services and
administration and maintenance savings.
Section C: Issues with VoIP
This section looks at some of the issues with a voice over IP deployment. These include
putting all your cabling eggs in one basket, IT people not well versed in telephony technology,
may need to upgrade the system, no power, no dial tone and 911 service.
Section D: Driving VoIP
This section looks at the drivers for this new technology including organizations and
manufacturers.
Exercise 2-1: Why VoIP?
1. Why does VoIP have a problem with the 911 emergency service?
a) The 911 operator keeps the caller on the line which interferes with other people making
telephone calls
b) IP telephone handsets are identified by IP address which is not mapped to a physical
location
c) IP cannot guarantee that a call to 911 will get through
d) The emergency services in most cities have not upgraded to VoIP yet
2. Without compression, what is the normal bandwidth requires for one telephone
conversation?
a) 2 kbps
b) 32 kbps
c) 64 kbps
d) 8 kbps
3. Why haven’t data networks been considered suitable for telephone service in the past?
a) They use more expensive cable than telephone networks
b) Administrators of data networks are over qualified to run telephone networks
c) They have 5 9’s uptime
d) They are prone to be infected by viruses
4. Which is not considered a benefit of VoIP?
a) Increase in the number of IT jobs
b) Unified management of data and telephone infrastructures
c) More calls with less bandwidth
d) Closer integration of computer and telephony applications
5. In order to maintain dial tone on a VoIP system,
a) You can implement power over Ethernet
b) You can use rechargeable batteries in the IP phone
c) You can put a UPS on the telephone
d) You plug the telephone into the computer
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