Making the case for IP PBX Systems

The small-to-medium business communications market is changing considerably because of major ongoing development in core networking technology. Voice communications have been migrating from time-based to packet-based switching. An IP PBX is likely to be the standard design platform of the future for enterprise communications systems. The benefits to customers who select an IP PBX exceed the drawbacks.

Performance Value of an IP PBX:
Converged network
Packet-switched LANs today carry telephone-generated voice communications in addition to computer system data traffic. From the perspective of a data communications network designer, the telephone is viewed as just another client, and voice features and functions are just other applications supported by a LAN-based server. LAN bandwidth capacity continues to increase. This means more point-to-point video communications traffic will be carried between desktops, and there is a decreasing dependence on larger, more expensive, room-based videoconferencing systems.

University of the transport protocol
Internet Protocol (IP) control and transmission is the standard for data communications networks. The concept of a LAN and WAN is a fact of network operation across all industry sectors. The client-server communication model is a dominant mechanism. For a customer searching for an IP PBX system solution, the current data networking infrastructure is favorable.

Hybrid PBX & VoIP Gateway

Network bandwidth
Now that IP has become the transport mechanism to carry both voice and data, using the same communications network for both traffic types reduces overall bandwidth requirements. The two traffic streams could be interleaved, and QoS levels can be engineered and programmed to satisfy real-time voice communications requirements. As customers migrate from circuit-switched to packet-switched communications, there will be cost savings and increased network efficiency from economies of scale. Cost savings are attributed to off-premises communications because PSTN trunk carrier facility requirements are reduced with the introduction of IP.

Who needs remote power control? Everyone.

Simply put, remote power control is the ability to reset or reboot PC, LAN/WAN, telcom, and other computer equipment without being at the equipment’s location.

Horizontal Rackmount Remote Power Manager (PS582A)

Who needs remote power control? Everyone, especially any organization with a network that reaches remote sites. This can include branch offices, unmanned information kiosks, alarm and control systems, and even HVAC systems for climate control. Other applications include unmanned remote monitoring stations, satellite control equipment at communication towers, cellular towers, and radio equipment.

For system administrators, the ability to perform power cycle or remote reboot is a way to avoid major communications problems. When equipment locks up and no longer responds to normal communications commands, it’s usually up to the system manager to reset or reboot it. After the power cycles on and off, normal communications resume. Often, there aren’t any technically trained personnel at the site who can perform maintenance and resets on equipment. Even if it is a manned station, there is a risk that the wrong equipment could be rebooted. To save traveling time and minimize downtime, remote power control enables the system manager to take care of things at the office without having to travel.

Greatly reduce the cost of digital video distribution

Installers and end users looking for an economical way to distribute and scale 1080p video content across a wall of tiled screens, look no further. The MediaCento™ IPX Multicast extension system multicasts HDMI video and audio to up to 256 screens on a network. Even better, it can optionally be used to output source video on video walls, so you can easily project video content on a larger scale to create visually stunning video displays.

Integration is easy and receivers install directly into your existing LAN infrastructure. There’s no need to run expensive dedicated video links from a back room to displays in lobbies. A single transmitter can deliver multimedia to hundreds of displays.

The system uses visually lossless compression technology, packetizing signals so source content can be delivered anywhere you have Ethernet wiring. Simply plug in as many receivers as you need for your remote screens, and use a standard Gigabit network switch with IGMP to control the multicast traffic.

11 quick-start questions to answer when planning your digital signage application

We’re experienced at putting users in touch with a digital signage solution that fits their needs. To be sure you’re matched to the right platform, we highly recommend speaking with us by phone (1-877-877-2269). But before you call, we advise you to try and answer as many questions as possible below, and check off what features you think you might need:

1. How many screens do you intend to have?
2. Will the screens have the same or different content?
3. How many locations, and what are the distances to these locations?
4. Who is the audience who will be viewing the signage? Customer, employees, visitors, or all of these groups?
5. What information do you want to communicate? Advertising, current information (new, weather, internal data), personalized message (“Welcome, Mr. Smith”), instructions (directions, schedules)?
6. What is the purpose of this installation? Selling a product or service, informing an audience (wayfinding), entertaining the viewer (i.e. those waiting in line), reinforcing a theme?
7. What existing media assets do you want to redeploy? Web information, system data (inventory or production numbers), existing ads (video, print, Web formats), and/or live TV feeds?

Webinar: Wireless-Your customers expect it!

Join us at 2:00 P.M. E.T. on Tuesday, August 14 for our Wireless in Hospitality and Retail Webinar. This webinar looks at how state-of-the-art wireless can improve both guest experience and your overall efficiency.

Support for mobile devices is no longer an option but rather a necessity to survive in an increasingly competitive market. If you worry about the quality of your wireless service and network security, then you’ll find important information about new wireless technology in this webinar.

REGISTER NOW

You’ll learn:

• How the personal device revolution, high bandwidth requirements, and security concerns impact wireless service.
• What new wireless technologies are available to help you bring wireless to a challenging environment.
• How to implement a smart, managed wireless network that meets the needs of your customers and your staff.

Make no mistake about it—the latest wireless technology provides a competitive advantage that delivers exceptional customer experience.

EDIT: Missed the webinar? You can listen in on the recording here.