Until recently, voice, video, and data were delivered over separate, single-purpose networks. A converged network brings voice, data, and video traffic together on a single IP network. VoIP technology from Avaya provides a cost-effective and flexible way of building enterprise communications systems through a converged network.
Some flexible elements of a converged network include:
Separation of call control and switching functions. See Separation of Bearer and Signaling Job.
Different techniques for handling data, voice, and FAX.
Communications standards and protocols for different network segments.
Constant and seamless reformatting of data for differing media streams.
Digital data and voice communications superimposed in a converged network compete for network bandwidth, or the total information throughput that the network can deliver. Data traffic requires significant network bandwidth for short periods of time, while voice traffic demands a steady, relatively constant transmission path. Data traffic can tolerate delays, while voice transmission degrades if delayed. Data networks handle data flow effectively. However, when digitized voice signals are added to the mix, networks must be managed differently to ensure constant, real-time transmission needed by voice.
