Cisco® Network Professional's: Advanced Internetworking Guide

17.2. Converging Voice Traffic

Many companies have realized the benefits of putting their voice traffic onto their data network for some time. The consolidation of infrastructure can save time, money, manpower, and provide new services to end users. More specifically, the benefits include:

• Lower transmission costs

• Consolidated network infrastructure

• Shared bandwidth and equipment

• Increased features for user productivity

• Increased connectivity with other devices, including computers, wireless devices, PDAs, cable boxes, and household appliances

Costs of Transmission

A traditional phone circuit requires a 64-kbps channel for each call. Consolidating those circuits for transport across the network can take a huge amount of gear and work. Telephony ...