Data and Voice Network Similarities

Data and voice networks share similar functions because of the nature of networking.

• Signaling: establishes a connection between two endpoints.

In a voice network, signaling helps identify who the calling party is trying to call and where the called party is on the network. Traditional telephony uses terminals with fixed addresses. Traditional telephony establishes a fixed connection for the communication session between two such terminals, allocating fixed bandwidth resources for the duration of the call.

IP communications constitute a connectionless network, having neither fixed addresses nor fixed connections.

• Addressing: a unique address that must identify each terminal on a network.

In a voice network, the unique address is a permanent attribute, based on any combination of:

• international numbering plans,
• national numbering plans,
• local telephone company practices,
• internal customer-specific codes.

In IP communications, dial plans track extension numbers assigned to terminals. No fixed connection path is needed.

• Routing: related to addressing and allows connections to be established between endpoints.

Although these functions are common to data and voice networks, the implementations differ.