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Until recently, voice, video, and data were delivered to individuals over dedicated, single-purpose networks. A converged network brings all forms of communication together: voice, data, and video travel through a single, unified network. A converged network supports all traffic types with packet-based protocols such as ATM, Frame Relay, or IP. Of these, the dominant protocol is the Internet Protocol (IP), the protocol primarily used by the G700 Media Gateway.
However, digital data and voice communications have different characteristics that must be reconciled within a converged network. Data traffic tends to require 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. While TDM circuit-based networks carried voice traffic streams efficiently and reliably, they were never designed for bursts of data traffic. Early-generation data networks handled data flow effectively, but they could not guarantee the constant, real-time transmission needed by voice.
Packetized Voice over IP (VoIP) services provide a cost-effective and flexible way of building a converged network. In addition, converged networks allow for the separation of such functions as call control and switching. Each section of the converged network may use different techniques for handling data, voice, and fax. Different parts of the network traffic may use different communications standards, and the media streams need to be constantly and seamlessly reformatted. This is the exactly task of the G700.
A converged network replacing separate circuit-switched voice and packetized data networks brings with it several benefits. A single network reduces equipment, cabling, and installation costs. While the cost of traditional circuit-switching equipment has remained relatively stable over recent years, the cost of IP equipment has declined steadily. With a single network for administration, only one maintenance and management plan is required. Telephones can be added or moved from one person to another easily and quickly. As a result, operational costs are also reduced.
While IP networks may eventually replace circuit-switched networks, the two technologies will likely coexist for some time to come.
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