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BT's 21CN - explained
There are many stories currently circulating about BT's new network, some true, some false, some scary! In short, 21CN is an exciting new phase in Britain's telecommunications and certainly should not be feared. Don't feel pressured into buying a new telephone system for no reason - read on to see what 21CN means to you and your business!
What is 21CN?
It is a major upgrade programme that BT are undertaking to transform their UK telephone and data network into a world-leading platform for the transmission of data and voice using IP.
Why?
It will allow BT to reduce their overhead costs because they will simplify the local and regional telephone exchange operations.
It will allow the introduction of new services to both the end users and also ‘network wholesalers'.
It will allow the ongoing convergence of data, mobiles, voice and other technologies.
What is IP?
IP is "internet protocol". It is a type of data transmission. It does not have to have anything to do with the "internet" unless it is transmitted across the internet. For example, most office IT systems use IP as their communication method between workstations and servers. These do not necessarily travel on the internet. BT's new 21CN network will operate using IP, but not necessarily over the internet, it will operate on their own huge network.
What is VoIP?
Voice over IP is as it says: it is using the IP method to transmit voice. Again, like data, it does not have to travel over the internet. For example we have installed voice LANs that use VoIP and are installed to accommodate large sites that are served with fibre optic cabling on a single site. These voice LANS do not have any outside connectivity to the internet. We also provide VoIP for home workers where the telephone system provides extension facilities to the home worker using the internet and a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
When is VoIP useful?
It is useful if you need to extend the traditional office telephone facilities beyond the normal local building cabling, for example a large site with fibre optic cabling.
It also is useful for managing the telephone system, the handsets are as flexible as the PCs, and you can log in where you need to.
It also has a part to play in building wide area telephone systems, such as centralised switchboard facility from one or two or even several sites.
Does VoIP have to be on the internet?
No, it can be set up on leased lines. These are then completely secure from outside intrusion.
Is VoIP cheaper to implement?
It can lead to lower investment costs for a system set up. As an example, the VoIP parts to a telephone system take up less space and processing power than those of a "traditional" TDM telephone system.
With 21CN do I have to change my telephone system?
The answer in general is no! Most systems will not notice a change, the services offered by the local telephone exchange to your office will not change unless you have basic ISDN2 lines (as opposed to ISDN2e) The changes are between the local exchanges on the BT network.
If I am about to have a new system, what do I need to look out for?
Any new system today will need to have SIP compatible trunks. Not necessarily to be installed now, but keep the door open! The SIP trunks ‘session initiated protocol' is an outside line that is based on VoIP technology. The use of SIP trunks will increase in years to come as the reliability becomes better. For example a SIP trunk can be delivered on one physical cable and be shared by lots of users. The way the telephone numbers translate can be made to cover several sites. There will be changes in the telephone number restrictions that are often incurred when moving offices.
SIP will also allow for new services such as multi media, data and WIFI connectivity.
What does Daly Systems recommend?
The key to any new system is reliability before cost. A useless telephone system will cost a fortune for any company! Install a well thought out system with a future upgrade path, from a financially stable and reputable company.
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