1.

Possible to implement voice and data in same network without affecting to security and
reliability.
a. The savings are more obvious when you consider that, with a converged network, a
single networkperforms two tasks instead of operating two networks for two tasks.
b. Can use firewalls with advanced featureswhich protects the LAN from outside intruders.
c. Use of separate LANs for Data and Voice connectedthrough a firewall has the same risk
as maintaining two different networks where both networks has to connect external
services (E.g Telecommunication Service Provider). Firewalls can monitor and filter
internal and external packet flows. Therefore the risk and the prevention/protection
concept shall be the same.
d. If your intention is to block the internal intruder, the person will have access to both
networks as long as Access level switches terminate at the desk.
e. Increased number of isolated LANs shall duplicate the resources such as; security,
management and network monitoring systems.
f. Therefore it is recommended to increase the security of voice solution, maintain separate
virtual LANs and increased port security for voice.
2. Advantages of VOIP Solution
a. Selected locations can share a single outlet to connect an IP Phone and a PC. PC shall be
connected to the network via the IP Phone. This will reduce the required number of
switch ports and outlets by 50%.
b. Utilize the network resources including passive and active components
c. Same team can maintain both Data and Voice network.
d. High traceability and reduced troubleshooting time compared with an analog system.
e. Can be centrally managed.
f. Increased security compared with analog systems.
g. VoIP phones provide more features than traditional phones (E.g IP Phones with Display
can receive organizational messages such as memos, emails, etc., Access to shared
address books, integration with software applications and access to IBMS, etc.)
h. Mobility - can move the phone anywhere and keep the same number
3. Disadvantages of VOIP Solution
i. Security threats due to viruses or intrusions
Mitigation: Many security breaches can be prevented with a comprehensive system of
security policies and solutions, including virus protection, firewalls, virtual private
networks (VPNs), authentication, encryption and Virtual LANs.
j. VoIP is highly dependent on bandwidth
Mitigation: Designed Data LAN for SLN, consist with 1GE end user bandwidth and
10GE (40GE ready) Backbone including high performance and enterprise level switches.

Furthermore Quality of service (QoS) protocols address all aspects of network

management related to voice quality, and ensure that delays, echoes and jitters are
significantly minimized.
k. Network failures shall have impact on both Data and Voice.
Mitigation:Whether there is an unexpected error in the network or a full emergency
scenario, such as a security breach, network redundancy and reliability can reduce the
impact of suchevents.

4. VoIP System over PABX System

a. IP phones are easier to install and configure than in a PABX system. IP phones are
having software applications which enables the VoIP systems to configure from a
computer interface from a remote location.
b. Enhanced mobility features in VoIP solutions.
c. PABX system shall have bulky voice multicore cables with Main Distribution Frames,
Sub Distribution Frames and Junction Boxes. Therefore troubleshooting and maintenance
cost is high.
d. Analog phones can be easily tapped.
e. A change inlocation of analog phones may require a change in phone number.
f. In PABX systems expandability and upgradeability is verycomplex and can require
significant additional hardware.
g. VoIP and PABX require maintenance staff with two different expertise areas. VoIP can
be maintained by the same IT maintenance team.

5. VoIP solution with Media Gateways

a. When consider the analog and IP phone ratio (4:1) as requested by SLN, it is ineffective
while it is needed high port capacity media gateways to cater analog phones.
b. If SLN wants to upgrade the voice system to the totally VoIP solution in future, all
analog phones need to replace with IP phones and media gateways shall be removed.
c. Whether the reason go for a media gateway solution is eliminating the multicore cabling,
still need to have certain amount of multicore cables with this system.
d. Although have locally survivability in media gateways, if that particular media gateway
go down subsequently all the analog phones connected to a media gateway shall fail.

e. Additional maintenance cost shall be applied when it comes to media gateways with
multicore cabling.
6. Comparison table

VoIP Telephone System

PABX Telephone System

One network with single

cabling

Telephone and Computer

require two cable connections.

LAN is used for

communication for both Voice
and Data

Separate cabling is required

including MDF and telephone
multicore cabling.

Low maintenance cost, where

the same IT or System
administrator can maintain very
easily.
Tapping is complex due to
packet transmission
methodology and also can use
encryptions.
VoIP phones is that the service
provider will let user to keep
the old phone number even if
user change the location
VoIP phones offer the same
features as analog phones and
more
Utilize the network resources

Maintenance cost is high and

also a separate telephone
system maintenance technician
should be available.
Anyone can tap the line without
even having high technical
knowledge.

High traceability

Low traceability

Anyone can tap the line of analog

phones without even having high
technical knowledge.

analog phones a change in

location may require a change
in phone number and area code

analog phones a change in location

may require a change in phone
number and area code

Less features than IP phones

Less features with media gateways

Two different networks

Waste reasonable amount of the

network resources
Low traceability

Expandability and upgradeability

Often just require more
Complex: can require
bandwidth (already having) and significant hardware additions.
software upgrades.
Expertise Requirement
Require a qualified System
Administrator for LAN and
Telephone System maintenance
and troubleshooting.

VoIP solution with Media

Gateways
For analogue phone and computer
require two separate cables.
Cabling for IP Phone can
simultaneously use PC
Separate cabling is required
including MDF and telephone
multicore cabling for FAX
machines only.
Additional maintenance cost for
multicore cabling and media
gateways.

Require a qualified System

Administrator for LAN and
PABX system, But Telephone
cabling System maintenance
and troubleshooting can be
done by a technician.

Much Simple than PABX System

for analogue phone. Same effect as
VOIP system for IP Phone

Require a qualified System

Administrator for media gateway
solution.

7. Price Comparison
Note: These are only preliminary estimates and can be changed when considering the complete
solution with additional items.
a. VoIP Solution,
Considering 1000 IP phones and same LAN with Data network
Estimated cost: 33.4 million LKR
b. IP PABX Solution
Considering 800 Analog phones and 200 IP phones
Estimated cost: 24.1 million LKR
c. VoIP solution with Media Gateways
Considering 800 Analog phones and 200 IP phones
Estimated cost: 26.1 million LKR

8. Recommendation
a. It is recommended to have single network for both voice and data networks with proper
security mechanisms (Firewall, Port security, antiviruses, VLANS etc.) while
maintaining structured cabling architecture.
b. Considering features, enhancement, flexibility and easy maintenance, it is recommended
to have VoIP system however solution is slight expensive.