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Future University
Telecom Department
Telecommunication System III
Assignment (1)

IP PBX

Done by:
1- Abubker Abd Alwahab 2006-06104
2- Abubker Awad 2007-06104
Introduction
PBX is actually an acronym for the term Private Branch Exchange. A Private Branch Exchange
(PBX) is a telephone exchange that operates a local business or office‘s telephony service. In other
words, a PBX is the technical term for a phone system. A PBX is used to make connections among
the internal telephones of a private organization. Utilizing a PBX a company can save considerable
cost savings on internal phone calls. PBX systems handle the circuit switching locally reducing
chargers for local phone service. Another advantage of utilizing a PBX phone system is that it allows
a company to share trunk lines (external lines) for all its employees, maximizing usage of dedicated
phone lines.
IP stands for Internet Protocol, a signal and data transfer technology that is used by your Local Area
Network (LAN) and the internet. Typical IP PBX phone systems can switch calls between a VoIP
user and a traditional telephone user, in the same way a traditional PBX system works. Replacing
traditional PBX systems, IP PBX allows calls to be sent via data packets over a data network instead
of the traditional phone network. The real advantage of an IP PBX or a VoIP PBX is that it utilizes a
single network for both voice and data. With a IP PBX you would require a separate network for
voice and data communications. This means that internet access and traditional voice
communications are possible using a single line to each user.

IP PBXs Rapid Growth and Implications

IP PBXs are well on their way to becoming the primary type of premises-based voice systems –
particularly in the large enterprise market space. In publicly available research, a recent Dell'Oro
Group report reveals that large IP PBX systems registered 17 percent growth in Q205 to become a
$367 million industry. The report also disclosed that nearly 34 percent of total large PBX line
shipments worldwide are IP PBX lines, almost double from only 16 percent the previous year.
Infonetics reports that ―Worldwide, IP PBX annual revenue reached $256 million in 2003 and is
predicted rise to $830 million in 2007,‖ and ―while traditional PBX line shipments will decline by a
15.4% CAGR over this period, shipments of converged PBX lines are expected to grow at an 11.2%
CAGR. Pure IP PBX line shipments are expected to grow even more dramatically, at a 28.9% CAGR
 IP PBX integrates into the network

An IP PBX handles voice signals under Internet protocol, bringing benefits for computer telephony
integration (CTI). An IP-PBX can exist as physical hardware, or can carry out it function virtually,
performing the call-routing activities of the traditional PBX or key system as a software system. The
virtual version is also called a "Soft PBX".
The traditional PBX based on the TDM technology is reaching the end of its lifecycle due to the
emergence of IP-PBX. The IP-PBX, based on the VoIP technologies, offers easier user
administration and advanced applications. With an IP-PBX, the Local Area Network is the platform
for connecting smart IP phones logically over a shared packet network to the call manager.
Enterprises don‘t need to disrupt their current external communication infrastructure and operations.
With IP PBX deployed, an enterprise can even keep its regular telephone numbers. This way, the IP
PBX switches local calls over the data network inside the enterprise and allows all users to share the
same external phone lines.
History of PBX:

The term PBX was first applied when switchboard operators ran company switchboards by hand.
As automated electromechanical and then electronic switching systems gradually began to
replace the manual systems, the terms PABX (private automatic branch exchange) and PMBX
(private manual branch exchange) were used to differentiate them. Solid state digital systems
were sometimes referred to as EPABXs (electronic private automatic branch exchange). Now,
the term PBX is by far the most widely recognized. The acronym is now applied to all types of
complex, in-house telephony switching systems, even if they are not private, branches, or
exchanging anything. PBXs are distinguished from smaller "key systems" by the fact that
external lines are not

Old PBX

normally indicated or selectable at an individual extension. From a user's point of view, calls on
a key system are made by selecting a specific outgoing line and dialing the external number. A
PBX, in contrast, has a dial plan. Users dial an escape code (usually a single digit; often the same
as the first digit of the local emergency telephone number) that connects them to an outside line
(DDCO or Direct Dial Central Office in Bell System jargon), followed by the external number.
Some modern number analysis systems allow users to dial internal and external numbers without
escape codes by use of a dialplan which specifies how calls to numbers beginning with certain
prefixes should be routed.
Protocol architecture:

According to the figure shown above an IP-PBX system compare with additional software (Cisco
call manager), PSTN Gateway, Media Server, IP Phone, Soft phone, PDA soft Phone, & VoIP
Firewall. Usually an IP phone connects to a LAN either through a hub port or a switch port. The
phone can talk with CallManager and registers itself. CallManager stores the IP-address-to-phone-
number mapping (and vice versa) in its tables. When a user wants to call another user, the user keys
in the called party's phone number. The Call Manager translates the phone number to an IP address
and generates an IP packet version of ring tone to the called IP phone through the TCP connection.
When the called IP phone receives the packet, it generates a ring tone. When the user picks up the
phone, CallManager instructs the called IP phone to start talking with the calling party and removes
itself from the loop. From this point on, the call goes between the two IP phones. When any change
occurs during the call due to a feature being pressed on one of the phones, or one of the users
hanging up or pressing the flash button, the information goes to CallManager through the control
channel. If a call is made to a number outside of the IP PBX network, CallManager routes the call to
an analog or digital trunk gateway which in turn routes it to the PSTN.

Now you may ask what CallManager is. CallManager is a member of a class of systems called
softswitches. In a softswitch-based system, the call signaling components and device controllers are
not separated by a hardware bus running a proprietary protocol, but instead are separate boxes
connected over an IP network and talking through open and standards-based protocols.
CallManager provides the overall framework for communication within the corporate enterprise
environment. CallManager handles the signaling for calls within the network and calls that originate
or terminate outside the enterprise network. In addition to call signaling, CallManager provides call
feature capabilities, the capability for voice mail interaction, and an application programming
interface (API) for applications.
As you can see an IP PBX network also consist of many different endpoint devices. These devices
can be classified into the following categories:
• Station devices—Station devices are generally telephone handsets. CallManager offers four
different types of handsets, which it controls with Skinny Protocol.

• Gateway devices—Gateway devices provide access from one telephone system to another. This
access can be from one network of CallManager servers to another, from a CallManager network to a
PBX, or from a CallManager network to a public network

• Media Server---Media Server is located in the service provider‘s network. It is also referred to as
an announcement server. For voice services, it uses a control protocol, such as H.248 (Megaco) or
MGCP, under the control of the call agent or application server.

• IP Phone/PBX---IP Phones and PBX systems are located at customer premises and provide voice
services. They interact with the Call Agent/SIP Server using a signaling protocol such as SIP, H.323
or a device control protocol such as H.248 (Megaco) or MGCP.
• Soft Phone---In computing, a softphone is a software program for making telephone calls over the
Internet using a general purpose computer, rather than using dedicated hardware.
• ATA (Analog Terminal Adapter) ---Connects an Analogue Telephone to a VOIP network usually
has an Ethernet jack, and an RJ-11 phone jack.
Advantages of IP PBX:
1. Much easier to install & configure than a proprietary: An IP PBX runs as software on a
computer and can leverage the advanced processing power of the computer and user interface as well
as Windows‘ features. Anyone proficient in networking and computers can install and maintain an IP
PBX. By contrast a proprietary phone system often requires an installer trained on that particular
proprietary system.

2. Easier to manage because of web/GUI based configuration interface: An IP PBX can be

managed via a web-based configuration interface or a GUI, allowing you to easily maintain and fine
tune your phone system. Proprietary phone systems have difficult-to-use interfaces which are often
designed to be used only by the phone technicians.
3. Significant cost savings using VOIP providers: With an IP PBX you can easily use a VOIP
service provider for long distance and international calls. The monthly savings are significant. If you
have branch offices, you can easily connect phone systems between branches and make free phone
calls.
4. Eliminate phone wiring: An IP Telephone system allows you to connect hardware phones
directly to a standard computer network port (which it can share with the adjacent computer).
Software phones can be installed directly onto the PC. You can now eliminate the phone wiring and
make adding or moving of extensions much easier. In new offices you can completely eliminate the
extra ports to be used by the office phone system.

5. Eliminate vendor lock in: IP PBXs are based on the open SIP standard. You can now mix and
match any SIP hardware or software phone with any SIP-based IP PBX, PSTN Gateway or VOIP
provider. In contrast, a proprietary phone system often requires proprietary phones to use advanced
features, and proprietary extension modules to add features.

6. Scalable: Proprietary systems are easy to outgrow: Adding more phone lines or extensions often
requires expensive hardware modules. In some cases you need an entirely new phone system. Not so
with an IP PBX: a standard computer can easily handle a large number of phone lines and extensions
– just add more phones to your network to expand.
7. Better customer service & productivity: With an IP PBX you can deliver better customer
service and better productivity: Since the IP telephone system is now computer-based you can
integrate phone functions with business applications. For example: Bring up the customer record of
the caller automatically when you receive his/her call, dramatically improving customer service and
cutting cost by reducing time spent on each caller. Outbound calls can be placed directly from
Outlook, removing the need for the user to type in the phone number.

8. Twice the phone system features for half the price: Since an IP PBX is software-based, it is
easier for developers to add and improve feature sets. Most VOIP phone systems come with a rich
feature set, including auto attendant, voice mail, ring groups, advanced reporting and more. These
options are often very expensive in proprietary systems.

9. Allow hot desking & roaming: Hot desking – the process of being able to easily move
offices/desks based on the task at hand, has become very popular. Unfortunately traditional PBXs
require extensions to be re-patched to the new location. With an IP PBX the user simply takes his
phone to his new desk – No patching required.

10. Better phone usability: SIP phones are easier to use: Employees often struggle using advanced
phone features: Setting up a conference, transferring a call – On an old PBX it all requires
instruction. Not so with an IP PBX – all features are easily performed from a user friendly Windows
GUI. In addition, users get a better overview of the status of other extensions and of inbound lines
and call queues via the IP PBX Windows client. Proprietary systems often require expensive
‗system‘ phones to get an idea what is going on your phone system. Even then, status information is
cryptic at best.

Disadvantage of IP PBX:

To understand the disadvantages of a PBX, or private branch exchange phone system, you have
to compare it to advances in phones related to the Internet Protocol (IP) network. In short, PBX
phone systems are becoming outdated. Voice systems are now converging with data networks
and Internet technology. A business using a PBX phone system with analog technology is
missing out on new levels of conductivity with computers and mobile devices. Advances with
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and unified communications are transforming phone
systems, leaving traditional PBX systems to go the way of the telegraph.

1- Installation and Configuration

A phone system that is connected to the IP network is far easier to install and configure
than a traditional PBX system. This is because IP systems are converged with the data
network, and most IP PBX or VoIP phone systems can be configured from a computer
interface using software applications.

2- Costs and Charges

Increasingly, the PBX phone system is losing the cost battle to VoIP systems. For
example, a VoIP system allows both Internet and phones to use the same cabling, saving
on cabling costs. Also, many VoIP systems expand on what a traditional PBX did in
creating an inter-office phone connection. Businesses with multiple branch offices,
international calling and employee telecommuting gain real advantages. For example,
with VoIP, an office extension can be used---at the same cost---via a laptop computer
from anywhere, as long as there is an Internet connection. This saves on long-distance
phone charges and allows the worker to use the same phone extension from anywhere.

3- Mobile Workforce

Traditional PBX systems are at a major disadvantage when it comes to worker mobility.
IP-based systems can now converge laptop computers, mobile phone devices and office
phone systems so they all work on a unified platform. Software facilitates the
conductivity so voice is integrated into the entire business network. A PBX system is still
just a phone. VoIP-based technology converges voice with computers and data networks,
allowing mobile workers to access data and communicate through various channels using
the same devices
Conclusion
With the explosion of IP PBXs and IP PBX hybrids into the enterprise market space, service
providers need to step up to the next level of service for these customers. Using the G6 Trunking
Gateway to provide the IP PBX Network Trunking solution, service providers can now create true
savings for IP PBX customers by allowing their voice traffic to access the service provider‘s IP
network. Such access will require two main elements: 1) a policing and interworking entity, given the
nature and risk in the enterprises‘ private IP networks, and the SIP Proxy Server provides this
function; and 2) a highly reliable, highly scalable trunking gateway that can accept SIP signaling
from the Proxy Server and convert both bearer and signaling traffic between the IP and TDM
networks, and the G6 Trunking Gateway feature provides this function.
Because this functionality is new, yet vitally important to IP PBX customers, service providers
should deploy this solution as rapidly as possible in their networks to ensure that they step up to the
next level of service for these important and profitable customers – before somebody else does.