IP FAQs

VoIP is an emerging technology that allows telephone calls, faxes, or overhead paging to be transported over an existing IP data network topology. Traditionally, voice and data were carried over separate networks optimized to suit the differing characteristics of voice and data traffic. With advances in technology, it is now possible to carry voice and data over the same networks while still catering for the different characteristics required by voice and data. This provides for the addition of new voice communications products without the need for installing new cabling.

The VoIP network could be:
A Local Area Network
A Wide Area Network
A Corporate Intranet
Or any combination of the above

IP is the predominate networking protocol used globally. It presents a huge opportunity to dispense with separate voice and data networks and use IP technology for voice traffic as well as data. As voice and data network technologies merge, massive infrastructure cost savings can be made as the need to provide separate networks for voice and data can be eliminated. VoIP uses connectionless, or packet, switching during a conversation. There is no telling what path each packet might take to get to its destination. Once transmitted these packets are reassembled into their original order at the remote locations. Today’s high bandwidth routers and network components provide ample capacity to reliably transmit voice and data over the same backbone. This is why Valcom is manufacturing a variety of IP Solutions products which provide users with a host of added communications benefits without needing expensive new cabling to operate.

Our IP solutions are revolutionizing the industry. Valcom IP products serve a wide array of customer communication needs. They are robust in performance and install quicker than traditional wired methods. Our design is cost effective and numerous models are available to support telephones, paging speakers, intercom stations and telecom interconnect.

You can add a paging system or remote paging microphones in a new building and/or area. Door Intercom and interior stations can be installed to secure and make a facility safer. Telephone costs can be reduced by eliminating dedicated leased lines. Information /Emergency telephone handset can provide clear communications with security personnel. At Valcom we feel that IP Solutions can provide all facilities with new alternatives to add functionality, safety, lower installation costs and increase efficiency.

VoIP network devices convert dialed numbers into an IP address and transmits it over the IP network. Simply dial a dial code that you programmed, and you are connected to specific intercom stations, handsets and paging speakers. You may also dial group numbers and/or all call paging zones.

When using Ringdown it is not necessary to dial any digits. Merely go offhook with intercom station or telephone handsets and connection is automatically established through the LAN or WAN. Ringdown communications are either point to point or point to multi-point.

Any delay usually occurs when there are an excessive number of router hops. Valcom testing has demonstrated that in most typical LAN / WAN applications there is little delay to affect reliable operation.

In order to operate efficiently, voice is digitized and then transmitted. High quality voice transmission speech encoding/decoding conforms to industry standards, which assures natural sounding speech rivaling that of traditional wired systems.

Fax signals are transmitted using conversion to IP packets, then routed over the network. ;FAX transmissions are handled in the same manner as voice calls.

A voice packet is transmitted by UDP/IP. When there is network congestion, packets may be lost. It is suggested that routers with a priority control function be used in VoIP networks.

All VoIP products are provided with an easy setup network programming tool. Simply plug in all VoIP products to existing LAN or WAN connections then use programming tool from any PC on the network to setup. Tool provides automatic detection of Valcom VoIP products and configures them for customer applications. Once setup IP products function stand alone without the use of the program tool.

A voice packet is composed to 244 bytes of voice and control data along with 24 bytes of IP overhead for a total of 268 bytes.

Bandwidth required is approximately 86 kbps in each direction.; Two-way calls would require approximately 172 kbps.

As long as the routers and hubs are operational Valcom VoIP products continue to operate. They do not require the servers to be operational in order to function as intended.

Valcom IP products connect to the nearest network drop in any building or location. Connections are typically made in network cabling closets or device drops found in any area of the building. There is no need to run dedicated new wiring for operation. Remember that a VoIP product is required to send the signal into the network, at the remote location another VoIP product is required to receive it. Valcom VoIP solutions eliminate wiring by using the existing data infrastructure to connect buildings in multi building campus environments; or facility wide across town, across the state or around the world.

The VIP-811 Networked Station Port Gateway is used to connect any analog telephone to the nearest network drop. Ringdown operation provides call routing to the location were the call is to be answered. Multiple VIP811s can be associated with a single receiving point. Calls may be initiated from master telephone station by dialing the remote dial code.

Intercom station operation is provided using the VIP-810 Networked Station Port Gateway. Simply wire new remote station to nearest network connection point. Ringdown operation connects calling party to appropriate responding master station. Multiple Doorphone stations can be placed throughout the facility all reporting to a single receiving destination. Master telephone station can call any remote intercom station using its configured dial code.

Valcom VIP-172L-VR is designed to be rugged and reliable. Their weather-resistant construction makes them ideal for outdoor installations. Used indoors for assistance call-in stations they provide a durable finish resistant to commercial use.

The VIP-801 Networked Page Port Gateway is the product used when one way paging is required. It can connect both Valcom traditional powered speakers and constant voltage speakers using 25 and 70 volt amplifiers. One VIP-801 is required for each building or specific zone. Application may be specified for all call or zone paging.

At the master paging location use a VIP-811 Networked Station Port Gateway with a telephone handset, at each remote building or zone use a VIP-801 Networked Page Port Adapter. Use appropriate paging speakers throughout the buildings to provide required coverage. If you want to access specific building or zones + all call paging use a telephone with dial pad at master paging location. To page a building dial specific dial code for that building or area. To dial all buildings or zones dial Group Call for All Call.

Valcom products use very little bandwidth while providing excellent voice quality. Our testing has proven that our products have negligible impact to network operations.

A VIP-801 Networked Station Port Gateway will support conventional paging system that has been previously installed. The output of the VIP-801 is tied into the input of the remote amplifier for operation. A contact closure is also provided to provide local muting or relay operation if required. Remember that another VIP-801 will be required at main paging location to transmit remote paging signal through the network.

Use a VIP-811 Networked Station Port Adapter and connect paging telephone station to nearest network drop closest to the required location. You do not have to wire device all the way back to main paging location. Let your data network provide the connection points. Remember that another VIP801 will be required at the main paging location to receive the signal from the new remote microphone location.

The VIP-821 Networked Trunk Port Module makes it a snap to connect two or more PBX systems over the LAN or WAN. It provides station to station PBX access eliminating the need for more expensive trunk connections that may be typically required by other providers.

Valcom VoIP Solutions have been designed for easy installation by users and contractors who have a basic knowledge of networks and low voltage wiring techniques. Valcom products are easy to understand and are shipped with complete documentation that provides simple step by step procedures. Valcom paging accessories are installed with common tools and operate with power limited power supplies using conventional twisted pair cabling topologies.