User guide

VOIP INFORMATION 163
In a typical small office environment, there are several computers connected
to an Ethernet switch, sometimes integrated into a router. A router handles
the connection between two or more IP networks. Routers look at the
destination IP addresses of the packets passing through and rout them
accordingly. In a network that shares data and voice, it is critical that the
voice traffic has priority over the data packets. Some routers support Quality
of Service (QoS) functionality for this purpose. These routers are identified
as devices that support QoS, VoIP or prioritization.
5.2.3 Connecting to a LAN and IP network
Ensure the TalkSwitch or gateway is connected to a Local Area Network
(LAN), equipped with an Ethernet switch and router or to a router with an
integrated switch. A PC and the router/switch should be connected to the
LAN for configuring the TalkSwitch unit.
Figure 117: LAN
To share voice and data properly, your network requires an Ethernet switch.
A switch isolates the Ethernet ports from each other and only allows traffic
intended for the device connected to that port. This ensures that data traffic
doesn’t compete with voice traffic. The most successful way to separate voice
and data traffic is to install a router using different subnets for voice and
data.
5.2.3.1 Confirm sufficient network capacity for VoIP
Ensure that the LAN in each location has a reliable high-speed broadband
connection to the Internet. The quality of VoIP calls, especially on mixed
voice and data networks, depends on high data-transfer rates across the
Internet or
Private IP
Network
ROUTER with integrated SWITCH
LAN
Modem
xDSL
Cable
Satellite
etc.
Router/NAT
Hub/Switch
TalkSwitch