A lot has been written about the features and benefits of VoIP services. So, in this blog, we would concentrate on understanding the architecture and components of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. We would consider the major components along with their individual functional characteristics. The 4 major VoIP components include: Signaling Gateway Controller Media Gateway Media Server Application Server SIGNALING GATEWAY CONTROLLER The signaling gateway controller (SGC) is a known as ‘called agent’ due to its call control function and is popularly referred to as a ‘Media Gateway Controller’ because of media gateway control function included in the system. The SGC entity is the heart of VoIP platform and performs multiple roles out of which connecting the PSTN world with the IP world is its main function. Some of the main characteristics of SGC component are: Supporting signaling system 7 (SS7) protocol stack Supporting voice call control protocols such as H.323 or SIP Supporting media control protocols such as Megaco (H.248) or MGCP Generating detail call records Providing bandwidth management control using admission control mechanisms Supporting bandwidth policing mechanisms Allocating media connections MEDIA GATEWAY The transmission of voice packets is performed by the media gateway by using RTP transmission protocol. The media gateway performs extra functions such as packetization when it’s used in a converged IP/PSTN network. It requires using IP trunks on one side and TDM trunks from the other. Some functions of the media gateway can be listed as below: Supporting MEGACO or MGCP Transmitting voice data using RTP Supporting E1/T1 Trunks Supporting various compression algorithms Managing digital signal processing (DSP) resources MEDIA SERVER The role of media server comes into the picture when additional features such as video conferencing or voicemail is needed. It also assists when announcements or special tones need to be transmitted. Media server performs the following functions: Voice activated dialing Voicemail function Transmitting customized call progress tones or special service announcements Transmitting voicemail to email Supporting Interactive Voice Response (IVR) APPLICATION SERVER Application Server takes the responsibility to provide value-added services to the IP network. The server provisions both – customer specific and global services. Moreover, session specifications and call characteristics are also influenced by the application server. Below are its main functions: Offering basic services like call forwarding, call waiting, call transfer, etc. Supporting private dialing plans Generating call detail records (CDR) Free Phone service Once you opt for VoIP phone services, it is important to decide on a reliable VoIP service provider who can assist you with business-specific requirements and provide cost-effective services to your business. The Net Activity team is well-versed and well-equipped to serve your organization with a functional VoIP system. Please visit http://www.netactivity.us/services/voip-business-phone-services to know the details or contact Harry Bhatia at 888-545-5346. Source - http://www.netactivity.us/blog/learn-more-about-voip-architecture-call-components/ ...read more

IT managers usually face the fiscal pressure of reducing costs while improving operational efficiency. One of the major costs involves repairing and replacing system hardware components. Strategies that help in extending legacy hardware life cycles are gaining popularity. They allow organizations to continue using the hardware for a longer duration and thereby minimize the cost of IT. While it’s difficult to maintain a balance between legacy and contemporary hardware, this complex environment invites major challenges, this complex environment is important to maximize the value of data center systems. All of these strategies that aim at extending hardware life cycles focus on having alternative hardware maintenance plans. A major problem here is relying too much on the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). They undoubtedly offer best-of-the-class experience; however depending solely on the OEMs would leave the hardware uncovered once the end-of-service-life date arrives. Moreover, the extended warranties are way too expensive. A better solution would be to hire the services of third party providers. Let’s see how… Reduced Costs Cash is often a huge concern and bottom line for IT managers while aligning operations and business priorities. Getting Dell, HP, EMC support from third party IT Managed Service providers seems to be more budget-friendly. Simplified Approach While concerning with OEMs for managing extended warranties of the hardware of your data centers is difficult. It leaves the IT managers confused with many points of contact and complexity that eventually increases the gap. A third-party provider possess the capability to handle multiple device types at a time ensuring that the IT managers focus on their core tasks rather than communicating with many points of contact at the OEMs. Flexibility OEMs have their support models. However, they concentrate more on their business’ core competency – selling hardware. Maintenance is the secondary goal and they often have rigid maintenance plans while they strive to excel in their primary goals i.e. the operational sales. IT managed service providers promote support activities as their core competency and therefore can adapt easily to different client demands. IT managers can be more comfortable working with these third-party providers. Value Addition A third-party IT maintenance provider offers reliable plans at the best market value. A partnership with them also gives IT managers the access to refurbished parts, making component purchasing decisions, migrating data, and help them move hardware between facilities. Although hardware maintenance may not seem to be the game changer or revenue generator for businesses, it helps IT manager greatly to simplify operations. Net Activity, Inc. is an IT Managed Service provider in Cleveland that conforms to the latest technological advancements while delivering best-in-class service to its clients around Ohio. Please contact Harry Bhatia at 888-545-5346 to discuss further or visit our website http://www.netactivity.us/it-managed-services.html for more information. Source -http://www.netactivity.us/blog/is-switching-to-a-third-party-hardware-maintenance-provider-a-good-idea/ ...read more

We often hear in the news costly business disasters due to infected IT and mostly the losses are too big to overcome. Most of the time the IT disaster is harmful to an extent that data cannot be recovered and so, it is very important to have a disaster recovery plan. Although planning for the unexpected can be difficult, it shields you when a natural or man-made disaster happens. It’s unpredictable as to how likely your organization is prone to cyber-attacks, it is vital for every organization must take IT disaster recovery and prevention as its primary objective. Here’s why: HARDWARE IS BOUND TO FAIL While IT hardware is built with the most secure practices and using tough components, there are doorways to peep in. Internet connections are a profound source of these kinds of interventions and disaster recovery plan is the only way to save the priceless data from being corrupted. A more sensible option is to have your data regularly backed-up by outsourcing your IT infrastructure to a Disaster Recovery service provider rather than building your own data center. TO ERR IS HUMAN Much like machines, humans also are not perfect. So, a disaster recovery system is essential that will keep log files by creating online backups and letting you restore files easily. CUSTOMERS EXPECT PERFECT, ON-TIME DELIVERY Customers have an advantage today as there are many options available in the market. If you can’t deliver on time, your competitor will. So, being prepared with a disaster recovery plan is always a good idea. You cannot complain about your anomalies to customers. LOSING CUSTOMERS IS DEVASTATINGLY EXPENSIVE It is widely known that retaining a customer is comparatively cheaper than re-acquisition of an old customer after an IT disaster. Customers maybe disgruntled when they learn that the organization they rely upon does not have enough security to secure their data. So, it is recommended to have a plan to detect defects long before they cause lasting damage to your business. Net Activity, Inc. understands IT loopholes better and serves their best to shield you with proven disaster recovery plans and online backup systems. We are a company that has been providing IT Managed Services across the country since 2002 and ensure that your IT infrastructure remains safe and healthy. Contact Net Activity today at 216-503-5150 to set up a Disaster Recovery Plan. Source - http://www.netactivity.us/blog/why-your-it-needs-a-disaster-recovery-plan/ ...read more