A systematic approach to understanding the basics of Voice over IP Understand the basics of PSTN services and IP signaling protocols, including SS7 Learn how VoIP can run the same applications as the existing telephony system, but in a more cost-efficient and scalable manner Delve into such VoIP topics as jitter, latency, packet loss, codecs, quality of service tools, and mean opinion scores Learn about the functional components involved in using Cisco gateways to deploy VoIP networks Voice over IP (VoIP), which integrates voice and data transmission, is quickly becoming an important factor in network communications. It promises lower operational costs, greater flexibility, and a variety of enhanced applications.Voice over IP Fundamentalsprovides a thorough introduction to this new technology to help experts in both the data and telephone industries plan for the new networks. You will learn how the telephony infrastructure was built and how it works today, the major concepts concerning voice and data networking, transmission of voice over data, and IP signaling protocols used to interwork with current telephony systems. The authors cover various benefits and applications of VoIP and how to ensure good voice quality in your network. This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.