Looking for feed back for Cisco VoIP Harware layout.
I am just in the beginning phase of looking into VOIP for my company. We are a small company that is growing at a good rate. Right now we have one main location and two remote offices, with a fourth one coming soon. Right now the network is a real basic layout shown in the first Visio document. As of right now both remote offices connect to the main office via Remote desktop. This is becoming problematic and I am looking at implementing a VPN between the remote offices and the main location. In addition my boss wants me to look into VOIP.
At the current time I have no experience with VOIP, so if it seems like I have no idea what I am talking about it is because I don't. If my boss decides to go with VOIP they will send me for the training. Right now I would like to get a general idea of what I am going to need for hardware, so that I can give my boss the proposed hardware cost.
I know that I will need at least four routers, one for each location though I am not sure what I need. Each remote location has less than 20 users. The main office has less than 50 users, I am not sure what type of Cisco router I would need here.
The second page of the Visio document is what I think my network would be configured like for the VPN and VoIP. Is there any other hardware that is needed or does the Cisco VoIP routers handle all the call routing? I have seen some mention of call management servers but have not found any clear definition of what is exactly needed.
I am also undecided if when using VOIP the internet should be accessible from each location or if all locations should be routed to one point for internet access.
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.
Network-layout.vsd
At the current time I have no experience with VOIP, so if it seems like I have no idea what I am talking about it is because I don't. If my boss decides to go with VOIP they will send me for the training. Right now I would like to get a general idea of what I am going to need for hardware, so that I can give my boss the proposed hardware cost.
I know that I will need at least four routers, one for each location though I am not sure what I need. Each remote location has less than 20 users. The main office has less than 50 users, I am not sure what type of Cisco router I would need here.
The second page of the Visio document is what I think my network would be configured like for the VPN and VoIP. Is there any other hardware that is needed or does the Cisco VoIP routers handle all the call routing? I have seen some mention of call management servers but have not found any clear definition of what is exactly needed.
I am also undecided if when using VOIP the internet should be accessible from each location or if all locations should be routed to one point for internet access.
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.
Network-layout.vsd
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Also take a look at trixbox.They have an easy layout and can use tesktop clients also. It's a great system. I like to use trixbox with Voicepulse as the sip provider. If you can configure IVR's to deal with a lot of you calls, to call recording voicemail etc.... without purchasing other items. I actually like to put both a Trixbox and a Call Manager express to cover down on my voicemail and IVR's. Also I can then support every type of phone and hall the full feature set I need. I am working on a paper for EE and should be posting it soon on this process.
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As for Firewalls or Security enabled routers, I already have three ASA firewalls so I do not believe I would need the security enabled routers. As for connection we currently T1's but would switch to SIP if we go with the VoIP. As for the rest of your questions I am really not sure, I still have a lot of research to do. I totally agree that understanding VoIP is needed before I can plan out the design.
I guess I should point out one of the main reasons we are looking at changing our phone system. I work for a Home Medical Equipment Company and a large portion of our revenue is monthly and quarterly product refills for customers. Well most customers don't realize when they can get the products like CPAP and Nebulizer supplies just to name a few refiled. We spend a lot of money having people dedicated to calling these individuals to schedule there refills. I know with Cisco (and I am sure there are others) you can automate the call process to call people in the database when they are due for their supplies.
I have ran the numbers and even after implementation of this system, if we did not gain any new revenue (which is highly unlikely) the company would still gain just over $60,000 a year by elimination of two positions. This in itself would cover the cost of the hardware and training.
Piwoware I will take a look at switchvox, but I kind of looking forward to my boss paying for my Cisco certs. :)
I appreciate both of your inputs and will check out the CBT nuggets.
Thanks,