Convergence, also referred to as multi-service networking, is emerging as a strategically important development for Business Enterprises and throughout all levels of Government.  Telecom Engineering Consultants (TEC) is a "single source" resource uniquely positioned to support this convergence process and to provide its clients with turnkey multi-service network solutions with state-of-the art technologies delivered by a staff of experienced technicians, engineers and managers.

TEC is an seasoned veteran in the complex science of integrating computer and telecommunications networks that enable businesses and individuals to send and receive data, video and voice information, including new digital security information.  Over the last 20 years TEC has designed and built – and continues to support – hundreds of corporate, university and government networks.  TEC, in partnership with industry leading technology companies such as Cisco, 3COM, Nortel, Proxim, Lucent/AVAYA, Western Multiplex, Microsoft, Intel and more, is designing, installing and maintaining converged networks today.

The proposition of convergence involves the seamless combination of all types of communication and all types of data, voice, video and security over a single packet-cell based network infrastructure.  Industry analysts believe that this convergence process will become the primary vehicle for business communications needs in the near future.

In 1997, the Gartner Group predicted the rapid expansion of multi-service networking - "By 2002, most intra-enterprise communications, including voice, will be over multi-service networks." Gartner Group 1997.

The integration and deployment process associated with these emerging multi-service networks is right on track with the Gartner Group predictions.  Driving this integration of Data, Voice and Video forward are the associated benefits:

• One of the significant cost saving results from voice being transmitted over an existing infrastructure (Voice over IP [VoIP]) at a fraction of the packet size of standard voice. Standard voice packets are transmitted at 64kbps over PSTN, however similar quality can be achieved using only 8kbps using VoIP technology.

• Other major benefits are the reduced complexity of the communications network leading to cost savings associated with the management and maintenance of a single infrastructure.  What’s more, because network complexity is reduced the network is easier to configure and the management and deployment of new applications and services is much faster.

• The integration of data, voice and video will support emerging key business applications, for example: email and voice mail integration, Intranet / Internet telephony, videoconferencing over IP, content delivery via streaming technologies and local and remote digital security applications.

Substantial savings can be made by running video over IP There are two forms of video that are typically deployed over an IP network, videoconferencing, and video streaming.  Videoconferencing offers the ability to see the non-verbal communication such as body language within a telephone call, without having to travel to a meeting. Until recently videoconferencing could only be achieved over ISDN using H320. To run video conferencing to the desktop would mean two telephone points, a large cabling infrastructure and a larger PABX. Now videoconferencing traffic can be carried over the LAN with the H323 ITU standard. Videoconferencing over IP does not use a great deal of bandwidth, however a 10mbps, switched infrastructure is recommended as a minimum.

In addition to the video information provided during a videoconference, participants can also utilize application sharing, further improving the effectiveness of the videoconference call, and resulting in improved efficiency and better decision-making.  Application sharing is based on the T.120 standard. Most videoconferencing products have a T.120 applications bundled in, such as, Microsoft NetMeeting.

The stability and performance of the underlying network is key to video, voice and data convergence. The networking infrastructure has to have the bandwidth and intelligence to give the QOS (Quality of Service) and speed needed for video and voice.  Layer 3 switching can provide the speed and intelligence while QOS support can be gained from protocols such as RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol) and IP precedence.

TEC has been successfully implementing voice/data integrated networks across several vertical markets, including education, medical, judicial and government, and has recently provided multi-service solutions to institutions within these markets for a wide variety of applications, including distance learning, telemedicine, video arraignment, video visitation, Voice over IP, and digital CCTV/Security.  TEC is prepared to be your partner in the deployment of convergent technologies including the latest developments in wireless networking systems.  For more information on how TEC can help you with your multi-service network requirements, contact us at info@tec-inc.com.