When testing your network to see if it’s ready for VoIP, it’s easy to make a common mistake. Running simulated calls for 24 hours
without problems does not necessarily mean your network is ready for prime time. Buying all new equipment does not guarantee performance if there is a network misconfiguration, loose connection or frayed cord somewhere in the system.
What you don’t know about your network can hurt you when it comes to deploying VoIP. If things go wrong, your business may be in jeopardy, and a few organisations have even fired the entire IT staff after a bad mistake. So, you definitely want to know anything about your network that can affect VoIP operations.
The goal of a good network assessment is to detect and pre-troubleshoot problems that might affect VoIP. Here is a look at some of the key elements in that assessment.
Inventory your network equipment:
Find out the manufacturer, OS version, age/manufacture date and Network Assessments to Ensure VoIP Readiness. What you don’t know about your network can hurt you when it comes to deploying VoIP. That’s where network assessments come in.
Remember that older equipment will not have the capabilities you need to deliver high quality of service (QOS).
Understand your network resource limitations:
(both designed and actual performance)
This includes gateway, firewall, SIP trunking and link bandwidth limitations.
Look at the limitations of the devices on your network:
(CPU, free RAM, buffer, internal bus speed, PoE capabilities)
For instance, CPU spikes can cause latency and jitter on VoIP calls.