Cisco IP Telephony: Planning, Design, Implementation, Operation, and Optimization
Reviewer Name: Josh Kittle, Network Engineer
Reviewer Certification: CCNA
Rating: ***** out of *****
Many of us have decided to put away our legacy PBX systems and install a VoIP based communication platform, and with all of the benefits clearly visible, we often jump into action without fully realizing the scope of what we are about to undertake. In a VoIP deployment, so many factors must be considered in the design that often things are left out. In the deployments where QoS, switching infrastructure, and overall network design are ignored, you see problems with reliability and an overall bad taste left in the mouth of the end user. With proper planning, the problems experienced by these design flaws (or often lack of design) can be overcome, and the true glory of the VoIP system will be seen. Cisco has designed an awesome assortment of VoIP enabling technologies, that when used together can, and will, change the way we do business for the better, but only if you have a solid foundation of planning.
The authors of this title have taken the steps to building a solid VoIP system and set them up in an organized structure that if followed, will provide a solid and stable installation and deployment. This isn't just another guide to walk you through the CallManager platform, but addresses design constraints of the entire VoIP system including infrastructure analysis, call processing, voice mail, QoS considerations, call flow planning, information on deployment of a pilot system, and acceptance testing processes. Once the platform is deployed, this guide will give you the insight needed to properly tune and maintain you system for many years to come. The many example forms in the back of the book will even walk you through the carrier circuit ordering process, voice mail system design, and even implementation readiness evaluation questionnaires.
I would highly recommend this title to anybody who has decided to install a VoIP system, even if you think you already have your bases covered. You can never be too organized or have too much planning when undertaking a project of this scope. If you follow the guidelines in this book, you will have a much greater understanding of what's necessary for a successful deployment, and you won't be one of those customers wishing they would have planned things better (as they fix their installation). If asked to rate the book on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, I would rate this a 5, and essential to the library of any VoIP engineer.