The Registrar General’s Department (RGD) is in the process of completing the implementation of its new telephony system, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). The VOIP solution will boost the communication arm of the Agency that was disrupted by a lightening storm in 2007 and which forced the Head Office staff to communicate to the general public and the regional offices using cellular telephones.

The system that cost some J$12 million is current being tested internally, prior to its introduction to the general public.

What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

Voice over Internet Protocol is the transmission of voice traffic over IP based networks. Voice data is sent in packets through high-speed Internet connection rather than the plain old traditional telephone service (POTS). VoIP became popular because of the cost advantages to customers over traditional telephone networks. One high-speed Internet connection can serve multiple telephone lines with no less in functionality, reliability or voice quality.

VoIP is cost effective; it can be placed across the Internet. Most Internet connections are charged using a flat monthly fee structure.

How does VoIP works?

An IP network with VoIP, through an ADSL or other Internet connection is used to make and receive telephone calls to and from Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) land line networks.

The Computer or VoIP device connected to the Internet has an IP address assigned to it. When a call is made on the PSTN landline telephone, it is handed over to the PSTN through the person’s telephone number which is dialed and vice versa.  In VoIP all telephone has an IP address to which it maps. Each time a device (PC or IP telephone) engages in a VoIP call, its address is translated into the telephone number, which is then handed over to the PSTN network.

Comparison-VoIP-PSTN/POTS

PSTN:- When a regular telephone call is made using the PSTN a circuit-switched telephone is used. This system works by setting up a dedicated channel or circuit between two points for the duration of the calls. These telephony systems are copper wire based, carrying analog voice data over the dedicated circuits.

VoIP:-  In contrast the VoIP uses a packet switched telephony. This makes the voice information travels to its destination in countless individual network packets across the internet