Why VoIP, when Centrex works just fine?
VoIP phone sets offer the same functions as the Centrex phones, but offer more flexibility in new functions (such as XML applications, directory access, MeetMe conferencing, and music on hold) and administration (relocations can happen more quickly). • Isn’t the call quality worse than my cell phone at times? Call quality is reliant on the quality of the network link (and equipment) between any two IP phones. Although Harvard in general has been a leader in employing the most current and efficient networking technologies, there are some areas of the campus that are upgrading links and equipment at a faster rate than other areas. New phones that are connected to universities outside the U.S.A. must be connected to the Harvard data network via the fastest available link speeds (Internet2). • What happens when the network is offline? A VoIP call to any other phone (VoIP, centrex, cell, etc) must be routed through the data network first, so the IP phone sets do not work when the network is
