Introduction 21
SmartNode 4960 Getting Started Guide 2 • Applications overview
Introduction
Patton’s SmartNode VoIP Media Gateway Routers deliver the features you need for advanced multiservice
voice and data network applications. They combine high quality voice-over-IP with powerful quality of service
routing functions to build professional and reliable VoIP and data networks. This chapter describes typical
applications for which this SmartNode is uniquely suited.
Note Detailed configuration information for the applications can be found on the
CD-ROM that was included with your SmartNode device or online from
the Patton webserver at www.patton.com.
Application—Edge intelligence of enterprise communication
Enterprises are excited about voice over IP and convergence for the following reasons:
• Bypassing the PSTN. Using Internet telephony service providers (ITSPs) instead of incumbent carriers dra-
matically reduces telephony costs
• IP PBXs, with their full suite of features and ease of integration into existing IT environments are
very appealing
• Convergence lowers technology ownership costs and enables enterprises to deploy new
integrated applications
However, there are several concerns about migrating the whole telephony infrastructure to VoIP:
• Loss of voice quality
• Unknown reliability
• Lack of experience/expertise in voice over IP
Patton’s SmartNode series of VoIP gateways address these concerns enabling enterprises to safely migrate to
VoIP. SmartNodes enable system administrators to gradually introduce VoIP, using it as the edge communica-
tion device for all worlds, connecting PSTN, legacy PBX, ITSPs and an IP PBX.
Figure 4. Edge intelligence of enterprise communication application
Legacy PBX
PRI
SIP
Legacy subscribers
Internet
PSTN
LAN
VoIP subscribers
SmartNode 4960
PRI
IP PBX