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How to Plan for VoIP

1. Analyze your network wiring infrastructure. You need Cat 5E wiring, minimum, for VoIP.

2. Rethink your switches and routers. Aim for 100-Mbps Ethernet switched ports and backbone connectivity. VoIP is also a good excuse for putting in a Gigabit Ethernet backbone.

3. Check your electricity distribution system. With your network providing telephone service, you'll need stable and reliable power to your switches and phones.

4. Consider how you'll merge voice and data support staff into a unified group. Separate staffs would complicate things in a VoIP environment.

5. Make sure your network management tools can analyze down to the packet level so you can keep voice-call quality high.

6. Build a list of business rules and support applications that touch your voice service. Consider whether those rules would still apply if you implement VoIP, and if not, rewrite them to work with it.

7. Choose an integrator based on his or her track record and ability to implement all the VoIP-related applications you want to deploy. Factor in your vendor's recommendation for an integrator, too.

8. Keep an open mind. It's going to be a learning process for both your users and your support staff.