The document provides a table comparing different configurations for wide area networks (WANs) and local area networks (LANs) in terms of their suitability for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems. For WANs, dedicated and managed connections like MPLS are best, while consumer DSL or wireless are poor. For LANs, fully managed switches, quality of service, and CAT5/6 wiring are best, while unmanaged equipment and CAT3 wiring are poor. The document advises having a professional network assessment before deploying VoIP.

1. Voice-over-Internet Protocol 101
VoIP Best Practices Table for LAN/WAN Network Configurations
Prepared by: Braun Mincher, PCG Telecom Consulting Group, Inc. • Revised: March 28, 2010
WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)
BEST BETTER GOOD FAIR POOR
Satellite, Wireless or
Dedicated & Managed Dedicated T1, DS3 or Fiber Shared T1, DS3 or Fiber Shared DSL or Cable
Consumer DSL Connection
MPLS Connection for VoIP Internet Connection for Internet Connection for Internet Connection for
for VoIP Phones &
Phones VoIP Phones VoIP Phones & Computers VoIP Phones & Computers
Computers
LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
BEST BETTER FAIR POOR
SIP Aware QoS Enabled
SIP Aware QoS Enabled
Router with FXO Analog Inexpensive SIP Un-Aware
Router (Ex. Fortigate, Provider Uncertified or SIP
ROUTER / FIREWALL POTS Ports for Backup Router (Ex. Linksys,
Cisco, AdTran or Un-Aware Router
(Ex. Cisco, AdTran or Actiontec, etc.)
Edgemarc)
Edgemarc)
Managed Network Switch Managed Network Switch
Managed Network Switch Unmanaged Network
with Power over Ethernet with V-LAN Configured
without V-LAN, Power Switch or Hub without V-
SWITCH (PoE), V-LAN Configured, and QoS on the LAN, but
over Ethernet (PoE) or QoS LAN, Power over Ethernet
and QoS Enabled on the not Power over Ethernet
on the LAN (PoE) or QoS on the LAN
LAN (Ex. Cisco, D-Link (PoE)
Dual Certified CAT5/6 Single Shared Certified Single Shared CAT5+ Single Uncertified CAT3
WIRING Wiring Jacks to Separate CAT5/6 Wiring Jacks for Wiring Jacks for VoIP and Wiring Jacks for VoIP and
VoIP and Computers VoIP and Computers Computers Computers
© 2010 by PCG Consulting Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or Distribution by Express Written Permission Only. www.pcgtelecom.com

2. Note: The above information is general and not specific to any particular provider or platform. To a successful deployment of VoIP, customers are strongly advised to have a professional network
assessment conducted, in advance, and to work with the IT staff and/or IT vendor to insure the proper network configuration.
© 2010 by PCG Consulting Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or Distribution by Express Written Permission Only. www.pcgtelecom.com