IP Telephone

IP Telephony has arrived at UWS!


IP handset

The new IP handset

Why was the telephone system replaced?

  • The existing systems were well overdue for replacement and were increasingly difficult to maintain.
  • Planned staff increases would have exceeded the old system’s capacity – there wouldn't be enough phone numbers for everyone.
  • Implementation consolidated ten systems into two, reducing support and maintenance costs.
  • Significant cost savings.

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Some features of the new system

Reliability

All critical hardware and software in the Parramatta and Werrington South servers has been duplicated to reduce the risk of failures.

In the unlikely event of a major server failure, Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury and Kingswood campus systems can continue to make outgoing calls, receive incoming calls, and call other extensions.

Parramatta’s server will provide services for:

  • Westmead
  • Backtown
  • Parramatta North and South
  • Bankstown
  • Campbelltown.

Werrington’s server will provide services for:

  • Hawkesbury
  • Kingswood
  • Werrington North and South.

Mobility

This feature allows people to move between campuses and continue to use the same phone number. To have this feature enabled after you receive your IP-Tel phone, please log a job with the IT Service Desk or use the IT Service Desk Self Service System.

IT Service Desk can be contacted on ext 5111 or via email itservicedesk@uws.edu.au. 

Q-Master

For units requiring queuing or call centre capability, the new system  allows call centre agents to work across multiple campuses rather than being restricted to one location.

Benefits of the New Telephone System

The new system reduces University costs by:

  • making more effective use of existing cabling
  • reducing the need for additional outlets
  • consolidating resources and reducing the number of systems to manage and maintain
  • simplifying physical moves for IP telephones as wiring changes aren’t needed – your phone plugs into the wall outlet and your computer plugs into the phone.

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What is an IP Telephone System?

Broadly, IP telephone (IP-Tel) systems use the same methods and networks that computers use to communicate across the Internet. Historically, telephones used their own communication methods, requiring separate networks and technologies.

The term VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) may also be used to the describe the technology, although there are slight technical differences between IP-Tel and VoIP.

IP-Tel systems are purpose designed systems to use IP from the handset to the network exit point.

VoIP is a method of transporting calls from A to B using internet protocol. A traditional telephone system can use VoIP to send calls across an IP network. A conversion process occurs at each end of the network from traditional voice to IP and vice versa.

Skype is an example of a proprietary IP telephone system.


More information

Contact Kim Armstrong or Geoff Busby.

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