The convergence of voice and data networks is giving rise to new applications, as well as new customer expectations. At the same time, this phenomenon is unleashing new issues for network implementers and managers. This book addresses all the important aspects of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) implementation. The book contains nine chapters. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 cover the background, technologies, and protocols of VoIP. Chapters 4 and 5 address the criteria and testbeds for evaluating VoIP service. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 present various deployment scenarios for the VoIP protocol. The final chapter contains some concluding remarks, pointers to future research projects, and guidelines for VoIP service.

The author includes a list of useful references at the end of each chapter, as well as URLs within the chapter text itself. Though the entire book is a ready reference for network implementers, chapters 4, 5, and 9 are the author’s most significant contribution. Many of the available books on VoIP do not cover these aspects of the process in great detail. Network implementers and managers will appreciate and benefit from the author’s discussion of the guidelines for, and challenges of, implementing VoIP. The author also presents another ready reference in Appendices A, B, and C, which cover performance measurement and experimental evaluation. The step-by-step techniques described here are noteworthy.

Chapters 6, 7, and 8 will be more appreciated by network managers and VoIP deployment decision makers. The deployment scenarios described in these chapters provide an account of the various options available. Chapter 1, as well as the included “Glossary of Acronyms and Terms,” will be of special help to readers new to VoIP services.

In short, this book provides the detailed guidance and information necessary to build a packet-switched network for high-quality voice communication. Academicians, as well as researchers interested in VoIP protocol, will find this book to be an important reference text. It is a worthwhile purchase for network managers and information technology professionals.