How to Futureproof your Voice and Data Networks.

Prior to convergence, a business had two separate networks that supported communication requirements. The voice network was specifically designed to deliver the real-time voice requirements with a point-to-point platform. This creates a physical dedicated path for every phone which ensures that voice packets travel in order, on time and with no interference. A data network on the other hand is distributed with no standardization. This platform came as a result of the network switch limitations. Businesses with many users created this platform which was acceptable for the near-time demands of data. Waiting for a data file to open is acceptable as packets are disassembled, travel over the many switches and reassembled before being opened at the desktop. A one, two, or three second delay does not create alarm or concern about your network efficiency.

Does it make sense that customers are forced to abandon a proven reliable point-to-point network and instead layer voice on a distributed data network that has no standard platform built specifically for requirements of data? Networking switch manufacturers created the methodology without fully appreciating the complexities they created for customers, IT staff and those who serve them.

Many company's are attracted to the business and financial benefits of having a Unified Communications platform. However, they also expect what they always had from their voice experience. They want voice quality-of-service regardless of data network loads, they want reliable networks with voice continuity (even when the data network fails), and for the IT staff; they want a simple network to manage that ensures the effective delivery of both voice and data. The hope is that it will  result in good user experiences that drive the adoption of value added applications


In 2009, Phybridge introduced the award winning UniPhyer that is solving many of the complexities around optimizing the LAN for convergence. The premise is based on leveraging; not abandoning the point-to-point platform of the voice infrastructure that creates an IP network path which compliments and extends the existing data network while optimizing it for voice and data convergence. To do this a special network switch needed to be invented to deliver Ethernet beyond the 300 ft.  That power needed to be delivered over a single pair. The Phybridge UniPhyer was designed specifically to handle the real-time requirements of voice leveraging and the existing point-to-point voice solution. The UniPhyer is the only network switch to deliver Ethernet and Power over Ethernet (POE) over a single pair of wire with reach of 1,200 ft. Combining your new and old systems has never been easier.