But, I don't recall AOL handling much high quality voice over their networks. If you are ONLY handling IP packets, then the article is relevant. If you want to combine Voice, Video, and Data onto one net with common management, then you need to read a different article.
fumble, my point exactly. No single network topology will be ubiquitous.
However, VoIP is gaining steam. Its nowhere near toll quality at this point in the WAN, and won't be for some time. But at the LAN level, VoIP provides "near toll" quality already. If NN closes their eyes to IP, and stays on an ATM only course, we will all regret it. Fortunately, they have taken their first steps in this direction.
Don't misunderstand me, though. ATM will be NN's bread and butter for at least the next couple of years. But, they, like their much bigger competitors, need to have multiple growth engines going forward. Hopefully, they will be able to execute what seems to a good beginning strategy in IP.
gary |
