ahhaha,
It's becoming increasingly clear that there is still a great deal of confusion about voice over the Internet Protocol , or VoIP. While many of the things in the first part of your reply in Post # 2438 are well taken, IMO, your treatment of the following requires some attention:
>There is no reason they have to make a headlong plunge into trying to get telephony coming over the PC. It isn't realistic because each owner of a PC must add new software and hardware to an already bloated box. Even if you don't have a PC, how do you detect the telephony signal coming in on the cable without new hardware expenditure?<
PCs and additional hardware and software add-ons will not be an absolute requirement for future VoIP deliveries from cable systems, such as those being proposed at this time. The voice handling and protocol conversions will take place either (1) in the STB or equivalent interface, in some cases on the side of the house; or, (2) in the PC for those who choose to use the PC-to-PC mode. Most users will likely choose to use (1) above, since they already have the wiring infrastructure in place.
From the STB or equivalent device, a standard RJ-type break-out connection will satisfy the "hand-off" connection requirements that will feed the normal telephone wiring throughout the home or small business, similar to how the telco's black cable from the pole to the side of the house now works. Optionally, for those who need or prefer for whatever reasons to use native IP for PC-to-PC voice, that capability will be satisfied via the Internet handling capabilities that they normally use, just like any other Internet feature.
But for normal POTS-like operation, the PC will not be a requirement, and there will be no need for PC software and hardware add-ons to your current desktop systems.
Hope this clarified that point, and Best Regards, Frank Coluccio |
