Here are some considerations to ensure your network is stable, secure and built to last as you overlay new services and applications.

ECS works with many clients on their network architectures, designs and configurations. We also work with clients when they have network issues and need troubleshooting assistance. Based on many years of experience with a variety of environments and customers, we have developed a list of considerations for network design.

Following these considerations can help you create and maintain a stable, long-lasting network infrastructure. When you need to design for wireless, prepare for software-defined networking (SDN) or simply expand your virtualized environment, following these considerations will increase the stability, manageability and security of your network.

KNOW, Don’t Guess: Two phrases uttered frequently during network design are “I’m pretty sure” and “I think.” As a professional tasked with discovering, researching and documenting end-user’s networks, those phrases don’t cut it for us, and they shouldn’t be acceptable to you. There’s more than a 50% chance what you think is wrong.

AVOID Dangling Networks: As SDN, virtualization and application-based technologies are added into our networks, we need to take a look at our configuration and prepare for cleanup. We suggest avoiding dangling and mismatched networks and VLANs throughout your infrastructure. It’s not unusual to see VLANs tagged where they should be untagged, or a VLAN dead end into an untagged VLAN. There are some instances of think-outside-the-box moments where a configuration like this is needed, either for a transition period or to work around a specific situation, but the practice should be the exception, not the rule.

ROUTE WHEREVER NEEDED, NOT Wherever Possible: Routing at the edge sounds like an advanced approach to network architecture, but it can cause more problems than it solves. You may get some additional speed, but in most networks, that speed will never be measurable, and the complexities of overly distributed routing lead to management and security headaches.

SEE it All, MANAGE it All: You can’t manage what you can’t see. Visibility into the network has always been important, and it’s going to be even more critical as networks evolve to solve the demands of virtualization and applications. You need to know what you have, where it is, and monitor it constantly.

Know When To STANDARDIZE: There are many times when standardizing offers great advantages, and other times when it will be contradictory to your objectives. This might mean standardizing on a single vendor for interoperability, or it may mean standardizing on configurations, security settings and management. In any case, make sure your choice is serving a purpose and providing flexibility as your network grows in the future. Don’t get talked in to a single-vendor solution when the costs outweigh the benefits, and don’t miss opportunities to standardize on platforms that can increase effectiveness of management and security.

Layer 1 Is CRITICAL: Your new infrastructure of VLANs and virtual devices is worthless if the foundation of your network is faulty. Layer 1 is Critical, and disruptions in Layer 1 contribute to a large volume of network outages. As network capabilities evolve and grow, Layer 1 requirements will remain the most critical consideration.

SIMPLE Always Wins: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Labs and test environments are the place to play and try your configurations. In an enterprise production environment, you’re best served keeping your network as simple as it can be while maintaining the required connectivity and security.

POWER Is VERY Important: We’ve been spoiled for a long time with our power sources which may seem strange, but it’s true. As power demands increase with newer technology, availability and consistency of power is more critical than ever. The addition of virtualized machines and software-based appliances that are more sensitive to power issues exaggerates the problem.  Many times, power issues can cause widespread network disruptions without ever triggering an alert. Clean, conditioned, consistent power used to be a luxury, but is now a necessity in the network.

DOCUMENT: Maintaining documentation on your network is the easiest way to ensure that you can track changes and create the means to troubleshoot effectively. As you add on more technology and applications, documentation will increase in importance. 30 minutes now, may save you many hours down the road.

You might be thinking that structured cabling and network infrastructure don’t sound very glamorous but …

Almost every device used in business (IP Phones, Computers, POS Devices, Printers, Faxes, Kiosks, Digital Signage, etc.) requires some form of structured cabling or wireless connection to a network

Even In a situation where you are using wireless, the wireless devices (WAP’s) need structured cabling connectivity to a local network

Essentially, your business cannot function without structured cabling and a proper network infrastructure

Our clients come to us because they are looking for a trusted vendor who can implement any size project, deploy solutions in multiple of locations at once, offer continuous communication, and effectively execute each project all with one designated/centralized project management team

Here are some ECS highlights from recent projects:

Installed thousands of wireless access points at locations throughout Washington and Oregon

Provided wireless high-speed internet access to guest rooms for the clients in the hospitality industry

Installed a wireless network throughout a million square foot mall in the South Seattle area.

Completed the implementation of converged network/VoIP solutions in multiple banks

Completed installations of converged network/VoIP solutions in multiple FBI, military, and other federal locations

ECS understands the true importance of your local network and we know, that we can be a valuable partner when you need help with new structured cabling and network infrastructure implementations, moves/adds/changes, planning, and technology roll-outs

Efficient Communication Solutions, Inc. (ECS) has years of experience in providing a full range of subcontract installations throughout the states of Washington and Oregon.

Our subcontract services include cabling for large national and regional firms as well as supporting electrical contractors with termination, testing, and certification of low voltage cabling.  All our network and cabling services can be provided in a subcontractor capacity.

ECS is a technology company that specializes in a wide range of network, cabling and information technology integration services for end-users throughout the states of Washington and Oregon.  We focus on our strengths within several key service offerings as a respected and trusted partner for regional and national contactors that don’t have technical resources in our geographic coverage area.

At ECS, we understand that the technology we install is critical to the day-to-day operation of any organization. We are available to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

No matter what your low voltage, network and infrastructure requirements, ECS can bring your technology together.

THE TOP 10 WORDS YOU “NEED TO KNOW” about hosted phone systems

You don’t have to be an expert to set up a hosted phone system.  It can be as simple as clicking a mouse and plugging in your phone.

BUT, hosted phone technology CAN seem daunting. Especially, if you’ve only ever dealt with traditional phone systems.

So here are 10 words to help you better understand the world of hosted phone systems:

Hosted phone system: Let’s start with the obvious one. This is a service for which the calling platform and features are hosted at the service provider location, as opposed to in a server that resides in a closet at your office. With a hosted system, your employees connect to the system via “IP deskphones” (see below) that plug into the Internet. They can make calls to any traditional telephone. The benefit of a hosted system is that it’s simple to setup and manage because you don’t have to worry about equipment. It also saves you a lot of up-front money.

IP deskphone: This is a phone that makes and receives telephone calls over an “IP” network, such as the Internet. That’s instead of making calls over the traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Voice over IP (VoIP): This is a methodology and group of technologies for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Which is a complicated way of saying that your voice goes over the Internet, instead of over the phone lines.

Mobile Softphone: This is an app that lets a smartphone make and receive calls over the business network, using the same phone number as your IP deskphone.

Flat, per-user monthly pricing: This is how most hosted phone systems are priced, with a single per user, per month rate that covers all aspects of the hosted phone service. (Excluding international calls and some other fees, of course.)

Web-based management tool: You manage your hosted system by logging in to an online control panel. Administrators can manage moves, adds and changes with just a few clicks. They can control all settings, including auto attendant menus, hunt group setup, and more. They can also administer multiple offices and remote users from anywhere.

Automated attendant: This service performs telephone console attendant functions such as answering a call, transferring callers to specific user stations, directing callers to voicemail, etc… all without the assistance of a live attendant

Hunt groups: This service rings multiple people at once to ensure no call goes unanswered. The system sequentially searches through the hunt group list to find an inactive line, and will then ring that line.

Follow Me: This feature automatically forwards calls to mobile phones and other numbers, or rings multiple numbers at the same time.

Voicemail-to-email and fax-to-email: This feature ensures messages get through faster. Users can save, delete and forward voicemail messages and faxes just like with any email.

Original article by Mitchell Berenson – October 17, 2014

www.intermedia.net/products/hosted-pbx

So we’ve established that ECS is a Premier Structured Cabling and Network Infrastructure company, but what does that mean to you?

Efficient Communication Solutions, Inc. (ECS) is a premier voice & data cabling company serving small, mid-sized and large enterprise customers in the Pacific Northwest. ECS installs single cable runs in small retail environments up to cabling an entire building for voice & data, including both copper & fiber to provide both wired & Wireless services.

Our comprehensive line of cabling products and services include the design, installation, project management and maintenance of structured cabling systems, related network infrastructure, & wireless network systems. Our technical resources have been certified and widely trained in the latest technologies giving ECS a level of experience that is unsurpassed in our industry. We continually meet and exceed our customers’ expectations of responsiveness by providing a very high level of customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

ECS is delighted to work with new clients and have the opportunity to demonstrate what makes our company stand out; whether it’s for a service call down the street, or an entire mall project. We treat all sizes and types of opportunities with the same high level of energy and focus.

ECS is a provider of high quality and reliable Structured Cabling Systems.  We offer fiber optic and copper cabling solutions from leading manufacturers.  In addition, ECS installs all related network infrastructure such as pathways, racks, & cabinets, etc. We are licensed, bonded, & insured in Washington & Oregon.  We actively engage in all sizes of transactions from service calls and MAC activity to major installations.

We also sub-contract to multiple regional and national companies to provide local technicians for on-site work installing a variety of voice/data equipment, ie; Circuit Extensions, Low Voltage Cabling, WiFi, CCTV, POS, Paging, telephone systems, etc. 

Give your everyday users enriched communications capabilities

The 9608G IP Deskphone is an 8-line phone ideally suited for everyday users who consider the phone to be one of many useful communication tools and who rely on common functions like directory and speed dial to enhance productivity and collaboration.

The high-performing Avaya 9608G IP Deskphone features a monochrome display, 4 softkeys, high definition audio quality, integrated Gigabit Ethernet interface, headset support, and up to three 12- or 24-button Expansion Modules. Part of the 9600 Series IP Deskphones, the 9608G leverages your enterprise IP network to deliver sophisticated voice communications from headquarters, remote locations, or home offices. Integrated with the Avaya Aura and IP Office Platforms, the 9608G optimizes communications through a flexible architecture that leverages existing investments and accommodates changing business needs.

The 9608G IP Deskphone is an 8-line phone ideally suited for everyday users who consider the phone to be one of many useful communication tools and who rely on common functions like directory and speed dial to enhance productivity and collaboration.

Key Features and Benefits

Delivers high definition audio that can increase productivity by reducing fatigue and provides easier-to-understand multi-party calls through the wideband audio codec in the handset and headset.

Simplifies call control on the display using softkeys for everyday functions such as transfer, conference and forwarding; also makes it easy to perform everyday tasks such as quick access to the corporate directory.

Provides visual queues that can speed task management through 8 dual-color Red/Green LED buttons.

Improves flexibility through support of a secondary Gigabit Ethernet port for a PC.

Enables high-speed call handling through support of up to three 12- or 24-button Expansion Modules.

Offers consistency through a common interface with soft clients and mobile endpoints.

Accommodates advanced unified communications solutions with Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based infrastructure on the Avaya Aura platform.

Supports reduced energy consumption and lower costs through Power-over-Ethernet Class 1 design with “sleep mode”.

Avaya has introduced a new Unified Communications Module (V2) for IP Office

Licenses: For the Unified Communications Module it is important to understand the role of the following system licenses:

Essential Edition: This license is a PRE-REQUISITE for the Preferred Edition license

Preferred Edition: The Voicemail Pro application REQUIRES this license (this license enables the application and 4 voicemail ports)

The Unified Communications Module V1 acts as an AUTOMATIC Preferred Edition license for the IP Office system (enabling 4 voicemail ports)

For the Unified Communications Module V2, a SEPARATELY INSTALLED Preferred Edition license is REQUIRED.

Preferred Edition Additional Voicemail Ports: These licenses add additional voicemail ports. You can add multiple licenses, up to 20 ports when running Voicemail Pro and one-X Portal for IP Office, or 40 ports when running just Voicemail Pro.

User Profile Licenses: For a user to use the one-X Portal for IP Office application, you must license and configure the user to one of the following user profiles in the IP Office configuration: Office Worker, Teleworker or Power User. Each role requires an available Office Worker, Teleworker or Power User license in the IP Office configuration.

Capacities

The capacity of the Unified Communications Module is:

Number of Modules: Maximum one module per system

Trunk Cards: The module does NOT support a trunk daughter card

IP Office Users: The module supports up to 200 users when running Voicemail Pro and one-X Portal for IP Office. It supports more than 200 users when running just Voicemail Pro

Simultaneous one-X Portal for IP Office Users: 50

Maximum voicemail ports: The module can support up to 20 ports when running Voicemail Pro and one-X Portal for IP Office. It can support up to 40 ports when running just Voicemail Pro

Voicemail storage capacity: Up to 800 hours of storage for messages, prompts and announcements

Small Community Network: Maximum 6 systems.

http://www.ipofficeinfo.com/pdf/unified_comms_module_install.pdf

The Latest in HD Video Collaboration Room Systems and Capabilities

POWERFUL ENTERPRISE VIDEO SOLUTION DELIVERS AN EXCEPTIONAL USER EXPERIENCE

Our complete range of dedicated video conferencing endpoints lets you experience exceptional video conferencing in any environment. Leverage leading, powerful video communications technology to deliver an unparalleled video collaboration experience, from immersive telepresence, to conference room systems, to desktop applications.

Achieve excellent video performance in real-world network conditions, crisp, smooth video quality with resolutions up to 1080p/60fps, stellar bandwidth efficiency, and error resiliency with H.265 High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) and Scalable Video Coding (SVC).

Invest in the Most Powerful Video Technology: Rely on the availability and stability that comes from two full HD 1080p/60fps video channels, H.265 HEVC for bandwidth efficiency, SVC for error resiliency, and an embedded nine-way multi-party MCU.

Study the Cost Effectiveness: Discover an outstanding price-performance ratio for our complete range of systems—all full-featured HD video collaboration, and providing low TCO and significant ROI.

Keep it Simple: An easy, intuitive user interface gets people joining video calls, controlling the calls, and using collaboration features quickly.

Immersive Experience: Experience a lifelike, immersive video meeting with Avaya Scopia XT Telepresence, which brings you the feeling of an in-person meeting. Customize the XT Telepresence Platform to your unique requirements for each room. Install and configure the XT Telepresence Platform working with a worldwide network of our channel partners, meet the unique needs of each of your deployments with this cost-effective, highly flexible approach.

Premium All-in-One Video Conferencing: Create a high-quality video meeting space with minimal installation requirements. The Scopia XT Meeting Center Cart delivers a premium HD video conferencing room system that integrates single or dual 1080p displays. The specially designed mobile cart makes implementation easy, and lets you use the video system as a shared resource.

Group Video Conferencing: Group video conferencing is available on a range of dedicated room systems for different room and group sizes, offering an exceptional experience with low total cost of ownership. Endpoints leverage the latest video technologies, H.265 High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), H.264 High Profile, and Scalable Video Coding (SVC), delivering rich, full HD video interaction. Scopia XT room systems offer numerous features and include support for dual 1080p/60fps live video and content, HD audio, simultaneous H.265 High Profile and Scalable Video Coding (SVC), nine-way multi-party conferencing, and Apple iPad system control.

Integrated Desktop Video Conferencing and PC Display: The Scopia XT Executive’s 24-inch full HD LED display, HD camera, high fidelity speakers, echo-cancelling microphone, and advanced video conferencing platform provide an elegant all-in-one desktop video conferencing system and PC display. The system also offers optional embedded multi-party conferencing for group meetings and a unique HD 1080p data channel for highly detailed content sharing.

System Control: Scopia Control is an Apple iPad application for control of Avaya video conferencing systems. The highly intuitive user interface virtually eliminates the learning curve for a video conferencing system. The integrated conference room calendar and enterprise directory makes it easy to join meetings and invite others. Room system control and meeting moderation are simple through the iPad Multi-Touch user interface.

http://www.avaya.com/usa/product/avaya-scopia-xt-video-conferencing/#

Face-to-Face Collaboration in Your Mobile World and on Your Desktop

VIDEO CONFERENCING ANYWHERE – TAKE THE MEETING WITH YOU

You know video conferencing lets you meet with colleagues, partners, and customers, regardless of locations. But now you can join any meeting easily from your desktop or mobile device. Now there’s always the option of having a face-to-face meeting.

Enable anyone, inside or outside your organization, to join your virtual meeting room with freely distributed Scopia Desktop and Mobile Applications. Using any device, from any location, moderate or participate in a meeting, share content, discuss, and make decisions.

Support the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement with the ultimate standards-based enterprise-grade mobile HD video conferencing applications.

Rich User Experience: Conduct meetings with award-winning full-featured video collaboration. With control, moderation, and administration capabilities, your team has fully interoperable personal video collaboration anytime, anywhere, on any device.

Simplicity Fuels Usage: Connect with customers and colleagues with a single click. These Intuitive apps are easy to install and use, so people can start collaborating immediately.

Affordability – What Everyone Needs: Skip complex licensing fees or installation hurdles when you use a freely distributed client. Achieve a low TCO and a significant ROI. Let us help you run the numbers.

Virtual Meeting Rooms Deliver Real-life Communication: Anyone in your organization can own a virtual meeting room. The owner can invite anyone, anywhere, on any network, to participate in a video call, or just join via audio. These customizable, always available rooms support scheduled and ad-hoc conferencing from video conference room systems, desktops, and mobile apps.

Video Conferencing Designed for All Locations: Easy to use, one-touch apps let you embrace BYOD without compromising the video experience. The Avaya Scopia portfolio includes freely distributed video conferencing applications for desktop and mobile devices. Additionally, a dedicated HD video room system is offered as part of the solution.

http://www.avaya.com/usa/product/avaya-scopia-desktop-and-mobile-applications/#

Security for SIP-based networks

A clear line of defense where the SIP trunk meets the public network

Supporting communications applications that drive competitive advantage & protection against:

• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
• Spoofing
• Call Hijacking
• Toll-fraud blocking
• Eavesdropping and theft of information
• Fine-grained policy enforcement

A single-box solution addressing security issues in SIP networks

Avaya Session Border Controller for Enterprise provides a complete application-layer security architecture in one device: SIP Firewall, Session Border Controller, Intrusion Detection System and Intrusion Prevention System (IDS/IPS), Access Controller, Authentication, Unified Communications Proxy and Policy Enforcement for all real-time unified communication applications.

Secure and Support BYOD

Consumer devices are pouring into the enterprise. Businesses can leverage BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) as a way to reduce costs, increase productivity, and enhance communication and collaboration. The challenge is how to say yes to BYOD while maintaining control of the network.

Every enterprise is impacted by and talking about BYOD, but what can get lost in the conversation is the fact that BYOD is more than just device management. Avaya supports BYOD with a combination of security, authentication, networking, and policies. The comprehensive Avaya solution includes device authentication, access control for wired and wireless devices, secure remote access, and support via a range of services.

The Avaya Session Border Controller for Enterprise is designed to securely enable many deployments, including: Avaya IP Office is the solution many growing businesses turn to for comprehensive, easily implemented unified communications.

With more than 300,000 systems installed worldwide, IP Office is an industry standard-bearer, delivering the communications and productivity tools today’s employees need to perform at their best.

When Avaya IP Office is implemented in conjunction with SIP trunks, the Avaya Session Border Controller for Enterprise works hand in hand to help protect against security threats.

http://www.avaya.com/usa/documents/avaya-sbce-overview-brochure.pdf