A: TDMoIP is a new technology that combines features from Time Division Multiplexing and IP to deliver synchronous T1 and E1 circuits transparently over IP networks.

A: No, there is a feature called multi-bundling that allows DS0s to be sent to different destinations for point-to-multipoint or mesh networks. Multi-bundling makes it unnecessary to use a M10 cross-connect between DS0 service groups.

A: TDMoIP is simpler because it is transparent to voice and data signaling and protocols, even when they are proprietary. VoIP is more complex, and there are still issues with new protocols and translation between signaling formats. VoIP does hold the promise of new applications, whereas TDMoIP takes advantage of existing PABX and CTI features.

A: VoIP gateways intrinsically offer compression, which is important when bandwidth savings is your top priority. When PCM is required for best quality voice and transparency to modem and fax, then TDMoIP is superior because it uses less bandwidth and incurs much lower delays.

A: Yes, in fact even framing bits can be carried transparently since both framed and unframed T1's and E1's are supported.

A: TDMoIP is suitable to both, but in different ways. In the enterprise, TDMoIP is a good alternative to VoIP because it fully accomodates existing PBX’s with absolutely no loss of functionality. In this way the enterprise can inexpensively converge its voice and data networks without compromising quality or adding unnecessary delay or overhead. With VoIP, the enterprise needs to be prepared for a forklift upgrade with compatibility issues and complexity. Carriers or service providers with high-speed packet networks based on IP or Gigabit Ethernet can use TDMoIP to simply extend T1 or E1 circuits over their networks.

A: Absolutely. Such carriers can increase their revenue by also positioning themselves as Alternative Access Vendors (AAV). [AAVs provide private line service between an entity and facilities at another location, whether owned by the entity or an unaffiliated entity or access service between an end-user and an interexchange carrier by other than a local exchange telecommunications company. The private line service is dedicated point-to-point or point-to-multipoint service for the transmission of any public telecommunication service].

A: TDMoIP provides many of the benefits of ATM in that end-to-end delay starts at less than 2ms and integrity of structured or unstructured T1’s or E1’s is maintained. TDMoIP is however much simpler, cheaper and efficient and most importantly can be carried over IP and Ethernet networks.

A: With TDMoIP overhead can be significantly reduced because payload is configurable from 48 to 384 bytes. With ATM, payload is always 48 bytes, and therefore the percentage of overhead is much higher.

A: With TDMoIP packets are marked for priority using 802.1p&q, ToS, and set UDP port numbers. Fortunately Gigabit Ethernet switches and Terabit routers now have advanced mechanisms to provide these packets with priority and guarantee bandwidth to an application. In addition this new class of switches can provide 1 or 10Gbps on a single fiber which means over 5,000 T1’s can be carried on a single 10Gbps optical fiber link.

A: Gigabit Ethernet switches can usually switch to a second trunk within a few millisec's, and in the event that their is only a single fiber between the switches, the switches will use OSPF or some other protocol to update routing tables within a few seconds and the IP data stream will be reconnected. The effect of this outage is the same whether you use VoIP OR TDMoIP technology.

A: TDMoIP is a new technology worth considering because it provides carriers and service providers with an alternative way to build market share quickly and inexpensively with more services and more points of presence. This enabling technology differs from VoIP in that it is totally transparent to signaling and protocols. The fact that TDMoIP supports any T1 or E1 traffic irrespective of whether its framed or unframed, fractional or full provides the carrier with a much higher level of flexibility in offering a variety of services over optical or wireless IP networks. Data, voice and signaling protocols can now be transparently carried as bit streams over IP. In this way TDMoIP supports ATM, Frame Relay, X.25, PPP, V.90, SS7, PRI, R2/MFC, SNA, H.320 Video, etc. Combining TDMoIP with Gigabit Ethernet switches and Terabit routers ensures a cost effective alternative to SONET and ATM by providing a simpler, more cost effective solution with more bandwidth and better granularity.

A: RAD’s TDMoIP product line is called IPmux and is available in three form factors: The IPmux-1 is excellent for smaller sites with either a T1/E1 interface or 4 BRI interfaces, and will support analog voice. Dual Ethernet ports with 100BaseFX option for fiber provide user and network interfaces with integrated prioritization mechanism.
The IPmux-4 has 4 T1 or E1 interfaces which makes it ideal for smaller networks or as a branch office unit in larger organizations.

The IPmux-16 is a scalable device with 4, 8, 12 or 16 T1 or E1 ports and dual uplink ports for redundancy.
All IPmux units support full and fractional T1/E1 streams and their 10/100BaseT uplinks support full and half duplex Ethernet.

A: RAD’s IPmux solutions are managed and controlled by the RADview SNMP network management system, a total management and performance analysis solution. Simple menu driven management is also available using a terminal or telnet.

A: I expect a VoIP gateway supporting a full T1 to list for about $15,000 per end. A comparable TDMoIP solution would list for $4000 per end. The TDMoIP solution also scales better with a 4 * T1 solution listing for $7,000 per end. This is possible since TDMoIP is a much simpler technology than VoIP.