VoIP technology has some basic requirements:
  • Reliability (specified grade of service) is maintained without too much overhead. In PSTN, the required grade of service is maintained whereas in TCP/IP networks it is not guaranteed. VoIP demands maintaining a specific grade of service.
  • IP networks should meet performance requirements. In TCP/IP networks, packet delivery is not ensured, so for supporting voice over IP, special protocols are required.
  • Similarly, signalling must be compatible with the PSTN. Since the voice over IP infrastructure has to be integrated with PSTN, it is necessary to provide compatibility in signalling.
  • Again, the PSTM/VoIP network must be match together in appropriate gateways.
  • In addition to that, the network management, security aspects have to be comparable to that of PSTN.