Juniper adds VOIP to routers

Juniper Networks is taking a new approach to VOIP convergence by rolling out VOIP directly into routing equipment, states Internet News.

Juniper's approach could potentially have a significant impact on reducing VOIP latency, which is critical to improving voice quality on a network. A survey from Apparent Networks found that latency was a key concern hindering enterprise VOIP roll-outs.

According to Juniper, by converging VOIP services, overall network scalability for securing VOIP can be improved as well.

Experts claim that VOIP toll fraud is increasing, largely because of the economic recession, says Xchange.

Toll fraud happens when attackers infiltrate networks and call control systems, then hijack them to make long-distance and international phone calls.

The financial situation leaves telco service providers vulnerable, says Richard Stiennon, security guru and founder of IT Harvest. He says many more telcos will come under attack as they switch to IP infrastructure.

Mobile virtual network operator Zero1 Mobile is offering the US unlimited voice, text, and data plans for about $70 a month, reports InformationWeek.

The company purchases mobile data connections from GSM carriers in the US, and uses that to provide VOIP to its mobile customers.

The company only supports Windows Mobile handsets, but it's looking to have any GSM BlackBerry, Symbian, Android, or webOS device be capable of using its network within a year.