Akuvox, the world's leading manufacturer of intelligent video intercom systems, has pioneered Multisite technology, empowering all its intercom systems to establish seamless communication regardless of their geographical locations.
Akuvox Multisite technology has led an outstanding revolution in the field of intercommunication,, as it is Cloud-based and thus reduces the complexity of such installations. In this way, it eliminates the need for complex networking or IP telephone knowledge for its implementation.
Types of intercommunication systems in professional settings
Telephone switchboards (PBX)
In facilities such as offices it is common to find different intercom equipment, such as VoIP/SIP telephones or video intercom devices, with which to communicate different sections or departments of the company. However, in addition to offices, these intercom systems can also be found in many other types of facilities, such as janitor's offices, factories, or unattended gas stations.
To achieve this intercommunication, the conventional approach involved the utilization of telephone switchboards, commonly referred to as Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems. This system relies on a central PBX server that integrates various components, including VoIP routers and bridges. The interconnection is established by linking different telephones or intercom terminals to the PBX server through dedicated telephone wiring, as illustrated in the following image:
The use of PBXs creates a private telephone network ,within a company, either internally or externally. The latter is possible using different communication channels such as voice over IP, ISDN or analog. The advantages of this system are lower costs, compared to a fixed telephone line, since free calls can be made between users within this network,, in addition to being able to have a greater number of telephones and use functions such as call transfer, call recording, voice mail, interactive voice menus or call queues. You can also obtain reports of these calls.
This system used to be proprietary for each manufacturer, so in most cases only one type of phone or a range of phones within the same manufacturer could be used. However, over the years, it has become more standardized, allowing different equipment from different manufacturers to be combined. The fact that it is hardware-based implies having a specific infrastructure for this system, with its corresponding maintenance.
While it is true that the private telephone system is usually used to communicate with people who are physically inside the facility, to communicate externally, the system is usually complemented with video intercoms (for example, for access doors with reception or with the security guardhouse). In general, they are usually two independent systems, each one dedicated to its function.
Virtual PBXs
Over the years, the development of Virtual PBXs eliminated the need for telephone lines. , These new systems use IP-based communications and do not require a server installed in the offices themselves, but use a cloud-based PBX, which can be hosted anywhere in the world.
Compared to traditional PBXs, virtual PBXs have the following advantages:
- Easy maintenance: , No dedicated hardware or cabling is required, replacing it with the existing LAN structure. In addition, the system status can be checked via a computer interface, making the process quicker and easier. The addition of secondary lines, in this case, can be done by simply adding new network cables.
- Connection via IP protocol: , By using this type of protocol and network output, access to the PBX can be made from anywhere, eliminating the need for telephone wiring. This not only enables connectivity across multiple installations but also streamlines the associated processes.
- Remote work and mobility: , Users of this system can connect to it by accessing it through any web browser, using a PC or smartphone, without the need to be physically in the office. In addition, through this system they will still be able to enjoy the usual functions, such as calling their colleagues' extensions, answering incoming calls or making calls to external numbers. They can also view the call log, transfer calls or set up call forwarding.
- Easy expansion: , adding a new extension to a virtual PBX is as simple as setting up a new user online, instead of connecting a new telephone and its corresponding telephone cables.
- Advanced features: ,virtual PBXs use online switchboards (virtual communication tables), so answering machines, call routing rules and advanced queuing strategies can be implemented in a much simpler and automated way. In addition, these systems allow calls to be recorded and a second person to monitor a call and intervene if necessary.
- Advanced communications: , in addition to conventional telephone calls, this system also allows video calls or video conferences.
- No server maintenance: , Using a virtual PBX eliminates the need for in-house maintenance services. This is a great opportunity for small companies that do not have an existing server and want to avoid maintenance costs.
- Free choice of cloud server: , users can select the cloud server they are most interested in, either in terms of features or price.
- Free choice of equipment: , although it may be limited depending on the service contracted, as a general rule it is allowed to use IP telephones from more than one different manufacturer.
Multisite: Akuvox's solution for communicating teams via Cloud from anywhere
As explained previously, one of the great advantages of virtual PBXs over conventional systems is the possibility of communicating equipment regardless of where they are installed,, simply by having a network output, in any form. However, in the set of devices used in an industrial installation, the video intercom system infrastructure remains another system apart from the conventional systems.
In general, the video intercom system usually uses a local communication structure, either through 2-wire or IP technology. This implies having this infrastructure in the building or facilities where it is necessary, limiting its possible expansion to other locations. While it is true that there are some methods in which such remote communication can be achieved, such as through typical networking tools (opening ports, creating VPNs, DDNS and public IPs), it is not common for video intercom systems to use them. In addition, such tools require specific networking knowledge.
Nevertheless, in recent years, video intercom technology has undergone significant advancements, aspiring to emulate the communication standards employed by virtual PBXs. Only a select few brands have succeeded in crafting a system as comprehensive and efficient as those seamlessly integrated into these PBXs. Notably, Akuvox stands out for developing a simple and intuitive system, giving birth to its innovative Multisite technology.
The Akuvox Multisite system facilitates and enables the creation of a network of video intercoms capable of communicating regardless of where they are installed,, only to have Internet access. In addition, the method used for this is indifferent, being able to be by 4G technology or a fiber optic router, among others.
The Multisite system seeks, above all, that its configuration is as simple as it is for virtual PBX: simply register the computers with the corresponding credentials in the cloud-based platform, which will act as a communications server. In the Akuvox system, the process is further simplified, as the cloud itself acts as a PBX server, with the MAC addresses of the devices being the information needed to register them on it.
Akuvox supports SIP 2.0 protocol
Although companies are used to having these two independent systems for intercommunication between their employees and with people outside the company, the need has recently arisen to be able to unify them. This would make it possible not only to combine management platforms, but also the contracting of services and equipment.
This is where SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) comes into play, which is used to establish a session between two or more participants, modify the session and finally end it. This protocol is an open standard and has therefore become widespread and standardized among IP PBX systems.
For this reason, the video intercom devices that feature the standard SIP protocol will be able to integrate into the platforms of virtual PBXs. Once again, the manufacturer Akuvox has opted for the latest technology, providing all its equipment with the standard SIP protocol and SIP 2.0. Thus, in Akuvox, an indoor monitor not only allows receiving incoming calls from the outdoor board that points to it, but also from the different IP phones with which the company has. Akuvox equipment also have features of IP phones, as they are ready to integrate into this system, being able to program and perform call forwarding, automatic messages, direct IP calls or records of all system calls.
In conclusion, the range of Akuvox video intercoms with Multisite and SIP 2.0 technology available in Visiotech is presented as the most compelling and comprehensive option for outfitting any installation with a unified system seamlessly integrating IP telephony and video intercoms. It also presents users with a straightforward and intuitive formula to enhance their experience with video intercoms.
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