London-Based Broadband Service Provider Uses IPmux to Integrate Voice and Data over IP Networks for
Multi-Tenant Unit (MTU) Buildings

Working in partnership with property owners, hSo installs and operates next generation networks throughout buildings in UK metropolitan markets, for the provisioning of high quality, scalable, bundled telecom services to business tenants. By aggregating telecom traffic, hSo is able to offer tenants competitively priced, high bandwidth connectivity.

hSo sought a solution that would provide high quality converged voice and data services with minimum installation time, while preserving the customer’s investment in legacy devices. After extensive testing and consideration, hSo chose RAD’s IPmux-16 and IPmux-1 TDM over IP (TDMoIP) gateways to deliver direct access voice services to its customers. hSo initially considered using Voice over IP, but found the technology to be expensive, immature and of poor quality. “TDM over IP proved to be the perfect way to converge voice and data quickly and with minimum disruption to the customer, whilst protecting legacy equipment,” says Andy Millar, Voice Services Manager at hSo. “RAD’s IPmux was tested on-site and we found that there was no discernible difference in quality compared to traditional voice technology.”

RAD’s innovative TDMoIP solution allows circuit extension over IP networks, enabling voice, video and data traffic to be carried transparently over high bandwidth networks, such as Gigabit Ethernet, IP and MPLS. This allows hSo customers to use their IP networks for telephony applications with the same level of quality, reliability and functionality currently provided by TDM networks, without the need to replace existing TDM switches. “One of our key business goals is customer service, RAD’s IPmux helps us improve the service we provide our customers,” explains Millar. “IPmux enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from the technology and service levels that are usually the preserve of large corporations,” he adds.

hSo was also impressed with RAD’s quick provisioning time. In just a few days, RAD built a circuit that would normally take about one month to provision. The system was installed by GFI, a distributor of RAD solutions.

hSo turned to RAD again when faced with a major British Telcom outage covering a large area of the city, including hSo’s own facilities. With its circuit down for more than two weeks, hSo deployed RAD’s IPmux using a line of site microwave link to provide its own voice services.