Core Network Technology
Avid is a certified telecommunications carrier, and as such, employs carrier-grade network components in its core network. Its VoIP switching platform, which includes the call agent, media gateway and various feature servers, is provided by MetaSwitch. With millions of phone lines in service worldwide, MetaSwitch is the leader in providing the new generation of switching platforms based on a distributed architecture and SIP signaling. The network also uses an ACME Packet session border contoller to manage SIP sessions, providing the needed control of both signaling and media streams within our IP network for voice and data traffic. The call agent, media gateway and session border controller are located in secure facilities equipped with backup power and redundant trunking for signaling, interconnection, E911 and other primary network circuits. Avid's core IP network uses Juniper Networks and Cisco Systems routers. These carrier-grade, high-availability devices are critical for nework uptime and general quality and reliability.
Voice Quality
Avid deploys Quality-of-Service control across its entire network, ensuring that voice traffic has the priority it needs to function properly. From desktop SIP phones to access routers to core routers, Avid uses both TOS and DIFSERV QoS techniques to ensure high quality voice. Additionally, Avid uses the g.711 coding scheme--the highest quality method of encoding voice as a digital stream. The result is voice quality that is better than that of legacy networks.
Customer Premise Equipment
Avid specializes in IP engineering and commercial-grade network facilities. As such, we deploy access routers for our clients, provide managed firewall services, and deliver a basic network infrastructure of power, wiring and switching that is a firm foundation for the sophisticated voice and data needs of our customers. We have local engineers and technicians who work closely with the client's IT staff and consultants to ensure security, reliability and compatibility with all client services and equipment. This includes configuration changes required to support VoIP on client firewalls and port-forwarding necessary for some client applications.
Cloud Phone Service
Avid's Cloud Phone Service uses SIP signaling between phones and the call agent to deliver the features typically found only in advanced phone systems. Our Cloud Phone Service can replicate the functions of either a standard key system, hybrid system or PBX,and can support a mixture of the best aspects of each. Because Cloud Phone Service does not rely on premise switching equipment, its functions are location independent, meaning that multiple offices can be served with the same set of services at no additional cost.
Transmission Facilities
Avid uses a combination of T1 and fiber-based connections to serve its customers in nearly all cases. In limited instances, Avid will work with clients who have high-speed service from another provider, and if possible, will coordinate with that vendor to create direct transmission links between Avid's network and theirs to improve Qualit of Service. Avid's Fiber Park services use native Ethernet connections, allowing a pure IP connection from client's networks to our core IP network.