Definition Voice over IP (Internet Protocol) is the technology for transmission of voice over packet switched networks. VoIP is also known as Internet telephony, IP telephony, and packetized voice. The technology is a real shift from using the traditional circuit switched network, which has dedicated 64 Kbps of bandwidth reserved end to end. The current circuit-switched system is connection oriented in which the user picks up the phone. The dial tone indicates resources are available in central office. After dialing the number, the signaling system (SS7) allocates resources through network. One usually has to wait for their party to answer. A fast busy signal indicates congestion in the network. VoIP Motivation From a business perspective the trends show the integration of voice, video and data in multiple applications. Also the amount of bandwidth consumption is 8:1 in favor of packet-based networks. Packet-based networks such as IP help reduce the rising communication costs. Also, a single network is much easier to manage. Most of all from a consumer perspective, making calls through packet networks is much lower than circuit switched networks. . Better use of private networks Statistical multiplexing Lower costs from long distance carriers Avoid the costly tariffed PSTN over low-cost packet network. Market Data According to Cahners In-Stat Group the VoIP gateway market will see exploding growth. From a US $61 million in the year 1998, the worldwide VoIP gateway market will exceed US $3.8 billion. This translates into a 280% CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth rate). VoIP Technology, Types, Issues and Xilinx Solutions VoIP is an emerging technology defined under the H.323 set of protocols. It specifies components, protocols and procedures that provide multimedia communication services such as real-time audio, video and data over packet networks. Packet based networks include IP-based LANs, enterprise networks, MANs, WANs. The protocols specified by H.323 are - audio CODECs; video CODECs; H.225 registration, admission, and status (RAS); H.225 call signaling, H.245 control signaling, real-time transfer protocol (RTP), real-time control protocol (RTCP). VoIP can be found in several flavors such as FoIP (Fax over Internet Protocol), VoDSL (Voice over Digital Subscriber Line) and VoCable (Voice over Cable). VoIP faces issues such as delay, jitter and packet loss that need to be addressed before the solution becomes a viable means for providing voice communications over packet networks. Xilinx's Spartan-II programmable logic solutions offer the flexibility to build products that can be reprogrammed in the field at costs unparalleled to any programmable solution. Please view the presentation to see how Xilinx solutions can help you build products in this fast evolving market place.