This session will show how an open source VoIP server, Asterisk, can be installed and configured. Coupled with using a combination of "Softphones" (computers running free VoIP phone software) and inexpensive SIP phones a very complete Voice Over IP classroom environment can be built.

As corporate America looks to reduce costs, Voice Over IP is one of areas that is growing in popularity. Employers are looking to our students to be able to install, configure, manage and maintain a converged voice, video and data network. However, teaching Voice Over IP (VoIP) can be daunting with different vendors requiring large investments in hardware and software. But, basic VoIP concepts, such as QoS, CODECs, etc are the same regardless of the vendor platform. Add to that the emergence of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) as an IETF standard for VoIP and we have the foundation of a generic VoIP program that can be setup very inexpensively. This session will show how an open source VoIP server, Asterisk, can be installed and configured. Coupled with using a combination of "Softphones" (computers running free VoIP phone software) and inexpensive SIP phones a very complete Voice Over IP classroom environment can be built.

Michael McKeever, Instructor, Santa Rosa Junior College, Petaluma, CA