The Virtual Drogon Systems Exchange

The vDSX is a "virtual" version of the DSX. Virtual in that it doesn't physically exist on your premises, but exists in a secure data centre and your VoIP phones connect directly into it over your broadband Internet connection.

This type of service is often called Centrex

You get all the same features and functionality as you would have if you had an in-office DSX, without the need to have it physically in your office.

There are a few limitations though - Your ability to make/take telephone calls is wholly dependent in your Internet line, so this must be through a reputable ISP, and it is advantageous to use a router which support QoS. A better solution is to have a totally separate broadband connection dedicated just to VoIP.

The number of simultaneous calls you can make depends on the speed of your Internet connection, and if this is an asymmetrical service (eg. ADSL), then it will depend on the outgoing speed of the system. This can be as low as 2 calls, and will rarely be more than 8 for a typical UK ADSL service.

Extension to Extension calls go via the vDSX server, so require bandwidth on your Internet line. This normally isn't a problem if most people on the system are in the same room, but it needs to be considered when looking at the number of calls your Internet connection is capable of sustaining.

Drogon Systems strongly recommends having your own DSX box when you have more than 6 staff in one location. A local DSX removes some of the limitations on simultaneous extension to extension calls and has the additional ability to connect to any legacy telephone connections your office may have.

The vDSX can compliment an in-office DSX. The office DSX can use the vDSX to make/take calls via the PSTN and trunking calls between the office DSX and the external vDSX is slightly more efficient than connecting individual phones. A company may use vDSX extensions to support home or remote workers while still having a local DSX in-house to manage internal calls. With appropriate firewall rules in the office, remote workers can of-course connect into the office DSX, but 2 remote workers calling each other will use 2 lines worth of capacity on the office Internet line while they are talking to each other, if they went via the vDSX, then it would have no effect on the office Internet line (unless they called into an office extension), and it may simplify firewall requirements at the office.

Further reading: For more information on VoIP and how it may be applied to your business, please read our paper: VoIP and the SME.