Telephones

Already equipped with a cutting-edge network infrastructure, the University of Liege decided in the middle of 2006 to converge its voice and data networks. In early 2007, ULg began the switchover to a new IP telephony. By the end of April of the same year, the new system was operational.

Our telephony, entirely based on IP architecture, currently numbers over 3500 IP sets and almost 1000 digital and analog sets which wil gradually be changed over to IP.

Given the distances between the various ULg campuses (Sart Tilman, downtown, HEC-ULg, Arlon and Gembloux), securisation in terms of server availability has been examined very thoroughly.  Call management servers have been distributed at strategic locations on the network so as to guarantee  call capacity in the eventuality of a breakdown of a network link.

Experimentation

The University is using this new infrastructure to experiment a series of IP- related technologies:

• Activation of a call center system to improve client service (e.g. during registration periods, or for contacting veterinary clinics).
• Interconnection with IP voice systems (VoIP) via Internet (gateway to Skype for both IP calls to PC and PC to IP telephone)
• Interconnection via Internet with partner sites equipped with IP telephony;
• Videotelephony, PC/telephone integration, unified messaging system, etc.

This list is certainly not exhaustive. A converged telephony - data system opens up innumerable opportunities and provides the university of Liege with an infrastructure at the cutting edge of telecommunication technologies.

IPractical information

Consult the  Intranet version of this page (for ULg staff only).