IP Phones are the first step in enabling Wideband audio
So, how does Wide Band make better audio?
Why, sampling rate, my boy!
The chip set in modern IP phones have been updated to enable higher sample rates approaching CD quality. Going beyond 8 kHz, delivers a substantial new set of possibilities. Beyond the IP phones, there are few other devices that require the high quality audio.
For example, digital gateways do not need to support more than 8 kHz sampling. That's because, the gateway's role is to interface between the Internet and the public telephone network that operates at only 8 kHz. So, their role in quality audio is limited.
Application servers, such as IP Conferencing servers, should be able to bind all manner of Real Time Protocol (RTP) sessions, regardless of their bandwidth requirements. That's how they enable audio AND the more bandwidth hungry video conferencing.
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