How do I set up a small VOIP business?

Question

Hi,
I'm an intern with a small company who's contract with a VOIP provider has ended. We're looking into setting up our own VOIP systems because our VOIP provider has been giving us less than proper service.
As an intern, I'm given the task of finding out how to achieve this, but I have absolutely no idea where and how to start. The net doesn't really offer anything except adverts on VOIP business plans on VONAGE, which is completely irrelevant...
What do you need to set up your own VOIP system to offer for commerical use to the public? Some kind of server? What about softwares?
Any help, will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Basically you are going to need a PS-TN (Public Standard telephone network) supplier like BT, and a load of Routers which can handle Internet in and voice out. Such a Router is a Cisco 1760 with FXS (Foreign Exchange Cards). You can get up to 4 ports per card and four cards per router. This in turn gives you 16 voice lines you can assign either statically or dynamically to users. The other side has an IP address.
The way it works is that the customer dials to your routers IP address, it is then routed to one of the FXS ports depending on how it is set up. Obviously the more customers you have the more voice ports and routers you will need. The routers have to be programmed and most companies lease out the lines on a 6 month term.
The other option is to subcontract out to BT etc charge your customer to cover your BT charges + profit.
No real easy way