Networking Requirements
Networking Requirements
Proper network planning can save time and expense, and can ensure a timely deployment of Microsoft Speech Server (MSS).
This section contains:
Network planning involves: knowing the number of telephone lines and the types of associated services and equipment that are needed to support telephony (voice-only) applications; anticipating increased TCP/IP network traffic; and subsequently determining the optimal network architecture needed for the system.
In addition, the following services or devices may be required.
TCP/IP Network – A physical TCP/IP network is required for MSS. All MSS computers, Web servers and load balancers communicate using this network. Install at least one network adapter in each computer running MSS. The use of a firewall between MSS computers is not supported. To determine network planning requirements, see Capacity Guidelines.
Load Balancers – This section applies to Enterprise Edition only. Load balancing is required whenever two or more computers are used for running Speech Engine Services (SES), Telephony Application Services (TAS), or Web server software in a server farm or cluster configuration. Either hardware or software load balancing can be used. For more information, see Load Balancing and Availability.
In the case of a TAS server farm, a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) unit is needed to provide load balancing and call routing functionality. For more information, see Preparing the Telephony Infrastructure.
Telephony Boards – Each computer that runs Telephony Application Services (TAS) for supporting telephony (voice-only) applications requires telephony interface manager software and possibly a hardware telephony board that accepts telephone line connections. For more information, see Preparing the Telephony Infrastructure.