NEC also introduces the next level of Internet Protocol (IP) medium -- peer-to-peer switching -- into the NEAX 2400. This capability allows the NEAX 2400 to provide all of NEC's networking services and Dterm Series E digital telephone features when deployed over an IP network.

Peer-to-peer switching means the stations participating in a call are connected directly to each other through the IP network. The voice signals travel through the IP network but do not "go through" the switch as they do in traditional telephony. The fact that the NEAX 2400 IPX can function in and support a "hybrid" network with traditional digital/analog switching, IP/TDM switching and pure peer-to-peer IP switching means the users can continue to utilize their existing equipment while they phase in IP Telephony and lay the foundation for future networks.

NEC's modular design, distributed processing, sensible migration, comprehensive network solutions and the ability to customize functionality to match specific business applications are just a few of the NEC benchmarks that the NEAX 2400 IPX builds upon.

The NEAX 2400 IPX provides over 780 service features that enhance productivity, reduce operating costs, and improve communications efficiently. Innovative modular hardware and software design allows the NEAX 2400 IPX to serve efficiently and grow incrementally over its entire size spectrum, ranging from 384 ports to over 24,576 ports.

The NEAX 2400 Internet Protocol eXchange has the ability to expand from its minimum configuration to its maximum capacity with virtually no loss of existing hardware. This unique expansion capability allows the system to grow in a cost-effective manner as the user's requirements grow. This system is truly unique in today's telecommunications industry.

By serving as the controller of an integrated information network, the NEAX 2400 IPX is able to integrate and enhance all forms of advanced information processing and management services. The NEAX 2400 IPX combines voice and data, store and forward, packet switching and many other advanced features.

The system also delivers advanced applications such as Fusion, CCIS and IP Networking, IP Stations (both IP enabled and peer-to-peer), Remote Switching, Electronic Tandem Networking, Centralized Attendant Service, Direct Digital Interface, Integrated ACD, Voice Messaging Integration, along with many other feature-rich capabilities via the Open Applications Interface (OAI). This reflects the philosophy of NEC Corporation to integrate Computer and Communications (C&C) technology, and makes it possible for the NEAX 2400 to provide both voice and non-voice services.

Proprietary digital instruments (Dterm) may be provided to increase system flexibility and eliminate the need for conventional multiple line stations with their associated control equipment and cable plant requirements