http://www.physorg.com/news78580323.html

First, the Internet started out as a small network, for data (a non- real-time application), amongst Dept. of Defense research facilities, folks with security clearances, so external security wasn"t a big concern; that has NOT changed.

Second, control data is sent in the same bit stream as the information being transported, so control information goes down with the data stream.

Third, packetized data (as designed in the current Internet) is not real-time, and needs even more control data in the bit stream to emulate real-time transport. A conundrum, because voice conversations are a real-time application. That conundrum will become even more daunting as folks attempt to watch video, in real time, from the Internet.

Circuit-switched telephony requires little in the way of security software or hardware, whereas Internet telephony will require as much, or more, protection as a PC or server accessing the Internet (with constant monitoring and automated updates; also a potential security nightmare).

VoIP is catching on well ahead of security precautions. Another generation of circuit-switched technology is tested, secure, cheap and real-time, but the telephony vendors want it in the backbone; not to your office, home or cellphone (it gives too much control to the customer).

The alternative is common channel signalling and it connects to the customer via ISDN. If you contact your telephone service provider you will not be able to find out much, let alone procure the service, because it is easy, cheap and gives too much control to the customer (I"ve over 25 years in the telecomm business, but definitely double check, at least, what I tell you).

You can get ISDN indirectly (as digital phone service) from your digital, cable television provider.