Though we have done many IP installs, we prefer the simple approach i.e. physical separation between voice and data. Not doing the separation, gives you the benefit of a lower cost on cabling but a higher cost in support. Few people have a thorough understanding of VLANs, QoS and troubleshooting VOIP issues. Your approach is correct -- If we must do a physical separation, then why do IP altogether?
That has been CTVI's position though we are approaching a turning point. In a white paper posted by one of our techs,
you will see that we argue strongly against VOIP within an local network i.e. one building and only recommend VOIP for networking phone systems or small remote and home offices.
The reason that we are approaching a turning point is due to the fact that applications are becoming available. One such example, is the convergence of the of cell phone and phone via 802.11 wireless technology. Now you can have your pbx station calls come to you via your wireless lan chip over your mobile phone while you are in an area that has wireless lan i.e. your home etc.
Bottom line, the immediate conditions do not justify VOIP with in a local area network. The cost savings of the cabling will be quickly wiped out with the long term cost of supporting VOIP and phone traffic on the same network.
Long term, VOIP will rule and some people argue that they would like to be ready now.
If you want to do VOIP over the same LAN,
1. You must have managed switches. The Cisco switch is excellent.
2. You should have a VLAN set up with the phones tagged and the PCs untagged. The ports in the switch will be trunk ports.
I am not familiar with the term Cisco NAC. Please describe or point me in the right direction.