Sipura ATA 2000
Plug this unit in and imagine my surprise - an immediate dial tone. I was expecting to have to tackle all kinds of issues relating to NAT, Port Forwarding, Permissions and router firewall circumvention - I had none of that and probably my first ever plug and play experience.
The package arrived with £7.50 in call credit included from gossiptel. This was quickly eaten up calling friends and UK contacts to let them know about my new 0870 number. Having also had a number from VoIP User that was previously diverted to my PSTN number (with occasional issues during peak time, one way
occasions and other small niggles) I found it now worked faultlessly when pointed to our SIP address.
The Sipura ATA 2000 arrived pre configured by Gossiptel and the firmware is updated automatically by their server when required. The unit runs seamlessly and the only negative point one could find to say about it, is that it runs rather hot. In fact VERY hot, almost hot enough to cook eggs on.
The ATA unit is accessed by an IP address entered from a PC connected to the same router. There are eight pages of settings and the ability to configure Line 1 and Line 2 to different services (you will need two separate phones or a specially designed 'two line' phone but as yet I didn't find one on the market). The documentation that actually arrived with the Sipura unit was more or less minimal but having said that I didn't need any and a full technical manual is available as a PDF for download on the website.
Visiting the Sipura website is immediately disappointing because they are already expounding the virtues of the Sipura ATA 3000 which is of course the next model with additional features and facilities. Having said that I gather at the time of writing there is still no 'UK Green Dot' on this model so presumably no UK availability for a while. For anyone needing guidance on configuring line two of their Sipura ATA there is a handy wizard to be found at www.sipura.com/support/wiz.htm
Switching off the ATA for a period (to allow it - and us, to cool off) Is never a problem, on re-connection the unit signs back in and provides a dialling tone within thirty seconds.
Having a good ADSL connection is of course the key to reliable VOIP and I found checking the line using the tools at www.testmyvoip.com provided some interesting information. It made it possible to see the effect of running other 'bandwidth hungry' applications on the network at the same time (programmes like Trillian and other Messaging Clients).
To summarise the Sipura ATA coupled with any good Phone Instrument provides an excellent way to implement VoIP in residential and office situations where there is already a router port available and where it is preferred not to run a dedicated PC.
Source: voipuser.org
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Internet Telephone Devices
IP-telephone is not really a new concept and is now available on the market for many years, it's no more in testing mode. People don't know exactly what a voice over ip device is. What is it, how does it work?
Here you will find some information about voice over IP devices.
A voice over ip device can be classified in three general categories:
end stations (such as phones),
gateways and routers,
and controllers.
Like everything else in IT, every category has a specific function that it performs. And if you combine all the functions you will get a complete voice over ip system.
Hardware and software VoIP phones
There are two types of VoIP phones: hardware and software.
A hardware phone is a physical device, very similar to your common phone; it has a handset, dialpad, etc. The only thing that is different from your ordinary phone is that it connects to an Ethernet network rather than a telephone network. IP phones are built with all the necessary hardware (and software) to digitize your voice (i.e., codecs) as well as setup and make calls (i.e., signaling and transport).
Software-only phones, or "soft" phones, use the PC's capabilities to communicate with other PC's over the Internet, by using the PC's sound card, CPU and network card as part of the phone's hardware, and thus, enable a PC to become an IP phone.
Gateways
A IP-telephony Device is a voice over ip device that connects the VoIP network to your public telephone network (PSTN). In this way, you can make calls and receive them, from your PTSN, even if you are using an IP-based system, just like your traditional phone. Depending on the type of the gateway, they are equipped with analog/digital interfaces in order to connect to your local telephone company. With so many options available today, gateways are also capable of transcoding (changing the signal from one codec version to another so that the voice over ip device can communicate with the rest of the network). For example, a gateway uses G.729 codec, while your PTSN network uses a G.711 codec.
Controllers
VoIP controllers, also called IP PBXs, manage the VoIP network. They are actually tools that you can use to configure your IP phone: restrict access, enabling functions and passwords, allowing/not allowing certain options, etc. Plus they are performing all the functions of a traditional PBX. IP PBX controllers are PC-based, running a standard OS (such as Microsoft Windows, Linux or Sun Solaris, but very different) with additional software to control the voice over ip systems. These voice over ip systems can provide APIs to extend vendor-provided or user-written features and functionality.
Routers
Voip Routers are voice over ip devices that decide where the IP datagrams should go, between networks, from the source to the destination. Routers are inter-network equipments that help a LAN connect to a WAN; therefore the router's capability to ensure correctly handled high-priority traffic is very important. Since WAN speeds have generally less bandwidth than a LAN, proper packet queuing and prioritization is in order to ensure good voice quality across the path.
Internet Telephone Devices
By Jim Francisto
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Here you will find some information about voice over IP devices.
A voice over ip device can be classified in three general categories:
end stations (such as phones),
gateways and routers,
and controllers.
Like everything else in IT, every category has a specific function that it performs. And if you combine all the functions you will get a complete voice over ip system.
Hardware and software VoIP phones
There are two types of VoIP phones: hardware and software.
A hardware phone is a physical device, very similar to your common phone; it has a handset, dialpad, etc. The only thing that is different from your ordinary phone is that it connects to an Ethernet network rather than a telephone network. IP phones are built with all the necessary hardware (and software) to digitize your voice (i.e., codecs) as well as setup and make calls (i.e., signaling and transport).
Software-only phones, or "soft" phones, use the PC's capabilities to communicate with other PC's over the Internet, by using the PC's sound card, CPU and network card as part of the phone's hardware, and thus, enable a PC to become an IP phone.
Gateways
A IP-telephony Device is a voice over ip device that connects the VoIP network to your public telephone network (PSTN). In this way, you can make calls and receive them, from your PTSN, even if you are using an IP-based system, just like your traditional phone. Depending on the type of the gateway, they are equipped with analog/digital interfaces in order to connect to your local telephone company. With so many options available today, gateways are also capable of transcoding (changing the signal from one codec version to another so that the voice over ip device can communicate with the rest of the network). For example, a gateway uses G.729 codec, while your PTSN network uses a G.711 codec.
Controllers
VoIP controllers, also called IP PBXs, manage the VoIP network. They are actually tools that you can use to configure your IP phone: restrict access, enabling functions and passwords, allowing/not allowing certain options, etc. Plus they are performing all the functions of a traditional PBX. IP PBX controllers are PC-based, running a standard OS (such as Microsoft Windows, Linux or Sun Solaris, but very different) with additional software to control the voice over ip systems. These voice over ip systems can provide APIs to extend vendor-provided or user-written features and functionality.
Routers
Voip Routers are voice over ip devices that decide where the IP datagrams should go, between networks, from the source to the destination. Routers are inter-network equipments that help a LAN connect to a WAN; therefore the router's capability to ensure correctly handled high-priority traffic is very important. Since WAN speeds have generally less bandwidth than a LAN, proper packet queuing and prioritization is in order to ensure good voice quality across the path.
Internet Telephone Devices
By Jim Francisto
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Friday, July 11, 2008
Twinklephone Review
Twinklephone (or just "Twinkle") is a softphone SIP client for *nix clones such as Linux and FreeBSD. Since I run the latter, I'll concentrate on reviewing for that platform.
It is a straight SIP client; there is no Skype, video or IM support yet, although video and IM are on the wishlist of the developer.
Getting it Running
Having tried Kphone (which worked to a point) and Linphone (which is now broken on FreeBSD due to an incompatibility with libosip2), Twinklephone was a surprising find. Not only did it build easily, but it actually worked first time. In fact, the only thing I had to do to get it going properly was build a SIP proxy on my gateway machine (due to NAT issues which are beyond the scope of this reveiw).
Configuration is very simple, although people with more than one SIP account may have trouble figuring out how to set the default account. The UI is clean, simple and intuitive and, unlike most other SIP clients for *nix that I have tried, it Just Works.
Pros
Integration with KDE's address book (assuming you're using KDE). It's also simple to configure, supports multiple codecs and supports multiple accounts at once.
Cons
As mentioned, there is no video and IM support. Also, as of writing, the application fails to shut down correctly, requiring a kill -9 of its PID to get it to terminate. This may be a problem with QT or KDE on FreeBSD which may not manifest itself on other platforms.
Since this client hasn't reached v1.0 release yet, it certainly has the potential to become the best of the bunch as far as functionality is concerned.
For it's 0.8.1 release point status, it's an excellent start and a relief to actually have a working, easily used client on my desktop. As to why it's called Twinkle I'll make no guesses, but the old axiom of "letting OSS developers name key applications is akin to letting marketing write them" seems to apply
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
It is a straight SIP client; there is no Skype, video or IM support yet, although video and IM are on the wishlist of the developer.
Getting it Running
Having tried Kphone (which worked to a point) and Linphone (which is now broken on FreeBSD due to an incompatibility with libosip2), Twinklephone was a surprising find. Not only did it build easily, but it actually worked first time. In fact, the only thing I had to do to get it going properly was build a SIP proxy on my gateway machine (due to NAT issues which are beyond the scope of this reveiw).
Configuration is very simple, although people with more than one SIP account may have trouble figuring out how to set the default account. The UI is clean, simple and intuitive and, unlike most other SIP clients for *nix that I have tried, it Just Works.
Pros
Integration with KDE's address book (assuming you're using KDE). It's also simple to configure, supports multiple codecs and supports multiple accounts at once.
Cons
As mentioned, there is no video and IM support. Also, as of writing, the application fails to shut down correctly, requiring a kill -9 of its PID to get it to terminate. This may be a problem with QT or KDE on FreeBSD which may not manifest itself on other platforms.
Since this client hasn't reached v1.0 release yet, it certainly has the potential to become the best of the bunch as far as functionality is concerned.
For it's 0.8.1 release point status, it's an excellent start and a relief to actually have a working, easily used client on my desktop. As to why it's called Twinkle I'll make no guesses, but the old axiom of "letting OSS developers name key applications is akin to letting marketing write them" seems to apply
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
VoIP Phone Systems - There's a Fly in the Ointment
The keystone that will lock in VoIP as the successor to TDM technology has yet to be hefted into place. It may in fact take another decade before we see the full potential of VoIP phone systems. The keystone we are referring to is the deployment of standards based IP infrastructure by the public carriers.
VoIP phone systems are seemingly ubiquitous. Sexy new VoIP PBX systems and VoIP business solutions are announced almost every day. The technology is credible and past issues including voice quality have been sorted out. What's the catch?
The catch is that the benefits realized by users of VoIP business phone systems relate mainly to internal communication. Organizations with distributed national and international operations gain the most from implementing VoIP phone systems. They achieve savings because their internal communication doesn't go via PSTNs and they achieve significant savings as a consequence. Conversely, organizations that don't have remote operations, work from home employees or a mobile workforce need to be far more creative in making a business case to justify a VoIP deployment.
The greatest pain for business is associated with external not internal communication. Most businesses have more customers than employees. To service, retain and acquire them a business must make an increasing volume of external phone calls. As most VoIP services interoperate via PSTNs employing TDM technology they are not using end-to-end VoIP services. Before that can happen the carriers must upgrade their infrastructure from TDM to VoIP technology.
Are the carriers about to upgrade their infrastructure any time soon? It's unlikely. Collectively Tier 1 carriers have an enormous sunken investment in Class 4 and 5 switches. They work just fine and will probably continue to work for at least another decade. No matter how cheap the replacement VoIP gear, its more expensive than hardware that's already installed and on the balance sheet.
Tier 1 carriers also have an investment in existing business models. These models are based on using TDM infrastructure not packets of data. Change is inevitable, but it always involves risk. The carriers have demonstrated time and again that they are risk averse, at least when it comes to tinkering with their main source of revenue. It's been a topic of discussion for more than a decade, but there's little evidence of change.
It's also significant that there is little or no agreement on standards for carrier VoIP. There are even differences between carriers on how they handle SIP trunking and Caller ID. In the absence of enforceable standards between carriers there is little prospect of reliable VoIP peering between carriers any time soon.
For now and the immediate future, enterprise users of VoIP phone systems must reconcile themselves to enjoying less than fifty percent of the potential upside available from their VoIP business solutions. At some point the carriers will replace their infrastructure and agree on standards for IP-based carrier services, but it may take the entrance of a new breed of carrier before that comes to pass.
Chris Green is a communications consultant and writer. He notes that VoIP phone systems have achieved respectability, in fact VoIP is now the default option for business telephony. In selecting a business phone system the choice is between VoIP and VoIP, but Green notes that it could be another decade before the full potential of the technology can be tapped.
VoIP Phone Systems - There's a Fly in the Ointment
By Chris H Green
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
VoIP phone systems are seemingly ubiquitous. Sexy new VoIP PBX systems and VoIP business solutions are announced almost every day. The technology is credible and past issues including voice quality have been sorted out. What's the catch?
The catch is that the benefits realized by users of VoIP business phone systems relate mainly to internal communication. Organizations with distributed national and international operations gain the most from implementing VoIP phone systems. They achieve savings because their internal communication doesn't go via PSTNs and they achieve significant savings as a consequence. Conversely, organizations that don't have remote operations, work from home employees or a mobile workforce need to be far more creative in making a business case to justify a VoIP deployment.
The greatest pain for business is associated with external not internal communication. Most businesses have more customers than employees. To service, retain and acquire them a business must make an increasing volume of external phone calls. As most VoIP services interoperate via PSTNs employing TDM technology they are not using end-to-end VoIP services. Before that can happen the carriers must upgrade their infrastructure from TDM to VoIP technology.
Are the carriers about to upgrade their infrastructure any time soon? It's unlikely. Collectively Tier 1 carriers have an enormous sunken investment in Class 4 and 5 switches. They work just fine and will probably continue to work for at least another decade. No matter how cheap the replacement VoIP gear, its more expensive than hardware that's already installed and on the balance sheet.
Tier 1 carriers also have an investment in existing business models. These models are based on using TDM infrastructure not packets of data. Change is inevitable, but it always involves risk. The carriers have demonstrated time and again that they are risk averse, at least when it comes to tinkering with their main source of revenue. It's been a topic of discussion for more than a decade, but there's little evidence of change.
It's also significant that there is little or no agreement on standards for carrier VoIP. There are even differences between carriers on how they handle SIP trunking and Caller ID. In the absence of enforceable standards between carriers there is little prospect of reliable VoIP peering between carriers any time soon.
For now and the immediate future, enterprise users of VoIP phone systems must reconcile themselves to enjoying less than fifty percent of the potential upside available from their VoIP business solutions. At some point the carriers will replace their infrastructure and agree on standards for IP-based carrier services, but it may take the entrance of a new breed of carrier before that comes to pass.
Chris Green is a communications consultant and writer. He notes that VoIP phone systems have achieved respectability, in fact VoIP is now the default option for business telephony. In selecting a business phone system the choice is between VoIP and VoIP, but Green notes that it could be another decade before the full potential of the technology can be tapped.
VoIP Phone Systems - There's a Fly in the Ointment
By Chris H Green
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Thursday, July 10, 2008
voip phone review: ipDialog SipTone II Review
ipDialog SipTone II Review
The SipTone II was a relatively cheap phone for its features. The latest firmware gives it some more options and I would suggest you upgrade the firmware to get the most out of the phone.
Features
SIP (IETF RFC2361)
DHCP and Static IP
Supports DNS
DTMF InBand, Info or RCC2833
Supports a-law, u-law, 729 CODECs
PoE (Power over Ethernet) and DC wall adaptor included
2 10BaseT Ethernet ports so you can connect the Phone to the LAN and your PC to the phone. Personally I have it for occasional use e.g. laptop
Headset Jack. Mobile phone compatible. Use any mobile phone handsfree headset. MAke sure the headset deson't have an "Answer/Hangup" button
Handsfree Speakerphone
2-line 16-charecter LCD screen (not backlit)
Voice Mail indicator (MWI compatibe) and Voice Mail button
Two simultaneous call appearances (through call waiting)
Conference Calls (with or without server support)
Last number redial
Do Not Disturb key
Call Hold
Call Waiting
Call Forwarding
Call Transfer (blind, consultative, conferencing)
Caller ID and Call Waiting Caller ID
Call logs (outgoing, recieved, missed)
Speaker and ringer volume control
5 ring tones and 4 call waiting tones (through Bellcore parameter in Server's dialplan)
Web GUI
Configurable dial plans through web GUI, so you can avoid pressing "#" or "Dial" to dial the number
Auto Configuration via TFTP (for central management/deployment)
I bought these phones rather than the Budgetone 101/2 for the Headphone Jack,
dual lines, PoE and dual Ethernet ports. The Snoms looked better (more features) but were more expensive.
In use
I like the headset jack (I use it a lot), and the fact that I can setup my dialplan so I din't need to press "#" to call. The different ringtones are quite handy, while not over the top (mp3s are a bit too much for my liking).
The most annoying thing is that the LCD is fixed (so you cannot change the angle) and is not backlit. The phone is bit light-weight, and it can move around the desk quite a lot (I stick all my phones on the desks/tables with blu-tack anyway).
Conclusion
The audio quality is good, making a VoIP call indistinguishable from a PSTN call. It has nice proper plastic keys.
Generally speaking I am happy with these phones, although right now I have also been looking at the Grandstream GXP-2000. Please feel free to ask me if you have any specific questions.
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
The SipTone II was a relatively cheap phone for its features. The latest firmware gives it some more options and I would suggest you upgrade the firmware to get the most out of the phone.
Features
SIP (IETF RFC2361)
DHCP and Static IP
Supports DNS
DTMF InBand, Info or RCC2833
Supports a-law, u-law, 729 CODECs
PoE (Power over Ethernet) and DC wall adaptor included
2 10BaseT Ethernet ports so you can connect the Phone to the LAN and your PC to the phone. Personally I have it for occasional use e.g. laptop
Headset Jack. Mobile phone compatible. Use any mobile phone handsfree headset. MAke sure the headset deson't have an "Answer/Hangup" button
Handsfree Speakerphone
2-line 16-charecter LCD screen (not backlit)
Voice Mail indicator (MWI compatibe) and Voice Mail button
Two simultaneous call appearances (through call waiting)
Conference Calls (with or without server support)
Last number redial
Do Not Disturb key
Call Hold
Call Waiting
Call Forwarding
Call Transfer (blind, consultative, conferencing)
Caller ID and Call Waiting Caller ID
Call logs (outgoing, recieved, missed)
Speaker and ringer volume control
5 ring tones and 4 call waiting tones (through Bellcore parameter in Server's dialplan)
Web GUI
Configurable dial plans through web GUI, so you can avoid pressing "#" or "Dial" to dial the number
Auto Configuration via TFTP (for central management/deployment)
I bought these phones rather than the Budgetone 101/2 for the Headphone Jack,
dual lines, PoE and dual Ethernet ports. The Snoms looked better (more features) but were more expensive.
In use
I like the headset jack (I use it a lot), and the fact that I can setup my dialplan so I din't need to press "#" to call. The different ringtones are quite handy, while not over the top (mp3s are a bit too much for my liking).
The most annoying thing is that the LCD is fixed (so you cannot change the angle) and is not backlit. The phone is bit light-weight, and it can move around the desk quite a lot (I stick all my phones on the desks/tables with blu-tack anyway).
Conclusion
The audio quality is good, making a VoIP call indistinguishable from a PSTN call. It has nice proper plastic keys.
Generally speaking I am happy with these phones, although right now I have also been looking at the Grandstream GXP-2000. Please feel free to ask me if you have any specific questions.
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
VoIP Phone Systems - Here Comes the Bubble
Big business has been onto the virtues of VoIP for years. Companies such as Cisco, Avaya and Nortel sell billions of dollars worth of VoIP systems annually to large corporations. For big business there is no real alternative to VoIP business phone systems. For a start the traditional TDM option is no longer manufactured in volume. Secondly, businesses with distributed national and international operations can make significant cost savings from using VoIP. They can eliminate the PSTN costs associated with long distance "internal" calls.
The story is different for SMBs, SOHO operators and the general public. These segments also want to use VoIP and save money. Their interest was initially sparked via millions of: Skype, Google Talk, Jajah and Gizmo Project ... downloads and the promise of "Free Phone Calls." They are a bargain, but not an alternative to a commercial grade business phone service. They're OK for calling friends and family, but not an option for selling a product or closing a deal.
There are two recent developments that have made VoIP phone systems accessible to SMBs.
(1) Hosted VoIP PBX or Virtual VoIP PBX services.
(2) VoIP PBX appliances suitable for SMB and SOHO users.
Both options will deliver business quality VoIP and SMBs are scrambling to sign up for one or the other. They don't necessarily obtain the same benefits as large corporations from using a VoIP business phone system. Typically SMBs don't have the scale or distributed operations required to bulk up enough savings from simply eliminating the cost of "internal calls." As a consequence the arguments for SMBs switching to VoIP usually revolve around the ability to project a more professional image, access to sexy phone features or the promise of Unified Communications.
Inevitably, VoIP PBX appliances and VoIP software will become cheaper, smaller and more convenient. High speed broadband is already ubiquitous and just as the computer became a household consumer item, so will the VoIP phone system. Households will have a main number and family members, especially teenage daughters will have personal phone extensions, voice mail boxes and follow me profiles.
Is there a VoIP bubble on the horizon? Probably, a VoIP phone system is something that everyone can use. There is an enormous market to be tapped (pun intended) and fortunes will be made on the back of innovative business models.
Chris Green is a communications consultant and writer. He notes that VoIP phone systems have achieved respectability, in fact VoIP is now the default option for business telephony. In selecting a business phone system the choice is between VoIP and VoIP. Green notes that large corporations have been using VoIP for years. It's now the turn of SMBs and SOHO operators. Might we see a VoIP PBX appliance in every home within a decade?
Further articles on this topic can be found at his web site: Business Phone Tools.
VoIP Phone Systems - Here Comes the Bubble
By Chris H Green
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
The story is different for SMBs, SOHO operators and the general public. These segments also want to use VoIP and save money. Their interest was initially sparked via millions of: Skype, Google Talk, Jajah and Gizmo Project ... downloads and the promise of "Free Phone Calls." They are a bargain, but not an alternative to a commercial grade business phone service. They're OK for calling friends and family, but not an option for selling a product or closing a deal.
There are two recent developments that have made VoIP phone systems accessible to SMBs.
(1) Hosted VoIP PBX or Virtual VoIP PBX services.
(2) VoIP PBX appliances suitable for SMB and SOHO users.
Both options will deliver business quality VoIP and SMBs are scrambling to sign up for one or the other. They don't necessarily obtain the same benefits as large corporations from using a VoIP business phone system. Typically SMBs don't have the scale or distributed operations required to bulk up enough savings from simply eliminating the cost of "internal calls." As a consequence the arguments for SMBs switching to VoIP usually revolve around the ability to project a more professional image, access to sexy phone features or the promise of Unified Communications.
Inevitably, VoIP PBX appliances and VoIP software will become cheaper, smaller and more convenient. High speed broadband is already ubiquitous and just as the computer became a household consumer item, so will the VoIP phone system. Households will have a main number and family members, especially teenage daughters will have personal phone extensions, voice mail boxes and follow me profiles.
Is there a VoIP bubble on the horizon? Probably, a VoIP phone system is something that everyone can use. There is an enormous market to be tapped (pun intended) and fortunes will be made on the back of innovative business models.
Chris Green is a communications consultant and writer. He notes that VoIP phone systems have achieved respectability, in fact VoIP is now the default option for business telephony. In selecting a business phone system the choice is between VoIP and VoIP. Green notes that large corporations have been using VoIP for years. It's now the turn of SMBs and SOHO operators. Might we see a VoIP PBX appliance in every home within a decade?
Further articles on this topic can be found at his web site: Business Phone Tools.
VoIP Phone Systems - Here Comes the Bubble
By Chris H Green
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
VoIP Services: Deploy Unified Communication
VoIP Services: Deploy Unified Communication,the business entities are looking forward to realize the benefits such as cost savings, business continuity and mobility with the latest voice over IP or VoIP services. The advancement in context to "unified" communication and contact center solutions for small and medium-sized businesses can be experienced with voice over IP technology. To do this, entities need to upgrade or extend their telecom services to VoIP infrastructure and deploy unified communications over IP networks. These internet telephony services focus on packet switched voice without unacceptable deterioration of voice quality. The digital data sets are transmitted across a packet switched network in form of compressed IP data. The high fidelity voice signals can be transmitted across the networks with negligible loss of accuracy.
These advanced VoIP phone services deliver various benefits ranging from improved organizational productivity and scalability to streamlined infrastructure and reduced calling costs. With these benefits, many business enterprises have got attracted towards this IP services to enjoy “unified” communication with their customers or clients, across the world. The main concern of this service is to provide necessary skills and expertise to assure that voice quality meets or exceeds business requirements. As a matter of fact, the voice over IP is a technology, wherein voice traffic is transmitted over data network including the public internet. In conjunction with a broadband internet connection, it is possible to use equipment such an ATA or Analog Telephone Adapter, a special IP Phone and software PC-to-Phone.
Depending upon the type of VoIP phone services used, the calls can be made either to VoIP users or both VoIP and regular phone users. The VoIP services can be categorised as Hardware based and Software based.
The Hardware based VoIP services require a converter box. This box converts or connects users traditional phone to the broadband modem or home router. As a matter of fact, the users do not have to turned on their computer system to make and receive calls. On other hand, the software VoIP works over computer with a microphone, a headset or a USB phone.
The hardware-based IP telephony is one of the most flexible applications. It requires only one additional ATA hardware. The ATA is an analogue-to-digital converter which connects users traditional phone to Internet connection. Usually, the service providers offer this hardware to their customers at the time of registration. A second and commonly used hardware-based option is an IP phone. This IP phone integrates an ATA. This phone is similar in appearance to a standard telephone but comes embedded with a built-in adapter. With the help of a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector this phone connects directly to the router. These IP phones can be distinguished in three different standards namely- MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol), H.323 as well as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). In comparison to all, the SIP phones are quickly becoming the standard.
The Software-based VoIP phone services work little differently. Rather than using a telephone, the users can use speakers and a microphone connected to their computer or an inexpensive USB phone. Not only this, one can even set up a phone book for one-click calls to others.
With the help of advanced VoIP based services, these low-cost or quality enriched technology help the business entities to rely on it, for their growth and prosperity. Moreover, the business VoIP services have been modified to add reliability, stability and enterprise-class features to deliver the advanced capabilities of an enterprise-class phone system for 40 to 80 percent in comparison to traditional offerings.
VoIP Services: Deploy Unified Communication
Author: Kristen
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
These advanced VoIP phone services deliver various benefits ranging from improved organizational productivity and scalability to streamlined infrastructure and reduced calling costs. With these benefits, many business enterprises have got attracted towards this IP services to enjoy “unified” communication with their customers or clients, across the world. The main concern of this service is to provide necessary skills and expertise to assure that voice quality meets or exceeds business requirements. As a matter of fact, the voice over IP is a technology, wherein voice traffic is transmitted over data network including the public internet. In conjunction with a broadband internet connection, it is possible to use equipment such an ATA or Analog Telephone Adapter, a special IP Phone and software PC-to-Phone.
Depending upon the type of VoIP phone services used, the calls can be made either to VoIP users or both VoIP and regular phone users. The VoIP services can be categorised as Hardware based and Software based.
The Hardware based VoIP services require a converter box. This box converts or connects users traditional phone to the broadband modem or home router. As a matter of fact, the users do not have to turned on their computer system to make and receive calls. On other hand, the software VoIP works over computer with a microphone, a headset or a USB phone.
The hardware-based IP telephony is one of the most flexible applications. It requires only one additional ATA hardware. The ATA is an analogue-to-digital converter which connects users traditional phone to Internet connection. Usually, the service providers offer this hardware to their customers at the time of registration. A second and commonly used hardware-based option is an IP phone. This IP phone integrates an ATA. This phone is similar in appearance to a standard telephone but comes embedded with a built-in adapter. With the help of a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector this phone connects directly to the router. These IP phones can be distinguished in three different standards namely- MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol), H.323 as well as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). In comparison to all, the SIP phones are quickly becoming the standard.
The Software-based VoIP phone services work little differently. Rather than using a telephone, the users can use speakers and a microphone connected to their computer or an inexpensive USB phone. Not only this, one can even set up a phone book for one-click calls to others.
With the help of advanced VoIP based services, these low-cost or quality enriched technology help the business entities to rely on it, for their growth and prosperity. Moreover, the business VoIP services have been modified to add reliability, stability and enterprise-class features to deliver the advanced capabilities of an enterprise-class phone system for 40 to 80 percent in comparison to traditional offerings.
VoIP Services: Deploy Unified Communication
Author: Kristen
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Samsung OMNIA brings a PC environment to your mobile
Samsung OMNIA brings a PC environment to your mobile that sound good,Samsung has unveiled its new all-in-one maxi-phone, complete with multimedia enhanced smartphonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone features. The OMNIA (Latin for “everything”) brings together your work and personal life by coupling high performance business content with style and a fun.
The OMNIA SGH-i900 offers a dynamic multi-media experience to ensure consumers are always connected both at home and at work. It allows users to switch easily between Microsoft Outlookhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Outlook email and productivity applications that replicate the look and feel of their PC. The Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system means users have a mobile extension to their PC, with access to MS Office documents such as PowerPointhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint , Excel and Word. The operating system also allows additional programs to be downloaded and customized, as they would on a PC. For ease of navigation an optical mouse, similar to those on laptop computers, offers improved usability and one-handed control.
Digital entertainment can be viewed easily on the OMNIA thanks to a wide 3.2-inch WQVGA LCD screenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display for videos and slide shows in high-resolution and advanced audio capabilities. MultiCodec support for DivX, Xvidhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xvid and other video formats eliminates the need for file format conversions. Users also have the assurance of a long-life detachable battery for extended playback. The handset also offers generous internal memory (available in 8GB or 16GB capacity options and extendable slot for additions) to ensure ample storage space for digital assets. The phone is equipped with a five-megapixelZoom-is-the-New-Megapixel May-07 camera with auto-focus (AF), face and smile detection and auto-panorama shot. GPS, including navigation and geo-tagging capabilities, rounds out the phone’s extensive capabilities.
Despite the maxi-phone features, the OMNIA boasts an ultra-slim 12.5-mm profile and a platinum-look finish that fits in the palm of the user’s hand. The Samsung OMNIA is available in Asia now and will be released into Europe later this month. The 16GB handset retails for around US$899.
Samsung OMNIA brings a PC environment to your mobile
from Telecommunications
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
The OMNIA SGH-i900 offers a dynamic multi-media experience to ensure consumers are always connected both at home and at work. It allows users to switch easily between Microsoft Outlookhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Outlook email and productivity applications that replicate the look and feel of their PC. The Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system means users have a mobile extension to their PC, with access to MS Office documents such as PowerPointhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint , Excel and Word. The operating system also allows additional programs to be downloaded and customized, as they would on a PC. For ease of navigation an optical mouse, similar to those on laptop computers, offers improved usability and one-handed control.
Digital entertainment can be viewed easily on the OMNIA thanks to a wide 3.2-inch WQVGA LCD screenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display for videos and slide shows in high-resolution and advanced audio capabilities. MultiCodec support for DivX, Xvidhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xvid and other video formats eliminates the need for file format conversions. Users also have the assurance of a long-life detachable battery for extended playback. The handset also offers generous internal memory (available in 8GB or 16GB capacity options and extendable slot for additions) to ensure ample storage space for digital assets. The phone is equipped with a five-megapixelZoom-is-the-New-Megapixel May-07 camera with auto-focus (AF), face and smile detection and auto-panorama shot. GPS, including navigation and geo-tagging capabilities, rounds out the phone’s extensive capabilities.
Despite the maxi-phone features, the OMNIA boasts an ultra-slim 12.5-mm profile and a platinum-look finish that fits in the palm of the user’s hand. The Samsung OMNIA is available in Asia now and will be released into Europe later this month. The 16GB handset retails for around US$899.
Samsung OMNIA brings a PC environment to your mobile
from Telecommunications
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
VoIP Service Provider - Improvise Your Calling Options
There are numerous business VoIP providers in the market which is offering various cost effective services to the customers. So, when a user needs a VoIP service, it may seem to be a Herculean task for him to get the most effective VoIP service provider. There are various important tips which can be followed by the customers while selecting the preferred service provider such as:-
Get the reviews
- The reviews of the VoIP provider can help you to get the most cost effective and the best provider of VoIP and avail the best benefits from voice over IP providers. These reviews would let you to access the negative and positive thing which are associated with the different service providers. Reading these reviews would help you to select the best.
Get the enhanced features
-By going through the reviews of the VoIP providers you can get various enhanced features such as 3-way calling, call transfer, caller ID, repeat dial and return call etc., from the service operators. Various network service providers also offer their services free of cost to give maximum satisfaction to the users.
The VoIP service providers impart data transmission of IP telephony signaling code of conducts called SIP which are basically used to access calls. The network service provider is the prime hub between networks which permit the VoIP users and the traditional telephones to connect.
Opening up an account with a service provider is not at all a very difficult task. Various service providers would offer their quality services at varying rates. Moreover, it can be said that you can save more than 60% of your monthly phone bills. The tax free issues associated with these services are also driving people crazy.
Long distance and international call plans may also vary among the service providers. Some providers may offer free overseas plans but with certain restrictions of time. Innovative technology in this arena is presently being developed on a regular basis which will permit the GPS and VoIP phone service to convey important information which requires to be processed quickly.
Various telecommunications companies are offering the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) which unite with the internet technologies to utilise the pure VoIP infrastructure at ease. The IMS internal structure permits the current VoIP systems to integrate with conventional telephone service and mobile phones.
VoIP Service Provider - Improvise Your Calling Options
By Kristen Kiya
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Get the reviews
- The reviews of the VoIP provider can help you to get the most cost effective and the best provider of VoIP and avail the best benefits from voice over IP providers. These reviews would let you to access the negative and positive thing which are associated with the different service providers. Reading these reviews would help you to select the best.
Get the enhanced features
-By going through the reviews of the VoIP providers you can get various enhanced features such as 3-way calling, call transfer, caller ID, repeat dial and return call etc., from the service operators. Various network service providers also offer their services free of cost to give maximum satisfaction to the users.
The VoIP service providers impart data transmission of IP telephony signaling code of conducts called SIP which are basically used to access calls. The network service provider is the prime hub between networks which permit the VoIP users and the traditional telephones to connect.
Opening up an account with a service provider is not at all a very difficult task. Various service providers would offer their quality services at varying rates. Moreover, it can be said that you can save more than 60% of your monthly phone bills. The tax free issues associated with these services are also driving people crazy.
Long distance and international call plans may also vary among the service providers. Some providers may offer free overseas plans but with certain restrictions of time. Innovative technology in this arena is presently being developed on a regular basis which will permit the GPS and VoIP phone service to convey important information which requires to be processed quickly.
Various telecommunications companies are offering the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) which unite with the internet technologies to utilise the pure VoIP infrastructure at ease. The IMS internal structure permits the current VoIP systems to integrate with conventional telephone service and mobile phones.
VoIP Service Provider - Improvise Your Calling Options
By Kristen Kiya
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Can VoIP Be Ported?
VoIP, better known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is the process of sending voice transmission over the Internet or a network. The most common method of using VoIP is through the use of "soft" phones, or computer programs that simulate an actual phone; but this method of VoIP has its limits. Using software as a phone restricts the user to only call from one location (the computer). This is not desirable to people who want to be able to use their normal home phones around the house to make calls.
Thankfully, porting your VoIP can be a very good option. Porting a VoIP is simply the process of connecting the Voice over Internet Protocol to normal telephones. There are three options when porting a VoIP. Currently the most common method of porting is using a VoIP adapter. The adapter simply converts the digital VoIP signal into an analog signal used to transmit normal telephone calls. Ordinary phones can then be connected to the adapter and used as if the signal was coming from the telephone company. The second option is to purchase a VoIP-ready phone. Unlike adapters, VoIP phones do not need to be hooked up to a computer. They only need to be hooked up to an Internet connection. Finally, a person could use a WiFi connection and a special phone called an SIP WiFi phone. The phone is then able to pick up the wireless signal sent out by the WiFi connection, allowing the VoIP phone to not only be free from the wall but also to be used anywhere there is an open wireless connection.
While this can be cheap in the long term, security is an issue with VoIP. Eavesdropping and disabling a VoIP user's phone line is possible by skilled hackers. However, the problem of spoofing (the act of someone making it appear as if someone else is calling other than the actual caller) is more widespread. Used by con artists, telemarketers, criminals and the technologically savvy, spoofing software has made it increasingly easy to change the name that appears on caller ID.
The best way to protect yourself from spoofing is to use a reverse phone lookup service. Now you can find out the name and address of almost any phone number, making phone spoofer worries a thing of the past.
Can VoIP Be Ported?
By Susan Mona
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Thankfully, porting your VoIP can be a very good option. Porting a VoIP is simply the process of connecting the Voice over Internet Protocol to normal telephones. There are three options when porting a VoIP. Currently the most common method of porting is using a VoIP adapter. The adapter simply converts the digital VoIP signal into an analog signal used to transmit normal telephone calls. Ordinary phones can then be connected to the adapter and used as if the signal was coming from the telephone company. The second option is to purchase a VoIP-ready phone. Unlike adapters, VoIP phones do not need to be hooked up to a computer. They only need to be hooked up to an Internet connection. Finally, a person could use a WiFi connection and a special phone called an SIP WiFi phone. The phone is then able to pick up the wireless signal sent out by the WiFi connection, allowing the VoIP phone to not only be free from the wall but also to be used anywhere there is an open wireless connection.
While this can be cheap in the long term, security is an issue with VoIP. Eavesdropping and disabling a VoIP user's phone line is possible by skilled hackers. However, the problem of spoofing (the act of someone making it appear as if someone else is calling other than the actual caller) is more widespread. Used by con artists, telemarketers, criminals and the technologically savvy, spoofing software has made it increasingly easy to change the name that appears on caller ID.
The best way to protect yourself from spoofing is to use a reverse phone lookup service. Now you can find out the name and address of almost any phone number, making phone spoofer worries a thing of the past.
Can VoIP Be Ported?
By Susan Mona
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Monday, July 7, 2008
VoIP Phone Calls - Crushing Down on Phone Bills
The VoIP phone has redefined telephony as it is a single means to make cheap phone calls to international clients. The technology is based on a digital system and users are not confronted with any hidden charges.
The VoIP telephony is no doubt a good means to connect to people living at any part of the world at reasonable cheap cost rates. This phone helps reduce the charges involved in making calls. Long distant calls can now be made at a very low service charge. The convenience of making calls is also heightened with this digital technology. The user just needs internet connection and tools such as desktop computers or laptops to avail the VoIP phone service.
The method of establishing connection in case of VoIP phone is very simple. The analog voice is compressed to digital formats and then the message is sent in digital packets over the internet. The digital form of radio voice packets are then reconverted to anolog form once it reaches the end user. This is why the user can retrieve the voice in its original form. The conversion is very easily done by the aid of an adaptor that remains fitted on the computers. The digital technology has revolutionised the way we connect to others. Now, there is no more the need of long drawn wires as the technology deployed is sophisticated and modern. Moreover, the telephony connects at local call rates and the user can make international calls at the same cost of local calls.
As the users of VoIP phone remain gratified with the services and low cost rate of VoIP Calls, it is extremely appealing to people to connect by means of VoIP Phone calls. The service sometimes also comes with exclusive offers such as money back deals. Such deals attract more people to access the services of Voice over IP. There are also other features of the service that enable people to make VoIP calls from mobile phones and laptops too. It allows the people to connect with people even if the user is on a move. This makes VoIP phone, interactive and mobile to users.
The monthly bills also gets reduced with VoIP Phone calls. The ease of making payments is also appealing to users. One can easily pay the bills with debit or credit cards. The users of VoIP service do not have to pay for any hidden charges. It helps develop commitment of people toward the technology. Moreover, its user-friendliness compels people to avail the services. The best part of the service is that it is available at nominal calls rates. The user also can share files and chat with people while making calls to them. This modern system of telephony is now replacing traditional form of call making.
VoIP Phone Calls - Crushing Down on Phone Bills
By Kristen Kiya
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
The VoIP telephony is no doubt a good means to connect to people living at any part of the world at reasonable cheap cost rates. This phone helps reduce the charges involved in making calls. Long distant calls can now be made at a very low service charge. The convenience of making calls is also heightened with this digital technology. The user just needs internet connection and tools such as desktop computers or laptops to avail the VoIP phone service.
The method of establishing connection in case of VoIP phone is very simple. The analog voice is compressed to digital formats and then the message is sent in digital packets over the internet. The digital form of radio voice packets are then reconverted to anolog form once it reaches the end user. This is why the user can retrieve the voice in its original form. The conversion is very easily done by the aid of an adaptor that remains fitted on the computers. The digital technology has revolutionised the way we connect to others. Now, there is no more the need of long drawn wires as the technology deployed is sophisticated and modern. Moreover, the telephony connects at local call rates and the user can make international calls at the same cost of local calls.
As the users of VoIP phone remain gratified with the services and low cost rate of VoIP Calls, it is extremely appealing to people to connect by means of VoIP Phone calls. The service sometimes also comes with exclusive offers such as money back deals. Such deals attract more people to access the services of Voice over IP. There are also other features of the service that enable people to make VoIP calls from mobile phones and laptops too. It allows the people to connect with people even if the user is on a move. This makes VoIP phone, interactive and mobile to users.
The monthly bills also gets reduced with VoIP Phone calls. The ease of making payments is also appealing to users. One can easily pay the bills with debit or credit cards. The users of VoIP service do not have to pay for any hidden charges. It helps develop commitment of people toward the technology. Moreover, its user-friendliness compels people to avail the services. The best part of the service is that it is available at nominal calls rates. The user also can share files and chat with people while making calls to them. This modern system of telephony is now replacing traditional form of call making.
VoIP Phone Calls - Crushing Down on Phone Bills
By Kristen Kiya
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Callback Service - Bringing to Limelight VoIP Call Making Facilities
The Callback Service is based on the principle whereby people are provided with an extension number that allows them to connect instantly with VoIP service providers. This call back service is made simple and convenient with its easy billing procedures.
Callback is possible in VoIP due to the presence of calling cards. This card can be purchased from any place of the world. The instant accessing of the card makes it possible to establish VoIP connection very easily. The user is motivated as the services offered by the VoIP service providers are known for their excellent facilities and high sound quality. This system of VoIP callback functions by means of access numbers. The access numbers are acquired by the customer from the service provider. This number enables users to access VoIP network at a reasonably cheap calling rate.
Virtual calling cards are known to provide international callback service with the best possible sound quality. The VoIP service thus can be accessed with all the latest facilities. The user of VoIP can make calls to people living at any place in the world. This callback service has its own methodology of functioning. There is a trigger number for the user to dial. Once the number is dialed the customer receives a call from the service provider. On receiving the call the users are instructed to dial the destination number. Once the number is dialed, it helps establish the connection. Once the call is over, the user now has to dial # in order to make a second call. This relieves people from the headache of making repeated calls to the service providers for the sake of making large number of calls at the same time. It is also a fact that on receiving a VoIP call the user need not have to pay for any call charge.
The callback system is integrated with some salient features. This method of call making is based on services like ANI, SMS and web based call back. The VoIP based communication system helps to route the message. Thus International Callback Service becomes easy with this system in place. Billing procedure is also simple in Voice over IP. The online billing portals allows users to pay their bills very conveniently.
The most fascinating thing about call back service is that it is not restricted to laptops or computers. Mobile phones or landline phones are brought to use in order to avail the service. The internet connection is always a pre-requisite for the availing of VoIP network. The user can also make use of the International callback service to make long distant calls. For faster dialing there is the speed dialing option.
Callback Service - Bringing to Limelight VoIP Call Making Facilities
By Kristen Kiya
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Callback is possible in VoIP due to the presence of calling cards. This card can be purchased from any place of the world. The instant accessing of the card makes it possible to establish VoIP connection very easily. The user is motivated as the services offered by the VoIP service providers are known for their excellent facilities and high sound quality. This system of VoIP callback functions by means of access numbers. The access numbers are acquired by the customer from the service provider. This number enables users to access VoIP network at a reasonably cheap calling rate.
Virtual calling cards are known to provide international callback service with the best possible sound quality. The VoIP service thus can be accessed with all the latest facilities. The user of VoIP can make calls to people living at any place in the world. This callback service has its own methodology of functioning. There is a trigger number for the user to dial. Once the number is dialed the customer receives a call from the service provider. On receiving the call the users are instructed to dial the destination number. Once the number is dialed, it helps establish the connection. Once the call is over, the user now has to dial # in order to make a second call. This relieves people from the headache of making repeated calls to the service providers for the sake of making large number of calls at the same time. It is also a fact that on receiving a VoIP call the user need not have to pay for any call charge.
The callback system is integrated with some salient features. This method of call making is based on services like ANI, SMS and web based call back. The VoIP based communication system helps to route the message. Thus International Callback Service becomes easy with this system in place. Billing procedure is also simple in Voice over IP. The online billing portals allows users to pay their bills very conveniently.
The most fascinating thing about call back service is that it is not restricted to laptops or computers. Mobile phones or landline phones are brought to use in order to avail the service. The internet connection is always a pre-requisite for the availing of VoIP network. The user can also make use of the International callback service to make long distant calls. For faster dialing there is the speed dialing option.
Callback Service - Bringing to Limelight VoIP Call Making Facilities
By Kristen Kiya
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
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