Showing posts with label voipbuster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label voipbuster. Show all posts

What is VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the family of technologies that allow IP networks to be used for voice applications, such as telephony, voice instant messaging, and teleconferencing. VoIP entails solutions at almost every layer of an IP network–from specialized voice applications (like Skype) all the way down to low-level quality measures that keep those applications running smoothly.

Unless you’ve been sleeping under a very big rock for the last year, you’ve certainly heard the phrase “Voice over IP” uttered. Perhaps you’ve seen those hilarious Vonage commercials that feature painful and embarrassing accidents caught on tape, promising to let you dump your local phone company in order save big on your phone bill. You may also have seen the Cisco telephones that are curiously inserted in prime-time shows like 24.

What is all the hubbub about, anyway? Why, VoIP, of course! VoIP, the fabulous secret ingredient in Vonage, Skype, Cisco CallManager, and a host of other revolutionary technology products you may have already encountered on TV, in the news, or in person. But what makes these products so revolutionary? What is it about VoIP that is such a big deal?

Voice over Internet Protocol is a family of technologies that enable voice communications using IP networks like the internet. Inventive developers and entrepreneurs have created an industry around VoIP technology in its many forms: desktop applications, telephone services, and corporate phone systems. VoIP is a core technology that drives everything from voice-chat software loaded on a desktop PC to Mac full-blown IP-based telecommunications networks in large corporations. To the Wall Street speculator, VoIP is a single technology investment with many revenue streams. To the enterprise network engineer, it’s a way to simplify the corporate network and improve the telephony experience for users of the network. To the home user, it’s a really cool way to save money on the old phone bill.

What is Internet Telephony?

The question “What is Internet Telephony?” has answers that prove that the face of communications as we know it is changing. Today, the internet is not only a pathway for data transmissions. It is now also possible to make telephone calls over the internet, a technology which makes paying long-distance charges optional instead of mandatory.

So exactly what is internet telephony? Also called Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), it is the technology that gives the ability to take an analog voice signal and translate it to a digital signal. That digital signal is then sent from one computer across the internet to the receiving computer, where it is reconverted to an analog signal that the receiver hears as the caller’s voice.

Or, if only the originating caller has VOIP, they can still make a call using VOIP. The provider will route the call across the internet to the ‘node’ (local phone switch) nearest the receiver’s location. Usually the caller has to pay a small fee for this service. By using the internet instead of a long-distance company’s telephone network, the caller avoids paying any long-distance fees.

There are, however, variations to the answer of the question about what is internet telephony. Depending on what the customer wants or needs, their level of comfort with technology and their other telephony needs, they have a choice as to what kind of internet telephony service they select.

So when we consider the question of what is internet telephony, we must start with the basic VOIP technology and then look at the packages in which it is offered to the customer.

There are VOIP providers who provide both the internet (usually, broadband internet) service, local phone service with all the calling features the local phone company offers, plus the software and hardware needed to make calls. They usually charge equipment fees and monthly service fees.

Then there are those who provide only the VOIP service over your existing broadband connection, and equipment is optional. But if you have a PC with speakers, a sound card, a microphone and an internet connection, you can even purchase or download software that will allow you to set up your own VOIP calls, free of any monthly or long-distance charges.

88% of business users back VoIP technology

Nearly nine out of ten corporate users of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) applications are happy with the technology but some businesses are missing out on the benefits it can offer, according to a new report.

Research carried out by Data Integration in conjunction with Extreme Networks found that VoIP telephony systems have around 60 per cent market penetration among big businesses, with 88 per cent of users giving the technology positive feedback, reports vnu.net.

Another 27.2 per cent of businesses intend to implement VoIP communication systems within the next three years, the survey found. However, less than a third of those questioned were currently running IP video over their networks.

According to Extreme Networks’ regional director for the UK and Ireland, this low uptake reflects a “lack of understanding” about the potential of video communication for businesses.

“This [uptake] could be down to the false start caused by early and expensive video solutions, or the lack of understanding of its future benefits,” he said. Benefits of VoIP and video conferencing include reduced environmental impact from less travel and lower telecommunications costs.

The survey questioned UK firms with over 500 employees.

How Do I Compare Voip Providers?

It’s actually quite easy to compare VoIP providers because the technology is so new that the features that each provider offers differ quite a bit. Just like any service, you want to be sure that you get the best deal, and a program that will fit your needs and desires. Luckily, comparing VoIP providers will be quite simple and you’ll quickly be able to select the provider that is best suited to you.

The first thing you’ll want to do when you want to compare VoIP providers is find out which ones offer services in your area. You may be able to eliminate a couple providers just by looking at their areas of service. Once you eliminate the providers that just won’t work out, you’ll have to look at features and price.

One of the biggest differences between VoIP providers is the features that they can offer. Many have very easy to use routers that allow you to use a regular analog signal and digital signal when it’s suitable. Some VoIP providers only allow calls to other VoIP users, and others allow you to call anyone, anywhere, anytime.

If you make a lot of long distance calls you’ll really want to pay attention to the plans and the provider that you go with. Some VoIP providers don’t distinguish between local and long distance calls, so you basically get all your calls one month for just a service fee. Other VoIP service providers don’t allow you to make long distance calls, or they charge exorbitant fees for them. So, the amount of long distance phone calls you make may be the deciding factor in your choice for a VoIP provider.

Do a lot of research, just like you would when you are looking into any service. If you know whom you are dealing with it’s a lot easier to make an educated decision. When you determine exactly what you need then it’s just a matter of matching your needs with what is offered! Good luck, VoIP is definitely the wave of the future and it will only get easier and more advanced!

Free Voip

Free VoIP is here now, are you prepared for this service? In a matter of minutes you could be set-up and making calls with your free Voip service. Voip is the future for telecommunication, its taking the internet and business communities by storm.

VOIP vs Traditional Telephones
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the technology of taking audio and transmitting it as data over the Internet. Traditional telephone lines use Circuit Switching, like switchboard operators, which is an electric current. VoIP uses Packet Switching that converts audio into data packets and transfers them over the Internet.

Free Voip being used now!
VoIP is the technology used behind combining Instant Messaging and voice. Many companies are now incorporating free VoIP with their Instant Messaging programs. All that is required is that the group are using the same application. For instance, the new Yahoo Messenger will let you call your friends on the buddies list. All you will need is a microphone and speakers attached to your computer to get free voip experience. MSN, AOL Instant and Yahoo Messengers are all integrating with VoIP. This gives people a taste of free VoIP, before going out and purchasing VoIP services for their homes or offices.

Getting connect to free Voip
It is simple to download any of these free VoIP enabled Instant Messengers. You simply go to their websites, and click on installation/download links for the applications and follow the instructions. You will need speakers and a microphone-and of course, a soundboard. If you would like to incorporate video with your Instant Messaging, you can hook up a small digital camera or web cam. By combining your audio and video with your free Voip Instant Messenger program, you will have a full quality experience.

This is just a precursor of what the future of VoIP will unveil. There are simply a few glitches as 911 and wireless hotspot issues, for the long run, we can tell that by companies incorporating VoIP shows that they at least believe it will be a strong force.

Benefits of Voip
One of the benefits of free VoIP and instant messaging is that it is absolutely free to call anyone, anywhere, worldwide. Companies are that still offer free VoIP programmes like Skype and Ad Calls. These applications will allow you to call using free VoIP programming. Ad Calls will allow you to call a telephone for free. Calls are unlimited and you will be able to make free voip long distance calls in the long run.

VoIP does offer many advantages that aren’t available with land line phones or with cellular. Some of these include the ability to talk with multiple people at once; many of the standard features bundled with normal telephone services come with VoIP packages, and the ability to speak unlimited (many services enable unlimited calling worldwide).

Disadvantage of free Voip service!
However, there are a few disadvantages with Voip. The major one using 911 with VoIP because the call is made from your data network and not a conventional land line. 911 will not be able to trace the phone call made from your free VoIP phone and obtain your address. Also, the operator will not receive any of your location information. FCC has issued rulings pertaining to this. Some options include registering with 911, when you call 911 giving them your location information right away, or keeping a land line telephone or mobile phone available for use in case of an emergency. The latter may be the best solution for enjoying the best of both worlds.

In Conclusion Voice over IP is becoming increasingly popular and powerhouses like AOL and Verizon are offering various packages. Though free VoIP is still a widely popular choice, it is increasingly harder to find. For people who aren’t ready to make the switch, they will continue to take advantage of the options available with instant messaging. As free VoIP continues to grow and more people embrace the technology of combining their telecommunication needs, such as audio, data, E-mail, video and Web services into one applications, VoIP will continue to develop new products and become more readily accessible to business and the general public.

Software and Hardware Requirements for VoIP

Voice over Internet telephony has changed the way we communicate. The innovative, flexible and scalable solutions have engineered a revolution of sorts in the present day world. The concept of virtual area codes can be mentioned in this context. VoIP users can opt for this service and select an area that is distinctly different from where they live. They can then enjoy facilities such as unlimited long distance calls to friends and family members living in that area code. This way, they are able to save money while connecting at different levels with the people who matter. This is another area wherein the VoIP solutions have scored over the traditional phone services.

Businesses can also make the most of this high-end technology and use it to their advantage. They can, for instance, think about enhancing their scope and areas of operation, by floating local numbers in potential markets. It is quite evident that they would be getting more leads due to the low costs of local calls. When the number to be called is a local one, more people from target market segments are expected to call in.

The point is that the VoIP market is more than ready for the best of products and services. The only thing is that certain conditions need to be met for the successful implementation of this innovative technology. For instance, a computer with a high speed Internet access is a must-have. The computer should be updated with audio and video codes. This ensures that the persons using the VoIP products and services are not disappointed with the quality of the audio as well as graphics. Another pre-requisite is that the digital video compression format should also be present in the computer that is being used.

Moreover, another important requirement is the telephone adapter, which is often delivered by the voice over IP service providers, as an integral part of VoIP packages. As a matter of fact, this VoIP hardware is indispensable for converting the household phone into one that can be used for making Internet enabled calls. Most important, the hardware and software of VoIP that are needed for the successful running of IP solutions have to be implemented properly through a proper procedure of software installation and hardware activation.

Quite a few service providers are currently present in the market which can help end users to get initiated. As a matter of fact, due to the many choices that are available, it often becomes difficult for potential users to zero in on particular service providers. In this context, a VoIP requirements list becomes indispensable. It is preferable that potential users should go for VoIP wholesalers or resellers that have established themselves well in this domain. The quality of services also becomes important in this context.

It is quite natural that potential users would want to get the most for the money that they spend. So, it is quite evident that they would check out the features and costs of the VoIP solutions and services on offer. They would then be able to match the same with their requirements and select solutions that best satisfy their needs. Certain parameters that need special attention include the financial stability of the company, the technical support that the company offers, and last but most important, the overall voice quality.

New VoIP Quality Monitoring Diagnostic Platform Cuts ISP Call Centre Queues

Internet service providers (ISPs) can now empower their voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) users to diagnose and accurately process VoIP faults for the first time.

Vocalite, the new diagnostic platform from Epitiro, the Internet performance experts, enables Internet telephony users to diagnose problems with their VoIP service even before contacting their provider. The results of the diagnostic test are automatically forwarded to the service provider which can begin to resolve any problems.

Vocalite is initiated via a web browser on either instruction from a service provider’s contact centre or by the end-user. A thorough analysis of the connection is completed and the summary of the test is displayed for the user. The test results are automatically sent through to the Internet provider.

Vocalite gives Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) at the ISP’s contact centre access to an extensive list of test results including Call Setup time, Dial Tone Delay and importantly Voice Quality. Visual pass and fail indicators allow non-technical CSRs to either assure the customer of adequate service quality or acknowledge the presence of a fault. This reduces the need for expensive second line support staff.

“Long contact centre queues frustrate customers and increase the likelihood of them looking for an alternative ISP. Vocalite gives the service provider a head start in fixing the fault and empowers their customers to diagnose the problem for themselves,” said Gavin Johns, Managing Director of Epitiro.

“Our products offer service providers the intelligence they need to gain and retain customers by monitoring and benchmarking their network performance. Vocalite measures the call quality across a provider’s network from an end-user’s perspective. This enables providers to keep a close eye on their networks and fix any potential service affecting problems before they reach the end-user.”

Quintum's intelligent VoIP

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Quintum's intelligent VoIP switches and gateways are the perfect fit for businesses.

Quintum makes it easy to deploy VoIP whether connecting existing PBXs, extending an IP-PBX to branch offices, or integrating a new IP-PBX with existing PBXs or legacy voice equipment. Click here.

Quintum's solutions are also "the perfect fit" for service providers deploying VoIP CPE for SIP trunking and hosted IP-PBX applications. Click here.

The new Survivable Tenor offers a complete branch office solution that assures business continuity in the event of IP failure.

Frost and Sullivan recognizes Quintum for its uniquely different solution for addressing the needs of the enterprise market. Click here for more informaton

Frost & Sullivan

"Quintum demonstrated outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development."
-Elka Popova
Global Program Director, Enterprise Communications
Frost & Sullivan

Quintum solutions

Enterprise Solutions
Are you deploying VoIP in a traditional PBX environment? With a state-of-the-art IP PBX? In a campus environment? Across dozens of locations worldwide? Need to support fax and other analog equipment? Want to "hop off" and/or "hop on" your network for long distance bypass?

Most importantly, do you want to ensure that the reliability of your voice services won't be jeopardized by problems on the network or the failure of any single piece of hardware?

We offer VoIP functionality at the edge of the enterprise network ... unmatched by any other vendor - including dynamic call failover, out-of-the-box interoperability with voice and data network environments, SIP and H.323 support, and more.

Read what our customers say about their Tenor networks!

Click here for more IP PBX information

Click here for more Traditional PBX information

Click here to learn how Quintum's unique MultiPath™ architecture radically eases deployment in all types of environments and ensures VoIP survivability even in the event of IP network failure.

Read about specific applications that utilized the Tenor VoIP Multipath products, such as:

IP PBX Multi-Office
Banking PBX Extension
Hospitality Retail
Long Distance Consolidation Call Centers

Vonage

First Month Free Learn More
Vonage

Voicemail Plus
• Caller ID with Name
• Call Waiting
• 24/7 Customer Service

• FREE Calls to Europeˇ
see details below for calling
conditions and select countries
• And More!
Start Your Risk–Free< Trial Now!
Call 1-800-706-9510 or click here to sign up online
Keep your phone and your numberˆ
Connect your FREE Vonage Adapter>
Get unlimited local and long distance
for only $24.99/month†

>>FREE MONTH OFFER ON $24.99 UNLIMITED RESIDENTIAL PLAN ONLY. PLAN FEE WAIVED BUT ALL OTHER CHARGES APPLY. NEW SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
‡$300 savings claim based on 3/07 survey of competing land line service providers. For complete information click here.
Free Calls To Europe Offer (available only with Unlimited Residential Plan) Does Not Apply To Certain Call Types, Such As Calls To Cell Phones, and is limited to Italy, France, Spain, UK and Ireland. Other International Rates May Vary. For International rates click here.
^Where available. The number transfer process takes approximately 10 business days from the time you confirm your transfer request.
Vonage 911 operates differently than traditional 911. E911 not available everywhere. For details click here.
High Speed Internet or Broadband Required. Alarms and other systems may not be compatible.
>Recovery fee equal to the retail value of the router (phone adapter) applies if customer terminates after return period and prior to 1 year.
†Rates exclude: broadband service, regulatory and activation fees and certain other charges, equipment, taxes, and shipping. Additional calling charges may apply on Basic Plans. International calls billed per minute. Offer valid in the US only. For Terms of Service click here.
*Set up and equipment needs may vary.
<30-day money back guarantee is refunded for any paid activation fee, 1st month service charge, initial shipping charges and termination fee. Applicable only to first ordered line per account. Available only in the event of timely cancellation for subscribers who have not exceeded 500 minutes of usage and who obtain a valid return authorization number from 1-VONAGE-HELP, and return of equipment in original condition and packaging within 14 days of cancellation. Refund will not include charges for taxes, international usage, payphone calls to Vonage toll free numbers and directory assistance. Offer revocable.
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Satisfaction Guaranteed<30 Days Risk-FreeUnlimited Local &Long Distance Calling$24.99/month†
Tested Against 7Internet Phone ServicesVonage made the list of PCWorld’s best Products of theYear PC World said...“best buy”“top notch audio”“great support”
First Month Free Learn More

VoIP Expert

Observer’s VoIP Expert, available in Observer Expert and Observer Suite, helps to manage and quickly troubleshoot VoIP across your network. Whether you are interested in the big picture or in a specific conversation, Observer offers real-time statistics, Expert VoIP analysis, and reports for all levels of VoIP traffic.

Understanding network and VoIP performance is the key to accurate troubleshooting. Observer provides visibility into the network, application, and VoIP traffic to quickly resolve any issue. The VoIP Expert provides summary views to easily understand the overall health of the VoIP network. Over 70 VoIP-specific metrics, like call quality, can be tracked on an aggregate or per-call basis. In troubleshooting, there are over 50 Expert events for immediate problem identification. Once an issue has been identified, drill-down on specific conversations for an in-depth view.

 

VoIP Expert Analysis Features

  • Convenient at-a-glance summaries
    • VoIP Traffic Summary
    • Call Summary
    • Voice Quality Scoring
    • Precedence (QoS)
  • Detailed views with in-depth Call Detail Records
    • Addresses
    • Status (Open, closed, fail)
    • Number of packets, packet bytes, packet loss
    • Start time, initial setup duration, duration
    • Current jitter, maximum jitter
    • MOS, R-factor
    • QoS for each call
    • Number of packets that arrive out of order
    • Detailed analysis for packet loss and delay
    • Gap and burst measurements

  • Long-term trending can now be performed on Call Details Records (New)

 

Quickly Solve Problems with over 50 VoIP Experts
Observer offers over 50 event-based and threshold-based VoIP Experts to immediately flag problems for faster problem resolution. Examples include:

   • Alarms for unacceptable jitter level
   • Lost packets
   • Alterations in the QoS stream

 

 

Share VoIP Reports With Others
Through a web browser, engineers can generate and view a variety of reports on VoIP performance statistics and call quality scoring. These reports can be easily shared across the company and scheduled to be automatically e-mailed to management.

Manage VoIP Audio Quality
Observer displays the individual Mean Opinion Score (MOS) and R-factor for every call and as an average for all calls. Place alarms on this score to proactively manage overall VoIP quality.

Learn more about call scoring:

Factors that measure call scoring within Observer can be customized depending upon the network’s specific VoIP equipment and overall network characteristics. For example, VoIP calls made on the factory floor may be scored differently than a call made within a small, quiet office.

Quality score impairment factors include:

    • Loudness rating
    • Talker Echo Loudness Rating
    • Circuit noise
    • Floor noise    
    • Coding and decoding delay

 

Monitor Quality of Service (QoS)
Observer’s VoIP Expert reports QoS levels by call, packet, and protocol. This VoIP analysis also shows percentage of VoIP utilization as compared to the rest of network traffic allowing you to plan network upgrades.

QoS standards recognized include:

  • Default: RFC 1349, 1195, 1123, 791
  • OSPF V2: RFC 1248, 1247
  • DSCP: RFC 2474

VoIP Expert includes call ID and stream information including:

  • Number of packets
  • Jitter
  • Call setup
  • Duration
  • Teardown
  • Lost packets burst and gap measurements

Evaluate Jitter
Observer’s VoIP Expert displays the statistical variance of packet arrival times, also known as jitter, measured in timestamp units or RTP time units.

Measure Bursts and Gaps
Observer’s VoIP Expert provides comprehensive metrics for monitoring bursts, which are periods characterized by high rates of packet loss, and gaps, or periods characterized by low rates of packet loss. Burst and gap percentages can quickly indicate the quality of a call.

 

Track and Decode VoIP and Video
Observer offers complete VoIP and video decodes, including H.323, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), MGCP, and SCCP (Cisco "skinny"). Observer also supports Avaya CCMS, Nortel UNIStim, and Mitel® systems.

Nortel UNIStim licensed separately

Reconstruct and Review VoIP Calls
Captured calls can be reconstructed so you can review and hear call quality issues experienced by users.

Compare VoIP to Network Performance
An analyzer with comprehensive VoIP analysis, Observer has the ability to track VoIP as well as overall network performance. Observer can identify whether jitter or delay is being caused by other applications on the network.

Monitor VoWLAN
With the Network Instruments Distributed Network Analysis (NI-DNA) architecture, all of Observer’s VoIP enhancements are automatically available across multiple topologies. For example, Observer’s VoIP Expert has the capability to monitor VoIP traffic even over wireless networks.

VOIPSTUNT; THE OTHER FREE* CALLS PHONE COMPANY


Free* phone calls all around the world: Download the free VoipStunt.

VoipStunt is a free program that uses the latest technology to bring free and high-quality voice communications to people all over the world. When you use the free VoipStunt software, you can call regular phones in various popular destinations for free or call at an incredible low rate to any other phone on the planet.

You can also call all your online friends (peer-to-peer calls) as long as you like, for free. Just click here to download VoipStunt; the download should take only a few moments depending on your connection speed.

Download the free VoipStunt!

System requirements
PC running Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (with SP2)
300 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
10 MB free disk space on your hard drive
Sound Card, and headset with microphone
Internet Connection broadband: Cable, DSL, with minimum 64 kbit/s up/downstream)

Download VoipStunt!

Yahoo voice


Phone Out
With Yahoo! Voice, you're making the right call.
To make a call through Yahoo! Messenger, just type the number in the text box.
144 |
Call Phone Number 144
Send SMS
Search the web

When dialing, always remember to include the area code and/or country code (even when you�re calling someone local).
For example, if you�re in the 408 area code in the U.S., and you�re calling your next door neighbor, you still dial 408 271-XXXX.  If you�re making an international call, and you have your home country set to the U.S., you�ll have to add 011 before the number.
Fun things to do while talking.
During a conversation, your call window opens to display the phone number of the person you�re talking to.  To adjust the volume, just double-click the tiny speaker or microphone icons in the call box.
In the call window you�ll also see a running tally of how long you�ve been talking.  Plus you�ll see the estimated talk time remaining in your account (based on the rate for that particular call).  Click View my account to see your remaining balance, billing summary, and call history.
View my account...
There�s also a button to mute the call, and one to put the person on hold.  To end the call? You guessed it, click End Call.
Hold
End call
Do we have your ear? Since you�re interested in PC calling, check out some other cool features in Yahoo! Messenger.

How to Use VoipCheap with your SIP device

How to Use VoipCheap with your SIP device

You need a VoipCheap username and password in order to call via our network. So first sign up with VoipCheap by downloading and installing the application and create your login.

In order to call ULTRA CHEAP via the VoipCheap network, enter the settings below:

You can use VoipCheap with the following types of Sip devices:

SIP ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter)
SIP Router
xDSL Modem
The most devices are equipped with a combination of the following ports.
Example 1

(this is merely an example layout, every type of device can be different)
Example 2

(this is merely an example layout, every type of device can be different)
(A)DSL: connect your line from your (A)DSL provider (not available on a ATA)
WAN: connect your line from your xDSL modem/router
LAN: port for your (home) network, you can connect e.g. your PC, lap-top or wireless router
PHONE: here you can connect your analogue telephone
LINE: connect your analogue (PSTN) telephone line
USB: you can connect PC or lap-top with a free USB port

Some SIP devices have more than one LAN port and/or PHONE port available.
For the hardware connections from your SIP device look at the above information and your user manual.
After connecting the hardware you have to make sure that your software is installed and configured the right way.

Instructions voipcheap

How to Use VoipCheap

System Requirements^ top

In order to use the software, your computer must meet the following minimum system requirements.

Minimum System Requirements:

  • PC running Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (with SP2)
  • 300 MHz processor
  • 128 MB RAM
  • 10 MB free disk space on your hard drive
  • Sound Card and a headset
  • Internet Connection broadband: Cable, DSL, with minimum 64 kbit/s up/downstream)

However, in order to take advantage of all of the advanced features of VoipCheap and to experience the best sound quality possible, we highly recommend the following configuration.

Recommended System Requirements:

  • PC running Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (with SP2)
  • 1 GHz processor
  • 256 MB RAM
  • 30 MB free space on your hard drive
  • Full duplex sound card (most sound cards made after 1998), headset
  • Cable, DSL or equivalent broadband connection to Internet

Downloading VoipCheap ^ top

The software is free to download and you can always get the latest version here. If you have any problems using VoipCheap, please first make sure that you are using the most recent version of the software.

To download VoipCheap to your computer, simply click the download link. Save the installation file to your computer. Be sure to remember where you saved the file (for instance the Desktop).

Installation ^ top

Double-click the installation file you just downloaded to start installing VoipCheap on your computer.

VoipCheap starts automatically each time you start windows. With VoipCheap always running, other users will be more likely to find you online. You can change these settings at any time from the VoipCheap program by selecting "options".

Starting VoipCheap for the First Time ^ top

The first time you start VoipCheap, you will be asked to choose a User Name and password. The User Name and password fields are required in order to use VoipCheap. You can choose any name but it must be at least 6 characters in length. If the name is already in use by someone else you will have to try another name.

Making your first VoipCheap call ^ top

For a call to any online VoipCheap user, simply enter the username in the textbox and click the dial button. For a call to any regular phone, enter the desired number in the textbox and click the dial-button. If you are calling a land line in one of our free destinations, the call will be placed at no costs at all. For all other calls, you will be asked to buy credits first.

Please note that when you call a number (even if it's local) you should always dial 00 + countrycode + areacode + subscribernumber)

Improving Sound Quality ^ top

To get the best possible sound quality, we highly recommend you try the following:

  • Use a headset with a built in microphone. Headsets are available for purchase at most computer retailers and will dramatically improve sound quality.
  • Tell your friend to get a headset. Note that voice quality is affected by the equipment on both sides of the conversation. The best way to ensure high quality sound is to have a headset on both ends of the conversation.

If you don't have a headset, you are still likely to improve sound quality if you:

  • Use headphones instead of your computer speakers
  • Try moving the microphone closer or further away from your mouth
  • Use an external microphone (note that most laptops use low-quality microphones)
  • Update your soundcard drivers
  • Note that if you don't own a microphone, you may be able to use a pair of headphones as a temporary solution by connecting these to the microphone jack of your sound card. Try it!

Tabs ^ top

VoipCheap is divided into several tabs, each with a specific purpose.

The Contacts Tab shows other VoipCheap users which you have added to your Contact List. The icon next to the User Name indicates the Online Status of these users. You can right-click any User Name in your Contact List to see a number of choices for communicating with, or managing this user in your Contact List.

The Dial pad Tab shows you a graphic representation of the buttons you find on any ordinary phone, and they work accordingly.

Speed-dial text field ^ top

The Text Box near the bottom of the main VoipCheap window allows you to call directly by entering their User Name or phone number and pressing enter.

Calling with VoipCheap ^ top

There are several ways to call with VoipCheap:

  • From the textbox, enter the User Name of another VoipCheap user, or the desired phone number and press enter.
  • Double-click a User Name in your contact list.
  • Use the dialpad to make a call just like you do on a regular phone.
  • Or use the keypad on your PC.

    Please note that when you call a number (even if it's local) you should always dial 00 + countrycode + areacode + subscribernumber

Using a SIP device^ top

If you want to use your own preferred SIP device, but also want to profit from the great VoIPCheap offers, you can click here for information about setting up your SIP device with VoIPCheap.

Using other hardware^ top

VoIPCheap has selected, tested and certified various USB phones, headsets, routers and other hardware for your convenience. Click here for an overview.

Need more info?^ top

Check our frequently asked questions.

Version updates ^ top

We are constantly upgrading our software. If you want to know more about the latest changes click here.

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List of commercial voice over IP network providers

This is a list of commercial voice over IP network providers, arranged alphabetically with no restriction to region. Only operating providers with customers should be included. See also Category:Free VoIP software.

Adams Cable
AIM Phoneline
AIM Call Out
AT&T CallVantage
Bellshare (Germany and USA)
Broadvoice
BT Group (UK trading as BT Broadband Talk)
Cable & Wireless (Global product)
Cbeyond
Clearwire (only for Clearwire Wireless customers)
Charter Communications
Comcast Digital Voice
Covad (ClearEdge Office, Pro and Integrated access)
Cox Communications (Northern Virginia)(Parts of Rhode Island)
Deltathree (Global)
Engin (Australia)
FaktorTel (Australia)
Gizmo Project (SIPphone)
iTalkBB
Jajah (connects two regular telephones)
Lingo
Mediacom
Modern Telegraph
Net2Phone
ntl:Telewest Business (part of Virgin Media)
Packet8 (8x8)
Parlino
Primus Canada
Qwest Communications
Sipgate (Germany, Austria, UK)
Shaw Communications
Skype
Speakeasy
Suddenlink Communications
Teamspeak
Tesco (UK)
Truphone
Time Warner
Vbuzzer
Verizon VoiceWing
VoicePulse
Voipfone (mainly UK)
VoipStunt
Vonage
Voxbone
Vyke
Wengo
Windows Live Call
WOW - Internet Cable Phone
Yahoo - Voice

Mobile VoIP

Mobile VoIP is the application of Voice over IP technology to mobile handsets.

There are several methodologies by which a mobile handset can be integrated into a VoIP network. One implementation turns the mobile device into a standard SIP client, which then uses a data network to send and receive SIP messaging, and to send and receive RTP for the voice path. This methodology of turning a mobile handset into a standard SIP client requires that the mobile handset support, at minimum, high speed IP communications. In this application, standard VoIP protocols (typically SIP) are used over any broadband IP-capable wireless network connection such as EVDO rev A (which is synchronously high speed - both high speed up and down), HSDPA, WiFi or WiMAX.

Another implementation of mobile integration uses a softswitch like gateway to bridge SIP and RTP into the mobile network's SS7 infrastructure. In this implementation, the mobile handset continues to operate as it always has (as a GSM or CDMA based device), but now it can be controlled by a SIP application server which can now provide advanced SIP based services to it. Several vendors offer this kind of capability today, including Tango Networks, Outsmart, NewStep, BridgePort and BroadSoft.

Mobile VoIP will require a compromise between economy and mobility. For example, Voice over Wi-Fi offers potentially free service but is only available within the coverage area of a Wi-Fi Access Point. High speed services from mobile operators using EVDO rev A or HSDPA may have better audio quality and capabilities for metropolitan-wide coverage including fast handoffs among mobile base stations, yet it will cost more than the typical Wi-Fi-based VoIP service.

Mobile VoIP will become an important service in the coming years as device manufacturers exploit more powerful processors and less costly memory to meet user needs for ever-more 'power in their pocket'. Smartphones in mid-2006 are capable of sending and receiving email, browsing the web (albeit at low rates) and in some cases allowing a user to watch TV.

The challenge for the mobile operator industry is to deliver the benefits and innovations of IP without losing control of the network service. Users like the Internet to be free and high speed without extra charges for visiting specific sites. Such a service challenges the most valuable service in the telecommunications industry - voice - and threatens to change the nature of the global communications industry.