What is VoIP
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?
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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 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
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VoIP Expert
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)
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.
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...
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| 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
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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 |
(this is merely an example layout, every type of device can be different)
(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
- Downloading VoipCheap
- Installation
- Starting VoipCheap for the First Time
- Making your first VoipCheap call
- Improving Sound Quality
- Tabs
- Speed-dial text field
- Calling with VoipCheap
- Using a SIP device
- Using other hardware
- Version updates
- Need more info?
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.
Need more info?^ top
List of commercial voice over IP network providers
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
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.