What Is Voice Over IP (VoIP) And How Does It Work
Introduction To Voice Over IP (VoIP)
The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances things have already changed. Take long distance calls for instance, many service providers are already using a technology called Voice Over IP or VoIP for short. If you have never heard of Voice over IP (VoIP) before, then the following article will change the way you think about how long distance phone calls are being made now, and about how all phone calls will be made in the future. Voice Over IP (VoIP) is a method for turning analogue audio signals into digital data that can be transferred over the internet.
You may be asking yourself how this new VoIP technology is useful. Well think about it for a few seconds. If it is possible to turn analogue signals into digital data, then VoIP can turn a standard internet connection into a method for placing phone calls anywhere in the world virtually free, except for your internet service fee, enabling you to bypass the phone companies entirely.
Voice Over IP (VoIP) has the potential to completely revolutionise the way the worlds phone systems operate. There are many VoIP service providers that have been around for a while, and are growing steadily. Now the worlds leading telecommunications operators are waking up to the endless possibilities of this new technology, setting up VoIP calling centres around the world and promoting the sales of Voice Over IP phone systems.
Making a call
With VoIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three ways:
ATA (gateway) – The simplest way to make a VoIP phone call is through the use of ATA’s (analogue telephone adaptors) sometimes called gateways. These devices enable you to make use of your existing standard analogue phones. You simply plug your standard handset into the ATA (gateway) then connect the ATA to your computer or your internet connection, enabling you to make VoIP calls. An ATA takes the analogue signal from your standard phone and turns it into a digital signal that is ready for transmission over the internet. Some ATA’s (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer, enabling you to configure it for VoIP accurately.
IP Phones – These handsets look just like normal standard handsets. They have an RJ 45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the necessary software and hardware to handle VoIP calls already built in them. They connect directly to your router, providing a very fast and cost effective entry into the world of Voice Over IP.
Computer to computer – This is the easiest way to make use of the VoIP technology. There are many companies offering cost effective software that you can use for this type of VoIP. Usually the only charge you pay is the monthly one from your internet service provider, even for long distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable sound card and a fast internet connection.
Chances are that you have already made a Voice over IP (VoIP) call without even realising it. The major phone companies already use VoIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing VoIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it finds its way into every business and household across the globe.
Voice over IP (VoIP) Features
Because with VoIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATA’s with them on trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.
Some people use a softphone to access their VoIP service. A softphone is a specially developed software application that loads the VoIP service onto your desktop computer or laptop. Some even have an interface on the screen that looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to place VoIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a broadband connection.
Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra features that are added to your account. With VOIP service providers these usually come as standard. Features such as:
1. Caller ID
2. Call Waiting
3. Call Transfer
4. Repeat Dialling
5. Return Call
6. Three-Way Dialling
Some VoIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using caller ID information. They allow you to:
1. Forward the call to a particular number
2. Send the call directly to voicemail
3. Give the caller a busy signal
4. Play a “not-in-service” message
Many VoIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the internet or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or PDA. It’s best to check with VoIP phone system suppliers and service operators exactly what features they offer as package and service prices vary greatly.
There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a streamlined Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system network. For the network administrators, a VoIP phone system means they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VoIP phone systems can be configured using a web interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC (move, add, change) process is made much easier, and you will not have to call your system/service provider for every MAC you carry out. All this means lower ongoing costs for your company.
Another cost saving for companies who implement a VoIP system is, because multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world are seamlessly connected, they can share many of the features VoIP can offer, such as:
1. One single receptionist
2. Auto attendant facilities
3. Voice mail system
Choosing a VOIP phone system
If you have decided that a VoIP phone system is the right step for your company, next you need to determine which of your existing telephone equipment you are able to keep. The potential cost savings that can be made through using any existing digital equipment are huge. Many digital phone systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions and software upgrades.
When shopping around for potential systems you need to be certain of the features they provide as standard and which are optional cost extras. You also need to be certain of exactly what is included with the system. Many suppliers claim to include everything you need, but standard components can vary from one company to the other. So you need to sure you are comparing equivalent systems when approaching potential suppliers.
You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The technology used in many VOIP systems may affect the implementation of any existing telephone hardware.
You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax machines, credit card processors, and security systems etc can be integrated into your new VoIP phone system. You should make any potential vendor aware of such devices so they can provide you with a suitable phone system for your requirements.
Finally, do not try to save money by buying used VoIP phone systems. Remember Voice over IP (VoIP) is a new technology, so even last years equipment is outdated. Also the installation cost will still apply whether the system is new or second hand, and the service costs may even be higher due to reliability issues. To put it simply it just isn’t worth the hassle, the higher secondary costs will wipe out any potential saving.
Thanks for reading,
The Google Adsense Blogging And Pinging Really Bring In The Big Bucks By Harpreet Kaur
Some of the very biggest buzz words on the internet right now are Adsense Blogging and Pinging. Many internet gurus claim these are the essentials for attracting visitors to your site and consequentially making those bucks through AdSense, you can check it out from.
This article will discuss adsense and the secret of blogging and pinging for fast adsense wealth accumulation. AdSense is the name of an advertising service that is administered by Google. It allows webmasters to feature advertising on their websites, and thus generate extra income. Payments are made on the basis of either per click or per every thousand impressions. Geographical location, website content, and other related factors are used by Google to determine which Adsense ads to serve.
The sites wanting to be advertised are able to sign up through a Google program called AdWords. It is no secret that one of the simplest ways to make money online is through Google AdWords. It enables you to readily market products for which you are an affiliate. Adwords advertisers appear on the right hand side of any Google web page. Adwords advertisers pay Google every time a visitor clicks on their Adwords ad. The secret to doing well through Google Adwords is by paying as little as possible for your clicks, achieving a high click through rate, and a high sale conversion rate.
The best kind of blog lets readers put in their 2 cents worth. People love to be able to voice their opinions, and tend to get frustrated when they can’t. Thus, the best blog is an online discussion web site that allows both you the web owner and your readers to voice their opinions on a specific subject. So where do you begin? Well, for one thing, your blog needs to be specific to succeed, unless you’re a celebrity. People will go to Paris Hilton’s site to read just about any fool thing she writes off the top of her head, but don’t think you can do that. I know it’s not fair, but that’s how it is.
If you’re not famous, you need to focus on a niche topic. For instance rather than run a Blog on dogs why not specialize in black labs or some other breed? for more detail you can login to I guarantee you, if you put a cute picture of a black lab with a red bandana around her neck up, you’ll have all the other black lab owners dropping by to tell stories about their own dogs. Pinging is how you tell the entire Blog community as a whole that your Blog site is up and running. Most Blog software has a feature that does this for you when a new post or comment has been made.
Voice Over Wimax
Voice over WiMAX – Changing the Rules of Telecom
Next generation wireless solution
WiMAX, the solution of choice for next generation broadband, is designed from its core to deliver large throughput with a variety of applications – IP connectivity, voice and video. As both a reliable wireline replacement solution and next step to legacy mobile, it has the ability to support providers in offering first line (or first device) replacement, through product bundles or standalone services. In today’s competitive telecommunications landscape, it has become imperative to deliver a total product portfolio on a broadband basis, even in markets where liberalization processes moved slower than in the leading economies.
Technology for broadband data and voice
The WiMAX technology, and more importantly the functionalities it provides, constitute the opportunity for service providers to cover all types of usage behavior, ranging from typical fix usage in captive locations to access while being on the move. This unique attribute allows service providers to design product bundles including voice and compete not only with legacy incumbents and other wireline operators, but also have competitive offerings for users requiring different types of wireless freedom. WiMAX as a data-centric technology is also going to meet expectations of the next generation of voice customers, who have positive mind set towards voice over IP and communicate using such devices like USB phones, laptops and other portable multimedia devices. In fact starting from the year 2008, notebooks and gradually other consumer electronic devices will have WiMAX chips embedded in them and will become a perfect fit for all operators planning to roll-out networks of the 802.16 standard.
Support for new wave mobility
As an always-on technology, WiMAX is not only the solution of choice for instant internet access, but also well suited for permanent voice availability. From the end-user device perspective, the voice connectivity is being assured based on a softphone-client solution residing as an application, like in a typical PC-based environment. Current trends oriented towards unification of mobile telephony and computer devices result in new converged solutions for the mass market, called ultra-mobile PC. These multimedia devices will have the ability not only to access various data networks, but also serve voice in a data-based environment. This represents another fit with a wireless broadband network that can not only carry volume but is also capable to support seamless mobility.
The benefits for the customers seems therefore to be assured in the short as well as in the long term. Not only are solutions being developed that bring services and advantages to existing alternatives, but the next-wave functionalities supporting more technology-oriented societies are rapidly coming to market.
Practical implementation
Voice over WiMAX has become already a real life experience and a viable business. In Central and Eastern Europe, WiMAX Telecom, a leading WiMAX service provider, delivers voice services along with its broadband offering over its 802.16 network.  The service, branded WiMAX FON, is offered currently as a first line replacement solution, allowing customers to switch completely from the incumbent operator. The service also offers number portability as an additional feature of the package.  On the technical level, the service is based on SIP protocol, with an end-to-end quality assurance. This is secured due to the following environmental factors:
- full IP supervision within own network – there is no transmission through public Internet),
- no packet compression, allowing for superior sound quality outperforming on comparative level the abilities of mobile networks,
- voice traffic prioritization.Â
Both data and voice traffic are transmitted within the fully owned and managed IP network, that has MPLS (MultiProtocol Label Switching) implemented. Furthermore in order to provide the necessary resources for the voice transmission quality, a vendor specific dynamic resource allocation protocol and IP ToS (Type of Service) within the MPLS network are also implemented. The standard for audio companding applied in the network is G.711, which provides an 8 kHz sampling frequency and 64 kb/s bitrate.
For voice termination, the infrastructure is interconnected with a typical “anchor network”, which is usually the network of the incumbent, and also with wholesale operators which provide interconnectivity and termination services on an international level. It is important to emphasize the portability feature, which is one of the key functionalities for customers switching from other networks, but insisting on having still the same telephone number. The technical feasibility for this can be assured only when interconnected with the incumbent or an interconnect partner, that also provides portability outsourcing.
The competitiveness of the voice services is also enhanced thanks to additional on-top options. One of the is the so called customer self-care, which enables customers to manage their broadband and voice services conveniently on-line and 24 hours a day, thus being not dependent from any call center or legacy type helpdesk. From the voice service perspective the self-care system allows to obtain electronic invoices, analyze real-time billing, manage customer data, reroute incoming connections, etc.
The implementation of voice services in WiMAX networks has delivered numerous benefits for customers. These include:
- possibility for a complete switch-off from incumbent operator,
- one voice and data package,
- no need for wireline infrastructure for all services,
- flexibility thanks to number portability (no need to change existing number),
- savings due to product bundle and lack of legacy copper wire subscription.
Many have questioned if the WiMAX technology and business case is ready for the future. When looking at all the recent developments, both on the side of infrastructure, applications and services, it seems that the answer is clear.
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What Is Internet Phone Service?
Internet phone service, broadband phone service, IP phone service and digital phone service are all terms that are commonly used to describe VoIP.
Voice Over Internet Protocol is a technology that makes it possible for telephone calls to be made over the internet. Unlike traditional land-line service, internet phone service does not rely on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) that telephone companies use; it uses a broadband internet connection to route calls over the World Wide Web. Broadband phone service is unbelievably cheap because there are no high phone company fees involved.
Internet phone calls originate on the internet, but do not have to terminate on an internet phone. You can use broadband phone service to call anyone anywhere in the world. The person you are calling does not have to be using internet phone service.
There are two types of internet phone service that are very popular and widely used today – hardware VoIP and software VoIP (also known as soft phone, IP phone or SIP phone). Although both use the internet to route phone calls, hardware VoIP uses a small piece of equipment called a VoIP adapter to process calls and SIP VoIP uses your computer and a special software program for calling. Both hardware and software-based internet phone service provide a money saving alternative to regular land-line service, but each is best suited to meet a certain type of need.
Software-Based Internet Phone Service
Because software-based internet phone service works via your computer, it works best for occasional use or for traveling. You have to have a PC with a sound card, speakers and microphone. For the best quality, it is recommended to use a headset with microphone, or a special device called a USB phone or IP phone. Once you have established an internet connection, you use a VoIP software program to make and receive calls. Although it is possible to make internet phone calls over a dial-up connection, broadband internet is recommended for the best quality.
Most software-based VoIP providers allow you to download their software and set up an account for free. With most IP phone companies, “in network†calls are usually free, and you only pay if when you make calls to outsiders. You can get really cheap international long distance rates with this type of service, and many people use it solely for this purpose. There are many good softphone internet phone service providers to choose from, including Skype, Net2Phone and WebPhone. Vonage, who has up until recently been a hardware-based VoIP provider, is now also offering software VoIP service.
Hardware-Based Internet Phone Service
Hardware-based internet phone service is much easier to use, as it looks and feels just like regular land line phone service. This type of service is best suited for home and business use, as it requires no computer and you use regular telephones to make calls. Most people use this type of VoIP service as a replacement for traditional phone service. When people talk about broadband phone service, digital phone service or internet phone service, they are usually referring to hardware-based VoIP. The VoIP company you subscribe with provides a small device called a VoIP adapter, which connects to the internet on one side and to a telephone on the other. The adapter takes care of routing all calls to/from the internet.
Broadband phone service requires a subscription, and you can normally choose between a “limited†plan of 200-500 local and long distance minutes or an “unlimited local and long distance calling†plan. With unlimited plans costing anywhere from $18 to $30 per month, the majority of internet phone service subscribers choose this because it is most cost-effective.
All VoIP providers offer cheap international calling rates. Many have an optional “unlimited international calling†plan that usually runs around $50 per month and includes local and domestic long distance as well. There are several good broadband phone service providers to choose from. Some of the better known VoIP providers are Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8 and AT&T CallVantage.
Nokia E65 Available Complete Business Phone
Nokia E65 has features which a business person required. It’s a mobile phone who fulfil all the business need including business mail, GPRS, internet, QuickOffice Word, PowerPoint and Excel document and supports conference calling, 3G capabilities and much more. The Nokia E65 come with email capabilities with support for POP3, SMTP protocols, IMAP4 and even includes some third party applications such as Blackberry Connect. Nokia E65 includes support for SIP (session initiation protocol), which you can used for voice over IP (VoIP) services if you want in your mobile phones.
This Nokia phone provides support of a range of attachment file formats including JPEG, 3GP, DOC, MP3, PPT, XLS, and PDF files. Nokia E65 also includes a 256MB microSD card facility. It has both voice recording and dialling functionality. Nokia E65 mobile phone deals includes infrared, Bluetooth 1.2 and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. The presence of Wi-Fi in mobiles is less rare than it once was, but the E65 goes a step further than other Nokia handsets we’ve seen in terms of making it usable. Nokia e65 has a Wi-Fi ’sniffer’ on board, which can be set to check for networks in the vicinity at set intervals. A notification of Wi-Fi status can be placed on the handset’s main screen. It has better compatibility with all these functionality.
Nokia E65 a Smartphone come in different colour including red, black and other good colour with chrome edging. It looks more like a fashion phone than a business phone, and we really liked the touch of class Nokia has added. In particular, the slider felt well-built, with a swift and smooth opening action. The phone measures 105mm x 49mm x 15.5mm and weighs 115g, so it’s relatively light and compact, considering the features included.
Its QVGA display has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and support for up to 16 million colours, and is both bright and clear. Nokia E65 mobile phone has 2 Megapixel camera which you can count as ultimate feature in this business phone. Nokia E65 has key operated functionalities which you can used to operate your business work’s including conference calling, phonebook and mute.
No More Steep Phone Bills – Computer Phones Are On The Rise
Telecommunication advancement has brought about this change in keeping in touch throughout the world. The PC phone calls are a step still further in this advancement, specially when it is compared to PSTN levels
These type of calls save a huge amount on international and long distance calls. These calls can be made through your own PC. It has brought a sort of revolution in the telecommunication industry. It has brought about a terrific change in how people communicate throughout the globe. These PC phone calls are transmitted in the form of compressed data packets. The banwidth they utilize is much less. Even the cost is much lower.
There are a lot of homes where this facility has reached once people have realized their worth. For making use of this unlimited phone call service you have to have a PC, internet connection, advanced IP service and a head set. The PC to phone calls gives clarity of speech, with negligible loss of sound, besides being less costly. For the users it is a bonanza since they get to make international calls without paying anything extra.
By using this facility people are saving on monthly telephone bills. By making use of the PC phone service you can save upto 60% as compared to the PSTN services. It turns out much cheaper for a user for his day to day communication.
Besides this there are many more features that make this so popular the world over.
1. Reasonable charged calling facility. PC2 phone calls costs much less then the traditional telecom services. By switching technoque the calls are charged according to the usage. Even the basic monthly fee of PC phone is less than the PSTN services.
2. Add on benefits: For add ons the user does not have to pay anything extra. There is call forwarding, call waiting, voice mail, caller ID, and also three way calling. Also the user can send data, pictures or videos at the same time while talking.
3. Unlimited Long Distance Calling:The number of calls whether local or international is unlimited without any extra charges.
4. Portability: With PC phone calls you can receive them at the remotest areas which is not so with PSTN services. All you need for making a call is a PC and internet connection. So without a number of wires bothering you, you can chat send data and do a lot more.
5. Easy Installing: The requirement for installation are broadband modem, (either cable or DSL) a router and an IP phone. It is easy to mange also.
In the end we can say that now more and more people are opting for PC phones. The number of telephony companies is also increasing as a result of this because the busy executives, globe trotting professionals and house makers are all seeing its advantages.
