How Does VoIP Really Work?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. By using a VoIP phone and VoIP technology you can effectively use the internet to make phone calls. VoIP does this by placing the voice calls on network which encrypts the voice in data packets at one end and encrypts it in voice calls at the other end. In VoIP, encryption and decryption is from a analog signal (i.e. your voice call) into digital signal (data packets) and again into the analog signal.
You can make VOIP calls by a regular phone with VOIP adapter or even from your computer using a simple microphone. VoIP applications can generally be used with a simple microphone and computer speakers, but IP telephones or VoIP boxes can also be used, providing an experience identical to normal telephoning. Many VOIP manufacturers are designing phones which are specially meant to work with this technology, called SIP phone, and now extensively used by growing VoIP users.
In the past year, the quality and reliability of VoIP technology has improved to the point that vast numbers of users have abandoned their standard telephone contracts entirely, in favor of VoIP. Local as well as long distance calling is available for VoIP. Rates and plans can vary from one VoIP service provider to another VoIP service provider.
Advantages of using VOIP
Using VOIP you can effectively cut down your phone bills, since you just pay to your regular internet connection and small fees to your VOIP service provider. Setting up conference calls with VOIP is very easy.
You can even set up your own VoIP network and don’t need any special equipment like PBX etc. You can call to any local telephone, mobile, long distance number or any international number through VoIP phones. More importantly, the person you are calling by using VoIP technology does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone.
Many additional features like call forwarding, call tracing, reminders, caller ID are readily available in VoIP Phones. You can even assign a local telephone number to your VOIP phone set, and just need a fast internet connection to use your VOIP service anywhere in the world.
VoIP Dilemma
VoIP applications and services require data transfer in real time. During a call an interactive data voice exchange takes place. Unfortunately, TCP/IP is not well suited for this purpose. Sometimes you have to wait for a few seconds, to hear the other side answering. But with recent developments streaming the flow of voice signals has improved. PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone calling quality is still not as sharp as regular PSTN calls. However, with SIP phones and a reliable high speed internet connection there is little or no difference….and sometimes the quality is even better.
SIP Phones
SIP Phones are the phones which are specifically designed to work as VOIP phones. SIP phone can be considered as a network endpoint routing voice via its IP address. This allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. With SIP phones you can use advanced features like voice mail to email etc. Using a SIP phone also closely resembles a regular analog phone in look, feel, function, and ease of use.
FCC and VoIP
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates VOIP Services in the USA. They are in charge to create and promote telecommnuication regulations….such as VOIP services….to benefit consumers. In November, 2004 FCC ruled that individual States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP services, which made the cost of VOIP services even more attractive in relation to standard PSTN phone services.
What Is A Voice Over And How Is It Used?
There are many different kinds of voice overs that we all hear each and every day. They fill the airwaves with the messages that make our modern world go around.
A voice-over artist is an actor or actress who uses their voice talent in order to give personality to a cartoon character or to be utilized in a commercial to name a few. The voice over can be spoken by someone who the audience will see or by a specialist voice actor someone who the crowd will not see. There are many devices to employ a voice-over with. These can be used in building character, creative influences in film, education, or in advertising and marketing.
One of the most common ways to use voice overs is in TV and movies. For instance, animated characters (such as the children from the show ‘South Park’) are animated. They require voice talent in order to give them personalities and to make the show work. There are times where well movie stars are used as the voice artists, such as Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz, who lent their voices for the ‘Shrek’ movies, or, it is a specialized voice actor, not a screen-actor who voices the characters. Obviously, using an actor’s voice is critical to building the animated character and bringing them to life.
In other examples, there are no animated characters, but the need for off screen articulation is still there. A voice-over can be used to manufacture an ironic twist, or to make a statement in the movie. This is the creative device. It can be a member of the cast narrating, or miss-matched voices speaking and the narration does not match the actors on screen. This creates a sense of imbalance and lends to the movies’ inventiveness, such as the film ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’, where this technique is applied.
Moving away from film usage, voice-overs can also be used for educational or descriptive purposes. The TV news is broadcast with video clips and commentary by the reporters, who are describing and explaining the significance of the images being shown. Sports broadcasts also have spoken comments, particularly when played over the radio. There are also narrations that are used as a critique by a critic or historian, possibly even directors about when a new movie or DVD will be released.
Sometimes, instead of just commentary or news programs, voices are also used for advertising and marketing applications. We do not see the artist that is narrating the advertising or marketing ad, but we hear it on televison, radio, in stores and the mall, to name a few places. Voice-overs were primarily used on radio, but since the advent of the TV, this device has crossed over into television as well.
Some well known and memorable voice-over artists are Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Hal Douglas, & James Earl Jones. These artists and the utilization of their voice over talents are very useful in many different facets of our daily lives. It is not just for showbiz. It can be used creatively and commercially, and almost all people come into contact with it on a regular basis.
5 VoIP Terms You Didn’t Know About
1. ATA – This term means analog telephone generator and it’s the device used to connect the standard phone in your home to digital data so it can be transmitted over the Internet. ATA is also referred to as an analog-to-digital converter. The analog signal from your phone is simply converted into digital data that will be transmitted on the Internet.
2. H.323 – this term defines the protocols used to provide audio-visual communication sessions on any packet network. H.323 is a system specification used to describe ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). The standard uses various codecs, that includes: video codecs (H.261, H.263, H.264), audio codecs (G.711, G.729, G.729a, G.723.1, G.726) and text codecs (T.140).
3. MGCP – The Media Gateway Control Protocol is another protocol used in the VoIP system. Also known as H.248 and Megaco, the MGCP deals with signaling and session management during a conference. This protocol is the result of combining other two protocols – the Internet Protocol Device Control (IPDC) and Simple Gateway Control Protocol (SGCP),
4. SIP – The Session Initiation Protocol is a standard for multimedia conferencing over IP. SIP is designed to manage sessions within a packet telephony network. SIP also deals with signaling, that allows information to be carried over the network.
5. Megaco – Megaco/H.248, the Media Gateway Control Protocol, is used between a Media Gateway and a Media Gateway Controller in a VoIP network.
Choosing the right IT certification
It seems that every IT college or school these days is advertising fast track training to the CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate). They are heavily promoting this certification and how it can put you on the fast track for the IT or networking career of your dreams. This certification is in fact a very important one, but is it the most important one? Will it get you the job of your dreams?
The CCNA is actually the first step in a path of many different Cisco certifications. The CCNA certification consists of a single exam covering a broad number of networking topics including the OSI model, IP, routing protocols, security, and much more. It is used to validate a persons ability to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot a routed or switched network.
Many people believe that the certification alone is enough to land a high paying job, but some experience and hands on is also needed. It will be hard to run a network if you have only worked on IOS (Internetworking Operating System) simulators and have never actually seen a real router or switch. The certification will definitely help you achieve success, but experience is very important.
Once you have completed the CCNA certification there are a number of different paths you can follow:
Professional Exams
CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional) – Consists of 4 exams on more advanced routing and switching topics. A CCNP can configure and troubleshoot larger networks and also work with wireless, applications, and security protocols.
CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional) – Also consists of 4 exams, but is specifically focused on solutions in IP networking. Some of these solutions include QoS (Quality of Service), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), and MPLS (Multiprotocol Layer Switching).
CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional) – This certification is 5 exams and extremely security focused. It covers security specific topics including VPN (Virtual Private Network), PIX (Private Interface Exchange – firewall), ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance), IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), and CSA (Cisco Security Agent).
CCVP (Cisco Certified Voice Professional) – This certification is one of the latest certifications and perhaps the most popular path now thanks to the popularity of VOIP (Voice over IP). The exams focus on the Cisco Unified Communications line of products as well as voice related hardware and protocols.
Expert Exams
These exams are the cream of the crop, the best of the best. The CCIE certification is the toughest to achieve in all of the IT industry and consists of a written exam and a one day lab exam. There are different types just like the professional exams and these include:
- Routing and Switching
- Security
- Service Provider
- Storage Networking
- Voice
No matter which certification you achieve, you will definitely earn it. Cisco consistently changes the exam content and questions so that it is always up to date with the latest technology and challenges exam takers keeping its exams the best in the industry.
Skype explained – Part 1
I am reviewing the VOIP application, Skype, based on its clean interface and positive usability factors. Skype is a VOIP (voice over internet protocol) software application that allows you to call other Skype users or any phone number (landline or mobile) in the world. Besides voice, it also supports online chat, text messaging (SMS), and the ability to receive regular phone calls via a traditional phone number. I use Skype quite often and find it to be very reliable and economical as a substitute for using the conventional telephone.
Skype’s aesthetic design strongly appealed to me and contributed to my continued use of it. The logo exemplifies its fresh approach to its brand. The shape is bubbly
and resembles a cloud, which is upbeat while still being non-intimidating. The colors are varying shades of white and blue, which also contributes to the cloud-like image. The main window of Skype sticks to Mac style guidelines, Aqua, and still incorporates its own buttons that are high-contrast with a white background. In the “call ordinary phones” area as well as the area where my name is, Skype uses gradients, which are easy on the eyes. One nice touch Skype integrates is water-like transitions when changing the main window.
Visibility of system status is also very important to Skype’s usability. As soon as you open the Skype application, the main window pops up. If you are connected to the Internet, your icon will be green, which indicates you are “online”; if you are not connected, your icon will be gray. These color guidelines also dictate your status to other Skype members. Once you are online, other members’ icons will be gray/green/orange depending on their connection status. You also have the availability to change your status (and thus your icon) to Skype me, Away, Not available, or Do not disturb and/or adding a personal status message. Also visible on startup is available credit on my Skype account (for dialing international numbers). If this credit is clicked, Skype shows available services, e.g. SkypeOut, SkypeIn, and SkypeVoicemail. The other icons, phone icons, in the window are favorite-d telephone numbers.
When I click on a Skype name, I get the option of chatting with them (blue chat icon) or calling them (green call icon). If I click a phone number, I get the option of calling them or SMSing them (black icon). When I call someone, Skype makes system status visible by showing “Connecting”, then “Ringing”, and finally once the caller
How You Can Save Money With VoIP
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is the technology used by Internet Telephones to transmit voice or audio files over the Internet. Using the Packet Switching Network does this; your voice is transmitted over the Internet and then received by either a computer, internet phone, or standard telephone. This is in contrast to the Circuit Switching networks that are used for the Public Switched Telephone Network (the standard telephone system) that people have been using for almost 100 years.
There are lots of advantages to be gained by using VoIP instead of PSTN primarily the fact that VoIP is considerably less expensive than other networks. In fact a lot of Instant Messaging programs are now including the technology for VoIP and are providing free calls to anyplace in the world. The only requirement is that the other user has a computer, high speed Internet, speakers, a microphone, and the same Instant Messaging program so that the call is handled entirely over the Internet.
To lots of people this opportunity to talk with friends and loved ones worldwide, without time limits, absolutely free of charge is a fantastic money saver. Now that Skype version 2 have introduced the ability to have a video connect as well, the video telephone is now here and it is free to use.
Many users adore VoIP because of its ability to integrate telecommunication services such as Email, Audio, Video, and Web applications into one program. This again is best shown by the Instant Messaging programs, while talking on a VoIP telephone service, users can continue to surf the web, read and write email, and also send video with their web cameras or digital cameras. All of this is made feasible by the power of the Internet.
This develpment offers amazing advantages for businesses as well as the personal user.
Internet telephones are starting to achieve a reputation as a replacement for the old style PSTN network. In fact, several PSTN networks are starting to recognize the value of VoIP and have started offering VoIP plans to their customers. Sprint, Verizon, and Cingular wireless are all including VoIP services. Over the next few years we will see a enormous increase of VoIP services and products.
VoIP telephone service providers are increasing in popularity as well, as more and more people realize all of the benefits available to them by switching to VoIP. First, that VoIP costs significantly less than standard telephone service, and this is a great attraction for new customers. Many VoIP service plans will let you make unlimited long distance calls or supply you with a plan for very inexpensive rates and of course if you are working over the Internet with no connection to a PSTN network then the call is completely free.
Also people are discovering that they prefer a VoIP service plan compared to a standard telephone plan for numerous reasons.
First, many of the additional services that you have to pay for with standard phone companies are typically free with a VoIP unlimited long distance and local calling plan.
These services include Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Blocking, Call Forwarding and Call Transfer. Obviously you will need to confirm with individual VoIP service providers the exact listing of detailed services and features offered.
Again, long distance calls are usually unlimited check with the service provider you are thinking of using to find out which countries you may call for either free or at significantly lower rates. There are presently no tax fees involved with VoIP services and no roaming charges when using mobile VoIP Wireless as well.
Businesses have found that they can eliminate extensive telephone cabling networks from their offices and replace them with VoIP and High Speed Internet connection. Many businesses prefer transacting their audio over the Internet for a mass of reasons. First, it is cost effective, second it provides superior flexibility and freedom, and third businesses can integrate their audio, video, Email, and Web applications and increase productivity and enhance their customer service all while saving money.
One benefit that may not be so popular with the general public is that Call centers have started to utilize VoIP and are now establishing virtual call centers worldwide. This gives them the ability to outsource to other countries, saving them money, and allows them the freedom to hire personnel in different time zones. In return this creates virtual call centers equipped with agents who can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so now they can call us 24/7/365!
VoIP has allowed working practice flexibility to rise because employees can exploit features such as Interactive Voice Response and Desktop Telephony Integration. Mobile employees can also benefit from VoIP services as VoIP is applicable wherever that there is a High Speed Internet connection or Wireless Hot Spot.
By allowing greater flexibility of working better integration with other computer programs, low cost connections to the traditional telephone system and free connections over the Internet, VoIP is allowing Internet Telephones to give huge savings and increased benefits to both the personal and business user.
What You Must Know Before Buying a VOIP Handset
With the recent growth in VOIP and internet telephones, there has also been an increase in the selection of hardware available for use with VOIP. This new array of hardware can sometimes be confusing to the user shopping for a VOIP phone system. This article will attempt to explain the different types of VOIP phone systems that are available, and offer some suggestions as to what to look for when selecting one that meets your needs.
VOIP phone systems can be grouped into three broad categories. 1) USB handsets, also referred to as VOIP or IP handsets, 2) Handsets with built-in interfaces to high-speed internet connections, referred to as hardphones and 3) Adapters which interface regular analog telephones to high-speed internet connections, referred to as ATAs (Analog Telephone Adapters) or IP Phone Adapters.
The first category, that of USB handsets, can be further divided into two types. The first type is simply a handset with earpiece and microphone and possibly a keypad and display, that interfaces to a PC softphone (such as those provided by Skype, Firefly, etc). This type handles only the analog voice signals, touch tone generation and display of call id information, while the softphone application takes care of the rest of the implementation of the internet telephone.
The second type of USB handset will have a keypad, display, earpiece and mouthpiece much like the first type. However, this type will come with driver software that interfaces the handset directly to the high-speed internet connection. This software will run in the background, much like a printer or modem driver. All of the dialing, display and voice conversion is handled by the handset, and a PC softphone is not required.
USB handsets are available in corded and cordless versions. The corded handset will plug directly into the USB port using a USB cable. The cordless versions will have a base station that plugs into the USB port, while the handset maintains a wireless connection to the base station. This type of cordless phone operates on the same frequencies that regular analog cordless phones use.
VOIP phone systems in the second category, handsets with built-in interfaces to high-speed internet connections (hardphones), operate independently of a PC and they connect directly to the Ethernet port on your DSL or cable modem or router. This type of handset offers the most features, and can range from a corded handset to a complete desktop phone with speakerphone. In this category you will see all of the same features that are available in regular analog telephones, with the addition of some features unique to internet telephones. This can include features such as videophone capability, interface to SIP providers and built-in data ports.
Hardphones are also available that connect to the high-speed internet connection using WLAN or WiFi. These phones provide the greatest flexibility, as there is no cabling involved at all since they simply require an active wireless lan connection within range.
The third category, that of ATAs or IP Phone Adapters, require a regular analog telephone in order to implement a complete internet telephone. You would probably want to use an ATA if you already own a sophisticated wireless analog phone system with multiple handsets. ATAs cost a good deal less than hardphones, and allow you to take advantage of your existing telephone hardware. ATAs, like hardphones, are also available with WLAN and WiFi interfaces to your high-speed internet connection.
Some features to look for in VOIP handsets include video capability, handset speakerphone, intercom feature, color lcd display, built-in data ports and selectable handset ringtones. A major consideration when choosing an internet telephone system is compatibility with your provider. Be sure to check the manufacturers specifications, as well as whether or not your VOIP service provider recommends or supports a given phone system.
Some of the major brands of VOIP handsets are Vtech, Uniden, Phillips, US Robotics and Radian Technologies. Linksys and Dlink are two companies with extensive experience in data networking that produce ATA-type equipment. Vtech and Uniden offer some of the most advanced cordless VOIP handsets and hardphones. Their leadership in the area of traditional analog cordless phones has given them an advantage in producing feature-rich internet telephone systems. Linksys and Dlink offer some of the most capable hardware in the area of ATA-type equipment, including multi-port ATAs and routers or modems with built-in ATAs.
As you can see, there is a wide selection of equipment available for implementing an internet telephone. When choosing equipment, look for hardware that is easy to connect and configure, and as simple to operate as possible. Ideally, using VOIP handsets should be no more complicated than using a regular analog telephone, but with the benefit of the added features unique to internet telephones.
Voice Over Ip: an Innovative System for Making Calls
Voice over IP is the latest technology that has been introduced in order to make voice calls to people anywhere in the world by making use of broadband internet connections. The traditional analog telephone connections can also be used for availing these services by bringing into use an analog adaptor. Nowadays, the IP connectivity is extended over networks and is fully functional on telephone numbers that are local, mobile or international.
These services function on the principle that the analog voice is converted to digital format before being transferred to other areas of the network. Now, VoIP telephony has been made possible even in areas such as airports, parks and cafes by converting them to wireless hot spots. Thus, it becomes possible to enjoy the VoIP services in all these areas.
The VoIP service providers offer their services for a nominal fee or sometimes even absolutely free of cost. The user may be asked to choose an area code when he subscribes to a service provider. This would allow him to make international calls as well as local calls at ease. The difference, however, is that unlike the traditional phone connections, the same tariff is charged for a call made to an international client or a person staying in the same locality. Then there are also other benefits such as a three way dial system, initiating a conference with a group of people, call management, contact lists and voicemail.
The VoIP service is easy to access; individual users would need to buy some special hardware such as sound cards, speakers, and microphones that are easily available in the market. There are also various softwares that can be downloaded from the internet, installed in a computer and used for accessing VoIP. The UK Voice over IP providers, however, provide analog adaptors, modems, hardware and software to their customers for accessing the Voice over IP service.
The providers of branded Voice over IP have services that are quite distinct. Many a times, these are international providers and have their own connections and networks. The local service providers most often have to lease services from the international providers in order to offer their private services to their target customers. So, it is inevitable on the part of the customers to check before choosing their Voice over IP provider and be sure about the advantages and limitations of the services being offered.
Such a service is best when the internet connectivity is fast. This service has to pass through a number of phases for the voice to the delivered on the other end. The voice is first converted to a digital format which then passes through an internet server. This signal then crosses one network and enters into another network of another internet server. The signal is thus transmitted over the internet and then reconverted to the analog form so as to facilitate its deliverance on the other end. Thus, the voice gets transferred without any loss in its quality as during the process of its transfer it is sent in the form of a digital signal.
