Free Voip

The VoIP Service Provider: Residential VoIP Solutions for the Consumer

2008-07-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

As technologies mature and more households gain access to high speed Internet, consumers will come to realize that it is simply more efficient and cost effective to send packets of voice over the Internet than over a point to point circuit switched land line. Long distance charges become a thing of the past, and international calls are pennies a minute if not free to some countries.

VoIP solutions are readily available to anyone with a high speed Internet connection, and the only hardware needed is an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and a phone. For most consumers, utilizing a calling plan from a VoIP service provider is the best solution. Most VoIP service providers will provide the ATA hardware (or software) for free, and monthly charges range from free on up.

Peer to Peer VoIP

The least expensive VoIP solution would be using a computer on a peer to peer network. Offered from such VoIP service providers as Skype or the Gizmo Project, the software is free to download and calls within the network are free worldwide. Calls to PSTN numbers are charged at a low VoIP rate. Peer to Peer VoIP is a software solution, meaning that no ATA is required, and your phone is a pair of earplugs and a microphone plugged into your computer. The downside is that call quality is lacking compared to some of the hardware VoIP solutions available.

The "Pure Play" VoIP Service Provider

Over the past few years, a new generation of upstarts has introduced themselves into the residential VoIP arena. Probably the most successful (at least popularity wise) would be the VoIP service provider Vonage. Thanks to their lavish spending on advertising, the technology of VoIP is becoming mainstream, and the general public is beginning to realize that if the circumstances are right, Voice over IP can be a viable cost saving alternative to the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS).

Vonage, Packet8, and SunRocket are just a few of many companies that are pure-play VoIP service providers. They have no interest in selling you cable TV, conventional telephone service, or cellular minutes. Monthly plans range anywhere from $7.00 to $40.00 and calls are free in the U.S., Canada, and in some cases Europe. International rates vary with many countries as low as 2-3 cents a minute.

These are the companies that have pioneered residential VoIP for the consumer and with their low monthly calling plans, the companies that will keep the giants in the Telecommunications Industry honest.

Telco's as VoIP Providers

Just as deregulation and the advent of cellular technology in the past, VoIP is poised to revolutionize the Telecommunications Industry. And the large telephone companies, even the cellular phone companies are entering this new era kicking and screaming.

Telco's like AT&T, the regional Bells and others are happy to provide broadband internet access through DSL, but very few are willing to unbundle the internet service from their conventional telephone services. They could do it technologically, and a few local phone companies are offering DSL on the "local loop", without the wire with the dial tone. The fact is, having a broadband connection that requires you to also buy a conventional telephone connection pretty much defeats the purpose, thus making VoIP through DSL impractical for most people.

That said, the Telco's see the writing on the wall and are slowly beginning to implement Voice over IP telephony. AT&T and Quest Communications offer residential VoIP solutions starting at $25.00 and $30.00 respectively, just slightly higher than a pure VoIP service provider. All of the basic features such as call forwarding, speed dialing, and 3-way calling are included, and premium services like virtual phone numbers, conference calling, and call filtering can be had for an additional charge. International rates seem to be somewhat higher than pure play rates, though only by pennies.

VoIP and Cable Companies

If anyone is in a position to win the Telecommunication wars, it's the cable companies. Massive consolidation in the cable industry has led to huge privately owned networks that in many cases make it unnecessary to route calls over the public Internet. Quality of Service issues can be handled in house, and after all, companies like Cisco Systems pretty much built the Internet and are largely responsible for the development of Voice over IP Telephony.

Cable companies as VoIP service providers have the ability to bundle voice with high speed data and digital cable TV, and are even now running introductory offers of all three for 99.00 a month in some markets. But be careful, introductory offers end and VoIP plans with the cable companies are some of the most expensive to be had.

While VoIP service providers like Comcast and Time Warner generally receive good reviews for sound quality, monthly calling plans cost $40.00 and $45.00 respectively. Not bad when looking at a $70.00 phone bill from Bell South, but over twice as much as a pure-play VoIP service provider. No doubt, a good reliable broadband connection through a cable modem is the ideal VoIP solution (wireless notwithstanding), but you don't have to use your cable company for VoIP.

In the end, it all depends on whats important to you. If all you need is to call a friend in China on the same network, then a peer to peer VoIP service provider is for you. If you live in an area where it's offered, a telecom VoIP solution promises lower bills than their conventional connections, provided you can drop the land line.

For those that have cable modems, the choice of VoIP service providers is vast. For the monthly cost of another broadband connection, cable companies will come out to install the equipment and rewire every jack in your house. And they are just a service call away. Alternatively, the pure play VoIP providers offer the lowest rates around, and the quality is usually just as good.

Just remember, it's all in the pipe. Calls will be as clear as your VoIP service providers' network is uncongested.

Voice Over Ip [voip] - Softwares Can Aid in the Control of Many Business Activities

2008-07-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your website or in your print publication provided you comprehend the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated however is not required.

By S. Maurer

On this digital Century the business and Data Technology administrations is radically moving to the Next-Generation of Business Administration. For that reason, this series of articles will exhibit essential tips from us and also we included very fews from public sources about this specific affair or this advanced method of doing business. In spite of the event that very fews tips are public domains, if asked for that the source will be always mentioned.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Integration into global telëphone number system: While the traditional Plain Ancient Teletelephone System [POTS] and mobile phone networks share a common global average [E.164] which allocates and identifies any specific telephone line, there is no widely adopted alike customary for [VOIP] networks. Some allocate an E.164 number which can be applyd for [VOIP] as well as incoming/external calls. However, there are often different, incompatible schemes when calling between [VOIP] providers which use provider specific short codes.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: A call to the U.S. emërgency services number 911 may not automatically be routed to the nearest community emergency dispatch center, and would be of no employ for subscribers outside the U.S.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: VoIP to [VOIP] telephone calls on any provider arë typically free, whilst [VOIP] to PSTN calls generally costs the [VOIP] user. Free [VOIP] to PSTN services are rare. A notable provider is [VOIP] User.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: If a subscriber with a residence phonë number in a U.S. area code calls someone else in his residence area code, [IT] will be treated as a community call regardless of where that person is in the world.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Signaling protocols: Session Initiation Protocol [SIP] definëd by the IETF, newer than H.323 H.323 defined by the ITU-T Megaco [a.k.a. H.248] and MGCP both media gateway control protocols Skinny Client Control Protocol proprietary protocol from Cisco MiNET proprietary protocol from Mitel CorNet-IP proprietary protocol from Siemens IAX the Inter-Asterisk eXchange protocol used by the Asterisk open source PBX server and associated client software Skype a proprietary peer-to-peer protocol used in the Skype application Jajah a proprietary peer-to-peer protocol used in the Jajah SIP and IAX compatible webphone Jingle open peer-to-peer protocol based on XMPP [Jabber] and being harmonised with the 'substantially equivalent' Google Talk protocol. Several different speech codecs can be used for stream audio compression. Commonly used codecs for [VOIP] traffic contain G.711, G.723.1 and G.729, all ITU-T-specified.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Many of the largest carriërs employ H.323 in their core backbones, and the vast majority of callers have small or no belief that their POTS calls are being terminated over VoIP. So really SIP is a useful tool for the "district loop" and H.323 is like the "fiber backbone".

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Incoming telephone calls can be automatically routëd to your [VOIP] phone, regardless of where you are connected to the network. Take your [VOIP] phone with you on a trip, and anywhere you connect to the Internet, you can receive incoming calls.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: As the popularity of [VOIP] grows, and PSTN users switch to [VOIP] in incrëasing numbers, governments are becoming more interested in regulating [VOIP] in a manner corresponding to legacy PSTN services.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Some cost savings are duë to using a single network to carry voice and data, especially where applyrs have existing under-utilized network capacity they can use for [VOIP] at no additional cost. Some Internet connections are asymmetrical, i.e. the upstream data rate is significantly lower than the downstream data rate. This places a final absolute throttle to the transmitted data rate and thus voice quality.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Users of Instant Messënger based [VOIP] services like Skype, Gizmo Project or Yahoo! Messenger can also travel anywhere in the globe and create and receive call calls. Drawbacks [VOIP] technology still has a infrequent shortcomings that have led some to believe that [IT] is not ready for widespread deployment. However, many manufacturer analysts predicted that 2005 was the "Year of Inflection," where more IP PBX ports shipped than legacy digital PBX ports.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: "Dual mode" handsets, which allow for thë seamless handover between a cellular network and a WiFi network, are expected to aid [VOIP] become more popular.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Mass-market telëphony: A major development starting in 2004 has been the introduction of mass-market [VOIP] services over broadband Internet access services, in which subscribers constitute and receive calls as they would over the PSTN. This requires either a software client for the machine or an analog telephone adapter [ATA] for connecting a telephone to the broadband Internet connection.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Very low cost [or freë in many cases]: [VOIP] is causing deep changes in any enterprise's communications in the whole world

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Corporate and telco usë: Although infrequent office environments and much fewer homes employ a pure [VOIP] infrastructure, telecommunications providers routinely employ IP telephony, often over a dedicated IP network, to connect switching stations, converting voice signals to IP packets and back. The result is a data-abstracted digital network which the provider can easily upgrade and employ for multiple purposes.

What is [VOIP] Telephony System Management?: Single location of calling: With commercial sërvices such as Vonage, [IT] is potential to connect the [VOIP] router into the existing central telephone box in the hoemploy and have [VOIP] at every phone already connected. Other services, such as Skype & PeerMe, typically require the use of a computer, so they are limited to single location of calling, though handsets are immediately available, allowing them to be used without a PC.

Overcoming The Disadvantages And Improving the Quality Of VoIP

2008-07-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

VoIP is a great way to communicate with family and friends at a very low price. However, there are a variety of hindrances with switching to VoIP. This article goes over many of the disadvantages of VoIP, which may have experienced. Additionally, this article will explain how you can improve the quality of VoIP phone service.

Disadvantages of VoIP

Although there are many advantages of VoIP, there are also quite a few disadvantages. Below are four of the most common disadvantages of VoIP.

1. Maintaining a Dependable VoIP Internet Connection

If for any reason, you lose your internet connection, you will not have phone service. Therefore, you must use a cellular phone should this type of situation arise.

2. 911 Access

When you place a 911 call, the location cannot be immediately determined. Unlike PSTN, you must register your phone number online so that should you need to make a 911 call from your VoIP, emergency services will know your location.

3. Networks Have a Large Number of Computers Connected

If your network has a large quantity of computers connected and they are all using the internet at the same time, your VoIP quality will generally be less than desirable. One way to avoid this situation is to invest in an Ethernet.

4. VoIP Poor Quality

Audio quality is one of the largest issues. No matter what your VoIP service offers you, the basic role of any phone is voice communication. If the quality is not up to par, then there is absolutely no point to all of the bells and whistles that come with the service. If you have a lot of background noise, then a VoIP that can handle music, video, caller ID and a variety of other advanced features is practically useless. In the next section, we will address this issue more thoroughly.

Even with all of the advancements of VoIP, there are times when the audio quality suffers. Since VoIP relies completely on the internet connection, anytime the internet suffers so will the VoIP.

Six Ways to Improve the Quality of VoIP

Poor audio quality (disadvantage #4) along with dropped calls, are all complaints that user of VoIP tend to make. Below are six ways the setup of your VoIP can affect the overall quality. By following these simple steps, you can easily improve the quality of your VoIP service.

1. Internet Connection

One of the first recommendations is a high speed internet connection. There are companies which offer VoIP for dial up users. However, the connection can result in poor audio quality. Eventually, you will grow to dislike your VoIP. However, it is not the VoIP, but rather the internet connection. Even if you have DSL, there are occasions when the connection may be slow and your VoIP quality will suffer. Therefore, an Ethernet connection is highly recommended.

2. External Factors

Weather conditions, such as thunder storms, heavy rains and snowstorms can all can an increase in static on broadband lines. In some instances, simply turning rebooting the VoIP can solve the problem. Another solution to reduce the static is for the VoIP service provider to replace the cables with a higher quality cable.

3. Compression Software

The technical details of codecs are a bit too much for this article. If you would like additional information, you can go to Wikipedia. Here is a quick overview of codecs as it pertains to VoIP. When sending data, VoIP compresses it. This is simply because if the data is too large, transmission can be extremely slow and ineffective. Codec is a software program that can be used for data compression. However, a poor quality codec will lead to poor audio quality.

4. VoIP Location and Hardware

The hardware you choose for you VoIP can affect the audio quality. Most of the most important pieces of hardware is the ATA/Router. The VoIP ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, brings ordinary phones to the networked world. The adaptor connects a phone handset to an Ethernet adaptor and therefore connects regular, analog phones with VoIP networks. If you are looking for additional information on ATA, check out Wikipedia.

In general, ATAs should have support for security and firewall, as well as echo cancellation and compression technologies. Many technicians have discovered that certain VoIP equipment can interfere with each and possibly create feedback or buzzing noises and dropped calls. Although VoIP equipment and hardware should be places as close as possible to each other, ATA should not be placed near the broadband internet router. The audio quality can be decreased if they are placed too close together.

5. Computer Maintenance and Hardware

There are a variety of different things that can affect the quality of your VoIP service. Therefore, computer maintenance is extremely important in improving the service's quality. Make sure that you de-fragment your computer on a regular bases. As well, make sure that you have sufficient memory for the computer and high quality microphone and speakers.

6. VoIP Phone Type/Frequency

The type of phone you have, as well as the frequency can affect the quality of your VoIP. Many people believe that the higher a phone's frequency is, the better the quality of VoIP. However, in some instances, a lower frequency phone may fit your connection better. You may want to try a phone with a lower frequency if you are experiencing a lot of audio feedback.

Overall, VoIP is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP are not passing through, they are here to stay. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service, as well as improve the overall quality. With all of the improvements continually going on with VoIP, it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.

Probe the VoIP News and Check the VoIP Reviews

2008-07-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

Gone are the regular phone sets! With the busy lifestyle and the need to be always abreast with everything, the consideration of initiating a cheaper but reliable communication access is most possible these days. With the advent of Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP made communication, both long distance and local calls feasible, cheaper and faster. Interested to know more about the details how VoIP works? Then, make sure to read the latest VoIP news over the net including the available VoIP reviews via the sites that offer objectives reviews in the field of technology.

So with the VoIP news that would make you more interested in setting up VoIP services? If you’re hesitant to set up VoIP service, try considering the new VoIP reviews in the All the Talk site. But first, consider how VoIP works and see if this set up is just for you.

You’ll need to have a reliable broadband connection set up before you could take advantage of the VoIP services. Commonly known as the IP Telephony services, VoIP reviews indicate that this service actually carries signals as digital audio via the speech data compression process. And as early as 1973, VoIP news sprung all over the technology field. From then on to date, there were hundreds of VoIP reviews made making VoIP topic as one of the highly regarded topic in the web. So while essential VoIP news spread all over the world, further VoIP reviews made it clear that there are other facets of VoIP services that need to improve in the course of years. Aside from the functionality of service, the quality of voice transmission and VoIP’s capability to handle emergency calls compared to a regular mobile or landline phones are probed.

In addition to such concerns, VoIP news release in March posted at All the Talk site indicate how VoIP is greatly affected with the previous business recession, the reason being is the heightened cancellation of back to back VoIP services subscriptions. Although VoIP news indicate development and earnings in the VoIP world, All the Talk site reports on one VoIP reviews that there are further developments related to VoIP and its services.

For one, All the Talk reports how the recession affects the VoIP business moving forward. According to the VoIP News published on March 26, 2008, the falling revenue in the VoIP industry made it possible for the recession to take place. This is also true for many businesses holding the use of VoIP services. Yet, there’s a growing concern if the VoIP service is here to stay or not. With the recent VoIP news, it shows that recent developments related to VoIP services include the availability of VoIP to the mobile and landline numbers. In fact, VoIP testing capabilities include having the services set up with an iPhone, a powerful Apple device that’s highly sought after by consumers globally. Lastly, some of the recent news posted on the All the Talk indicates how VoIP evolved from being a mere Internet voice service to an innovative service eyeing for a refined and clarified voice sounding performance.

The Layman's Guide to Making Free Online Calls with VoIP

2008-07-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

So you've heard the news: a new technology is around that lets you make phone calls, even long-distance phone calls, for free! You'd like to try it, but it sounds rather complicated. What is this VoIP, anyway? Here's a quick question-and-answer guide to VoIP and how you can make free online calls without reading tons of technical jargon.

What is VoIP?
VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. In plain English, it means that in exactly the same way you use the Internet to send letters through email, you can now send your voice through VoIP, to make free phone calls to anywhere in the world.

How does it work?
1. You talk through your computer microphone or your VoIP phone.
2. Your voice is turned into computer data.
3. It is sent through the Internet (like email) to your VoIP service provider.
4. They send it to the phone number you are calling so your friend can receive your call.
5. When your friend talks on his phone, his voice reaches you the same way, but in reverse: from his phone, to your service provider, to your Internet, to your phone or computer.

How is the sound quality different from a regular phone?
With good Internet connection, your friend won't know the difference. If your connection is slow, you will sound like you are calling from a cellphone with bad signal. Most companies will not install VoIP for dial-up connections.

What is a VoIP service provider?
A VoIP service provider is like a phone company that connects your VoIP phone to your friend's landline.

What is a VoIP phone?
It looks like a regular phone, but it has a software and modem installed so you can connect to the Internet and make VoIP calls without having to turn on your computer. You dial it like a regular phone, and if somebody calls your VoIP number, it rings like a regular phone.

Are the phone calls really free?
Yes, if you download and install on your computer a VoIP software, like Skype. This will let you make free calls to anyone in the world who has the same software loaded in his or her computer.

You can also use Skype or other VoIP service providers to call a local or long-distance landline number or mobile phone. There will be a small charge, but it is still much cheaper than if you use a regular phone to make your call. In addition, pay features on regular phones-like call waiting, call forwarding, call barring, conference calls, caller ID and voice mail-are usually free on VoIP.

Rates and features vary with different service providers so be sure to ask your company what they offer.

Can I call my friends even if they don't have VoIP?
Yes.

And can my friends call me?
Yes. Your friends can call your VoIP number in the same way they call a regular landline. You won't be charged for incoming calls. Your friends will be charged for their call in the same way that they will be charged for calling a regular landline.

Can I keep my old phone number?
Yes, depending on your VoIP service provider. Sometimes, you can even bring your VoIP phone-along with your phone number – to anywhere that has a high-speed Internet connection.

Some providers also allow you to get a phone number with a different area code. You could be in California but have a New York area code so that your business clients in New York can call you without long-distance charges. (However, if your next-door neighbor calls you, it will be long-distance for her.)

Can I get rid of my regular phone line?
Usually, yes. Again, it depends on your VoIP service provider.

An important note, though: 911 calls made through VoIP are unreliable. Also, they will not be able to track your location automatically, as when you are using a regular phone. If you get rid of your phone line, consider using your cellphone instead of your VoIP to call 911.

So, what do I need to use VoIP?

* A high-speed Internet connection. This means DSL or cable, NOT dial-up.
* A regular phone with VoIP adaptor OR a VoIP phone OR a computer with a microphone and earpiece.
* A VoIP service provider.

Can I use VoIP without an Internet connection?
No.

Can I use my computer while talking on the VoIP phone?
Absolutely, although using the Internet for other purposes while using VoIP may affect the quality of your call.

Can I use VoIP without a computer?
Yes, if you have a VoIP phone and your Internet is active.

Can I use VoIP without a VoIP phone line?
Yes, if you have a computer with a VoIP program, a microphone and earpiece.

Will it work in a power outage?
Unfortunately, no.

How do I know if VoIP is for me?
VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who are always on the Internet, and VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who have a high-speed connection.

VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who often make calls to long-distance, international, or mobile numbers.

VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who move around the country, and VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who would like to take their landline number with them wherever they go.

VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who need to have an area code in another locality.

How do I find a VoIP service provider?
For VoIP calls using your computer, you can simply download a VoIP program like Skype or Vonage from the Internet.

To find a service provider for VoIP phones, simply type "VoIP" and the name of your country in the search bar of your favorite Internet search engine.