VoIP FAQs
What is VoIP?
VoIP is the transmission of voice communication through IP packets and, therefore, through the Internet. VoIP also called Voice over Internet Protocol, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.
How PC to PC call works?
When you make a PC-to-PC VoIP call to your friend, your analogue voice signals are first converted into many bits of digital packets on your computer. These packets are sent through the Internet to your friend’s computer IP address. Upon arrival, these bits are reassembled together again at your friend’s computer and your friend hear your voice.
What do I need to start using VoIP?
- Computer with sound card
- Internet connection
VoIP communications application such as Viatalk
Headset or USB phone
What are the benefits of VoIP?
There are many benefits to having a VoIP solution, for example:
One low monthly fee covers all of your phone calls. This is where we can help you.
There are no unexplained taxes or regulatory fees. You know the ones on your current bill that nobody understands and your local phone provider can’t explain. No taxes are charged for Internet based phone calls which is one reason why the service is so cheap.
Long distance and international calling are much cheaper. The Internet does not care whether you’re calling someone who lives a block away or your cousin in Australia. This is why the VoIP service providers can give you such great rates for long distance and international calls.
What’s Free And What’s Not Free?
Generally speaking, calls between VoIP users are free. For example, two Yahoo or Skype users can call one another directly online for nothing. Calls to traditional land lines are what you pay for.
What are VoIP Service Providers (VSPs)?
VoIP Service Providers are the next generation telcos that provide interconnection between VoIP and PSTN networks. They allow call origination and termination between these two networks. You can compare and reviews at AZ – VoIP Providers.
Why do some VoIP services cost money, and why are some free?
A VoIP service can connect users not only with other VoIP customers but also with phone services that are offline, such as those that use traditional landline networks and wireless cell phone networks. For those calls, VoIP service providers must pay access fees to the landline and wireless operators. Those charges are passed along to VoIP customers. Calls that are between personal computers with VoIP service (Some VoIP providers offer free calls to some destinations).
What are VoIP Gateways?
VoIP gateways are devices that take analog voice signals and convert them to IP for transport over the LAN or WAN.
Which VoIP codec should I use?
VoIP codecs currently available are: G.711, G.723, G.726, G.729, GSM, and iLBC.
What is SIP ?
VoIP comes with an additional set of acronyms: SIP, H.323, and IAX. SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. SIP is a relatively simple protocol that has characteristics similar HTTP and SMTP.
Which protocol should be used?
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is an emerging protocol that is more simple than H.323 and optimized for better voice performance. SIP has a lesser overhead than H.323 and a more simple architecture.
What’s The Difference Between Phone-based VoIP And Computer-based VoIP?
Phone based VoIP converts your home phone into a VoIP service using a special adaptor. Computer-based VoIP runs on your desktop or laptop computer; this makes it more flexible, because it moves around with the computer – this means you can take it anywhere in the world.
Can I Use The Hardware From One VoIP Service With A Different Provider?
In general, no. Most of the major VoIP providers, such as Vonage, AT&T CallVantage and Verizon Voicewing, “lock” their hardware so that it can only be used with their service. Some providers effectively lease the equipment to you and will refund part or all of a “setup fee” when you terminate service. If you buy the hardware outright via a retail package, however, you’ll have a nice doorstop if you decide to terminate or change VoIP service.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/communication-articles/selection-of-frequently-asked-questions-for-voip-224195.html
Milad Mir has worked in communications sector for over 4 years.He is the person behind VoIP Providers List. A website to compare VoIP Providers and a list of Voice over IP Providers.
The Disadvantages of VOIP and Overcoming Them
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.
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.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/voip-articles/overcoming-the-disadvantages-and-improving-the-quality-of-voip-363500.html
Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of Be Successful News, a site that provides information and articles on how to succeed in your own home or small business.
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