What is VoIP?

 

VoIP or Voice over IP is a major buzzword these days. VoIP, in it’s simplest explanation, is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network. The protocols which are used to carry voice signals over the IP network are commonly referred to as Voice over IP.

 

There are two types of Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) to VoIP services. DID (Direct Inward Dialing) and access numbers. The DID connects the caller directly to the VoIP user, while access numbers require the caller to input the extension number of the VoIP user.

 

Access numbers are usually charged as a local call to the caller and free to the VoIP user while DID usually has a monthly fee. DIDs that are free to the VoIP user but chargeable to the caller also exist.

 

 

In order to connect to a VoIP network, you will use one of the following three methods:

 

• Using a VoIP telephone
• Using a "normal" telephone with a VoIP adapter
• Using a computer with speakers and a microphone

 

What can VoIP do?

VoIP has a broad range of capabilities that are not available or difficult to achieve through a standard analog phone system. It also has many features to allow user mobility.

• Incoming phone calls can be automatically routed to the VoIP phone, regardless of where you are connected to the network.
• Free phone numbers for use with VoIP are available in the USA, UK and other countries from organizations such as VoIP User.
• Call center agents using VoIP phones can work from anywhere with a sufficiently fast and stable Internet connection.
• Many VoIP packages include PSTN features that most telcos (telecommunication companies) normally charge extra for, or may be unavailable from your local telco, such as 3-way calling, call forwarding, automatic redial, and caller ID.
• Subscribers of phone-line replacement services can make and receive local phone calls regardless of their location.
• Users of Instant Messenger based VoIP services can also travel anywhere in the world and make and receive phone calls.
• VoIP phones have the ability to integrate with other services available over the Internet such as video conversation and message and data file exchange while the voice conversation is taking place.
• Other services: It can integrate/ include audio conferencing, calendar management, receive voice mail in your email, the management of address books and passing information about the availability of others, and even reading email to you when you are out of the office.

 

What will I need to take into consideration when I install VoIP?

 

There are 5 basic components that will be installed on a VoIP network.

 

1. You will need VoIP phones and other devices that end users will utilize to make and receive calls.
2. In addition you’ll need the backbone of your VoIP network, which is an IP Network that will carry your VoIP audio signals.
3. The next component is the call processing server or private branch exchange (PBX) unit which will manage all VoIP control connection.
4. In order to convert analog to digital you will need a Media or PSTN-to-VoIP Gateway.
5. Finally you will need a Session Border Controller (SBC) to control real-time, session-based traffic. This is the heart of how your phone calls are controlled and phone signals transported.

 

For questions, comments or for more information you can contact us any time via email or phone (816-471-3553).