VoIP46228

It could be quite intimidati5A8ng for the new person to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) with most articles or literature using significant amounts of jargon. This article will provide an overview of the terminology used in the VoIP arena but will not go into the actual detail of how VoIP works. Other articles by this author have been written in relation to basics of VoIP.

The first crucial term is VoIP which is the acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol or Voice Over IP being the ability to make telephone calls over the internet. Other relevant terms are included below along with a laymans explanation:

ATA Analog Telephone Adaptor A device which converts analog telephone signal into a digital format for transmission over the Internet.

Codec A compression/decompression algorithm used in IP telephony.

Ethernet Used for Local Area Networks (LANs) and is a packet based transmission protocol.

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network that is the standard landline based phone system.

QoS Quality of Service Refers to performance of the transmission system. For example is there any echo or delay.

SIP Session Initiation Protocol An application layer protocol that manages multimedia communications sessions.

VoIP Phone Telephone device that looks like an ordinary telephone that connects to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) however has an Ethernet port to 55Fallow connection to a TCP/IP computer network.

So next time you are reading some literature or articles on VoIP where the writers or authors do not define the acronyms, you will know a little more about what exactly they are trying to say. Whilst there are obviously many more acronyms and jargon associated with VoIP, this article provides a starting point. It is suggested that this article should be read in conjunction with previous articles relating to the basics of VoIP.

// posted by voip40591 @ 11:54 PM 3 comments

VOIP the new Internet phone stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. What this means, is you use your broadband internet connection to make phone calls. Sound582s really good, especially since it has free long distance and its only $25 a month. But there are 2 major drawbacks.

911 Service doesnt work like a landline phone. In some areas, it doesnt work at all. There are severe risks to consumers thinking 911 can save them in an emergency, but the internet phone doesnt work that way. Be careful or review your plan to make sure you understand how the 911 service works. The FCC has been on these companies to straighten this out or inform consumers of the risks.

The 2nd problem seems minor compared to the above, but I dont like being tied to my PC when making a call, even if Im wearing a headset. www.ipero.com makes a real cool $30 phone that plugs into my USB and works like a regular phone. Its lightweight has a mute and speed dial, and the sound is great. Its compact and I can take it on the road with me. Many VOIP phones only work with PCs, but this one works with a Mac, too.

There are still some concerns with VOIP technology, but once the companies get around them, the consumers will have a great product. Besides, at $25 a month, you can overlook a lot of issues.

Stuart Simpson http://www.voip-telephony-review.com/ Article Source: 5B7http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Simpson

// posted by voip40591 @ 10:57 PM 0 comments

VoIP technology seems to be great! But confused about how to go about it? That's the common refrain of people wanting to graduate from a dial-up connection on to VoIP. The applications of VoIP technology are so surreal, so amazi5A8ng that this dilemma is not exactly uncalled for.

But before we go into the applications of VoIP, let's first understand as to what is VoIP. VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is a technological innovation allowing you to send data, audio & video concurrently over the internet, this transforms into minimal use of the available bandwidth thereby offering mind blowing transmission speeds.

VoIP has the potential to fulfill all your communication needs be it telephony, data transfer, video conferencing your imagination is the limit. To move onto the big league, you would have to contact a VoIP service provider. These VoIP providers buy bandwidths from wholesale VoIP providers & sell it to individual customers at a premium.

Today the UK VoIP market is flush with a wide variety of VoIP providers, in order to truly enjoy VoIP you must be able to pick & choose the best provider as per your individual needs. This seems easy but it is not so, the VoIP carriers in their eagerness to corner larger chunks of the VoIP market often forgo quality & reliability.

But as it is said that 'to every problem there's a solution', you can get past this hiccup on your way to super fast communication by taking expert advice from independent VoIP link providers. These websites being independent & impartial provide you with instant links to the best VoIP carrier in your area.

This way on one hand you get a broad overvie3DEw about VoIP services & on the other hand ensure effortless transition in to the VoIP arena.

VoIP for sure is the communication solution of the future, faster you join, more the advantage you get!!

// posted by voip40591 @ 10:48 PM 0 comments

When it comes to making important business decisions, business exec5A8utives understand that they need to keep up on what's fresh and cutting-edge in order to keep the competitive edge over their competitors.

That being said, it's becoming increasingly difficult to stay abreast of the latest and the greatest because technology is changing at an ever increasing rate and a big source of these innovations lies in the internet.

Over the past decade, many of techno-savvy innovations have originated due to the internet and it's ever increasing presence and importance in the success of a business.

One of latest innovations has been the arrival of VoIP which enables any business, large or small to lower their cost of phone service and communications in general.

For those not up to snuff on VoIP it's a technology that allows you to make phone calls digitally over the internet. Because transmission over the internet is efficient it allows the companies providing the service to provide it at a much lower rate than traditional phone service.

VoIP, also know as Internet Phone or Voice Over Internet Protocol transmits calls over the internet digitally which results in crystal clear reception regardless of distance. As a result, whether a call is local or international it will still be clear and less costly than traditional landlines.

VoIP technology has been in development for over a decade but just over the past few years has it been brought into the mainstream. No longe5A8r do you need to be a huge corporation to benefit from lower phone rates because VoIP is accessible to sole proprietors as well as multi-national giants and in many instances at the same rates.

Although you need a broadband connection to enjoy the benefits of VoIP if you don't have a broadband connection yet need to get one if you want to do business on the internet anyway.

In addition to cutting your monthly or residential phone bills up to 80% VoIP plans also have all the features of traditional landline plans like called id and call waiting as well as more high tech functions such as the call transfer and e-mail notification for voicemails and so you don't have to sacrifice the amenities in order to enjoy the cost savings.

Another cost savings benefit that is normally passed along to the business owner is the result of consolidating their internet and telephone provider.

Imagine making calls to your clients in far away places such as Singapore, China, Hong Kong or London and not having to worry about the cost. With VoIP you now have the means to get in touch with the world for just pennies on the dollar.

Whether you're simply looking for cost savings or the ability to stay in touch with clients' half-way around the world VoIP opens up an endless stream of possibilities that were unimaginable just a few short years ago.

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// posted by voip40591 @ 7:10 PM 0 comments

Have you had it? Are you tired of the same routine that is increasingly stressful and less fun? Have you talked about making a change but another month passes and nothing changed at all? Here is how you can make some big changes that will put back the time, fun and intimacy in your strained relationship. These ten tips on Change-Talk will help transform your warring partner into a willing and involved team player.

1. The I Statement. If you start out with You we have already lost! Say, I want You must decide what is most important to you, right now. Focus on only one subject. The quickest way to become ineffective is to dilute your message. If you ask for multiple things all at once, you are definitely not going to get them, and then you start a pattern of failure. Your partner stops paying attention. Spreading your demands all over the map renders you powerless and ineffective. The important thing is that you establish a pattern of getting what you want and especially getting what you need. Say, I want a change in the quality of our relationship. Who can argue with that!

2. Make an Appointment.

Next, agree on a quiet time early in the day when you and your partner are able to talk uninterrupted for at least an hour. This is a time to discuss and listen, maybe with a third par5A8ty, like a counselor, trusted friend or family member. The third person, acting as a mediator, can help keep it more of a discussion and less of a fight.

3. Its Your Fault. As you each discuss the problem, somebodys feelings may get hurt. The more frightened the dog, the more likely it will bite you, so be prepared to get nipped. Exploring the un-chartered waters of your relationship is scary and threatening. Cut your partner some slack and be compassionate, even while he or she is acting ridiculous.

4. Its All My Fault. Avoid letting one person take on all the blame for a current situation or the discussion will mire down in self-pity and guilt-inducing wailing. If you are willing to split the blame then you can move forward and the discussion will progress.

5. Anger and Tears.

Loud barking may occur. As you or your partner get close to revealing dark, hidden, secret fears and insecurities, you may defensively lose your temper. This is when that third party can divert and calm things down. Fear changes to anger very quickly. Try to stay focused on talking to your frightened Beloveds inner child and just ignore the obnoxious, angry, foot-stomping faade that is hurling accusations.

6. Stroke and be patient.

As you take turns freaking out, also take turns steadying each other. Give reassurances that you believe in them, love them, respect them and want them so t5A8hat they can get control of their runaway emotions. Only then can you get back to talking about the subject that you want to discuss. This is where most couples give up and never allow their partner to work through their terrifying anxiety about making a change. Their idea of change may include a fear that the relationship might get worse, rather than better. This stubbornness may be misdirected love for you, and although annoying, is also sweet. Remember that it takes great courage to make changes in what you care about the most.

7. Let it rest. After the hour of emotional bombing of each other, reason and logic now have an opportunity to surface. Watch for that brief moment when your partner sees it from your side. When that happens, both of you take a break and let the ideas cook and rise like yeast bread. If you touch it too soon it will collapse! Agree to a second time to talk more and leave it alone, or you will have to start from scratch all over again.

8. No cheating. Couples can approach huge conflict and change by allowing Change-Talk to run its bumpy course without trying to skip or shorten the steps. Once the ideas have been fully stated, listened to, emotionally reacted to and then pondered on alone and undisturbed, a satisfying resolution is just around the bend.

9. Know your Matchline Gap. The key is to understand that you and your partner have different capacities to give and receive5A8 in the relationship called the Matchline Gap. When the Gap is large, people must work harder to keep a relationship balanced. If you are more capable in the relationship, then the responsibility for establishing and maintaining that balance is mostly up to you. Everyone deserves love and happiness.

10. List your relationships priorities. There are your needs and your partners needs. Your relationship, a third and separate entity, has needs too! Both of you must nurture your relationship. Even a great relationship will die if ignored - just like a like a lovely flower. Ask yourself if you are starving your relationship of time, energy, resources and laughter. Give your partner a chance to catch up to wherever you are with Change-Talk and then commit to goals and restructuring that will allow you, your partner and your relationship to thrive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Molly Barrow, author of the new book, Matchlines: A Revolutionary New Way of Looking at Relationships and Making the Right Choices in Love, is a leading forensic expert and authority on relationship issues and mental health. A member of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Molly has appeared on NBC News, PBS IN FOCUS, KTLA, GO-CO feature film MY SUICIDE, WGUF FM TALK, READY TO EXPLODE Documentary, and interviews for Psychology Today,584 Lavalife, Newsday, MSN, Hitched and O Magazine. For more information, please visit: http://www.askdrmolly.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_Barrow

// posted by voip40591 @ 6:53 PM 0 comments

Broadband. That's one of those techie buzzwords that gets thrown around quite a bit lately. Broadband internet access, cable service and so on. Most recently, you've probably heard plenty of commercials and other advertisements for one of the newest trends in broadband technology - broadband phone service.

So what is it? And can it really save you money each month or is that just some kind of marketing gimmick? And how about sound quality? These are all common questions for the uninitiated so here's a quick rundown of broadband phone service.

Broadband Phone Basics (a.k.a. VOIP)

First of all, you'll also hear this type of service referred to as VOIP (voice over internet protocol). That's just a techie way of saying that its voice service working over your Internet connection. In fact, that's one of the ways that broadband phone service can save you money, especially when it comes to long d5A8istance calls, but more on that in a second.

Some broadband phone providers only allow you to place calls while you're on your computer, but that's not what we're focusing on here. We're more interested in the top-tier companies that allow you to replace your current phone service with high-quality broadband service, call anyone you want from your regular phone and save possibly 50% off your current phone bill.

Assuming you have a high speed Internet connection (like cable, DSL or satellite) then you probably have everything you need to get started with broadband phone service. Once you sign up with a company providing this type of service, you'll get any additional equipment you might need, such as adapters for your current telephones.

VOIP Features and Pricing

If you start doing some research, you'll quickly find that the features you get with most broadband phone companies are quite competitive with what you get with a standard phone service. In fact, many of the features you're accustomed to paying extra for each month will probably come as a standard part of your broadband calling plan (features like call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, and voicemail for instance). This is one of the ways broadband can save you money on your phone bill since typical plans range from only $15 to $30 per month.

Another reason broadband is so much cheaper is that the long distance rat59Ees are typically much less than what your local phone company will offer. IF you're in the U.S., calls within the States and possibly to Canada and a few other places are typically free (this varies from one company to the next). And if you make international calls on a regular basis, you'll love the rates when you switch to broadband phone service. They have to charge a small fee for international calls, but if you compare the rates, you'll find they're lower than the rates from most local phone companies. And whether you're calling around the corner or around the world, you can be sure of crystal clear sound quality.

Getting Started With VOIP

If all of this sounds like a service you'd be interested in finding out more about, a quick search online will point you to a wide array of options for you to consider. To be honest, there aren't really too many reasons not to switch and you can even keep your existing phone number, making it a painless process. And since most companies offer 30-day money back guarantees, you're in a great position to try it out for a few weeks to see how you like it.

Why not take action today and find out how you can slash your phone bill in half within the next 30 days?

// posted by voip40591 @ 6:32 PM 0 comments

If you are using a VoIP phone then you can make a call in any of these three ways.

ATA Gateway

ATA stands for analogue telephone adaptor. As the name suggests, you can install a device on your existing telephone and use your regular phone for VoI5A8P purposes, even when it is not digital. The handset of your analog phone connects to the ATA, which in turn connects to your computer. Your computer needs to be connected to the internet in order for VoIP to work. The function of the ATA device is to convert the analogue signals of your regular phone into digital signals for use over the internet.

IP Phone

These are special handsets that look like regular phones but they have an Ethernet jack (RJ 45) instead of the regular telephone jack (RS 11). IP Phones are already configured with the required software to work using VoIP. These phones connect to the same device (router) that your computer connects to in order to hook up with the internet.

Peer to Peer (or computer to computer)

This is the easiest way of doing VoIP because it requires neither software nor hardware installation (as long as you have speakers/headphones and a microphone, and your computer is connected to the Internet). There are special services provided by several ISPs that include specific VoIP plans. While it is possible to use VoIP over your existing internet connection, if you truly want good quality and no signal loss with reliable voice connectivity then you must go for a separate VoIP plan instead of riding the back of your present connection. This is because VoIP needs a lot more dedicated bandwidth than is required for general web browsing.

Since all that is ne594eded to make VoIP work is a broadband internet connection, one convenience is that you can carry your IP phone or ATA device with you when you travel so that you never have to pay exorbitant long distance calling charges.

If you have a laptop that you carry with you then you can install a "softphone" in your laptop for VoIP access. A softphone is basically a software that behaves like a phone through a laptop or desktop computer. Some of these softwares even resemble phones in their interface.

VoIP offers significant savings for people and businesses that do a lot of business over their phone lines. The greater your phone bill right now, the more the savings through VoIP.

// posted by voip40591 @ 1:29 PM 0 comments

There are a number of options available for Business Class Satellite Internet connectivity in the U.S. today. New offerings seem to launch every week in 2005 and it is becoming a bit confusing for the business owner who cant obtain traditional high speed internet or cant afford the expense of running a T1 line to a location off the beaten path. Ive outlined below several options for business with the positive aspects as well as negative where applicable. Each company and heavy individual user has different needs, so no one platform is a one size fits all. I will outline them and you decide:

1. iDirect Platform:

This is a proven Enterprise platform which provides a wide range of dependable speeds for most any business, government or heavy use individual. Download speeds from 64 kbps to over 2000 kbps and Upload speeds from 64 kbps to over 1000 kbps are available. The platform supports shared bandwidth or guaranteed QOS bandwidth at much higher pricing. In the U.S. a 1.2 meter dish is standard. Equipment Cost: Equipment A 2 watt system will cost about $2,700 installed. A 4 watt system is about $4,300 installed. Monthly Service: A minimum circuit is about $250. A typical setup of 100C30/256 kbps is $499 per month for a shared bandwidth-no FAP setup. For about $350 per month you can get 2000/500 kbps service with a 3 GB throughput allowance per month. There is a cost of $.095A8 per MB thereafter. The shared bandwidth package is far more predictable with the iDirect platform than with DirecWay or Starband setups. You can expect to see the advertised speeds 85 % of the time or better.

2. Surfbeam Platform:

This product is in the process of being introduced in America. Surfbeam uses the same platform basically that a cable or DSL provider would use, except it is satellite internet. It is much less expensive than Enterprise grade systems. There is only one provider ready to launch this platform in the U.S. and they should begin shipping equipment by April 1, 2005. In most cases a 1.2 meter dish will be utilized with a 2-3 watt transmitter. Download speeds of 1500 kbps and uploads in excess of 500 kbps are the advertised speeds; however, this hasnt been verified in the field as of this article date. Equipment Cost: Ranging from $1,295 - $1,995 including installation. Monthly Service: Ranging from $95 - $400.

3. Starband 484 Platform U.S. :

This is the beefed up version of Starband service designed to attract small businesses and heavy individual users. This is DVB (digital video broadcast) technology which is converted to IP the conversion process is the problem. It adds to overall latency and even with higher upload speeds than their consumer products (they advertise up to 256 kbps in Turbo Max mode- unclear what that really is), they do5A8nt support VNP traffic or VOIP connections. Download speeds are listed as up to 20 times faster than dialupwhatever that means. Dish size is 24x36 and transmitter strength not given. Equipment Cost: $900 + shipping + installation (price not given) Monthly Service: $160

4. DirecWay Business Plus Service (U.S. only):

This is the DirecWay beefed up version of service. The only meaningful difference between this platform and the Starband setup above is DirecWay has more experience massaging the DVB conversion to IP and possibly more advanced acceleration techniques. They will support some types of VPN and VOIP, but it requires expensive equipment ($2,000+) to be placed at the satellite location and at Headquarters for a VPN circuit- often to the chagrin of the IT department at HQ. Inadequate upload speeds for heavy VPN chatty programs still plague this platform. You can expect download speeds ranging from 800 kbps to 1500 kbps or more. Upload speeds range from 29 kbps to 90 kbps. This system uses a .98 meter dish and 1 watt transmitter. Equipment Cost: $900 + $375 installation (shipping included) Monthly Service: $129+

5. Ka Band Satellite Internet:

When this technology becomes available the summer of 2005, it could literally shake the foundation of the satellite internet world or not! It is a technology that has been many years and over 1.5 Billion dollars i5A8n the making. There will be 30 spot beams aimed at the U.S. and 5 used by uplink centers with the initial satellite (Telesats Anik F2) which will be operated by Wildblue Communications, a Denver, Co. based company. It is being targeted to small business operators and consumers in rural areas through a network of rural electric operators (NRTC) initially and through two national distributors as the year progresses. If it works as advertised it will permit telecommuters to successfully VPN into home office much like they would with a cable or DSL connection except at somewhat slower speeds (due to about 500ms of latency). Still, it has a lot of promise for the small businessman. They will not offer an Enterprise solution for some time- if ever. With a satellite dish about the size of a trashcan lid (.67 meters) and a two watt transmitter, users will be able to download at speeds up to 1500 kbps and upload at speeds ranging from 128 kbps to 256 kbps. Equipment Cost: $300-$500 Installation: $ ?? Monthly Service: Three plans with varying download speeds

$49 500 kbps download speeds

$69 1000 kbps

$79 1500 kbps It is unclear whether the upload speeds shown above will apply to all service levels.

At this time, I am recommending that small and medium businesses needing connectivity right away, go with the more proven iDirect platform. You can learn more about it and other offering522s at www.vsatus.com or email sales@vsatus.com .

// posted by voip40591 @ 1:22 PM 0 comments

If youre a snowbird, internet phone service could be the perfect thing for you. Because VoIP (voice over internet protocol, aka..Internet Phone Service) relies on a broadband internet connection and requires only a small device known as a VoIP adapter internet phone service is extremely portable.

Many people live in cooler climates in the summer, and migrate to their warm southern winter homes when the weather turns cold. Having local telephone service in both winter and summer homes can be costly, as well as confusing for those who try to keep in touch with you. A cell phone is a great remedy for this, except for out of state-ers who have to make a long distance call to talk with you.

If youre using broadband internet service 5A8anyway (which is easily turned off when youve moved away for the season), it makes good sense to subscribe to internet phone service and always have a local phone number no matter which home you are living in. To do this, all you need to do is choose a VoIP provider and subscribe to internet phone service. Get a local phone number (you can usually keep your existing number if you want) and enjoy unlimited local and long distance calling for between $17 - $25 per month depending on which provider you choose.

When youre ready to move to your seasonal home, add a second number to your plan. Because location doesnt matter with internet phone service, you can ask for a number that is local to your second home. You will now have two separate phone numbers one that is local to your summer home, and the other one local to your winter home. Both will ring on the same telephone, so you can answer both lines with the same equipment. Each will have separate voice mail boxes, which can be very handy.

When you move to your seasonal home, take the VoIP adapter with you. Calls will go to voicemail while you are traveling, and you can call and check messages from any telephone. You can also set up call forwarding on both numbers while you are between homes, and forward all calls to your cell phone. This is very easy to do with online account management a service that is free with all the best V5A8oIP providers.

As soon as you have your broadband internet connection turned on in your second home, connect the VoIP adapter and your telephone and start making and receiving calls. Internet phone service gives you the unique ability to have multiple phone numbers (any area codes you need) as well as the ability to take your local phone service with you wherever you go. The only requirement is a broadband high-speed internet connection, which most people have anyway. When its time to move back to your first home, simply take the VoIP adapter and repeat the installation steps its as simple as that!

One thing to remember with internet phone service is to keep your current address on file with the VoIP provider. This is necessary for 911 services. Because internet phone service is portable and uses the internet to transmit calls, the only way emergency services people can find you is through E-911 (enhanced 911). With E911, when you make a 911 emergency call, the address that you have on file with the VoIP provider is transmitted to the dispatcher. This address is also used to ensure that your 911 calls are routed to the closest dispatcher to your home. For snowbirds who live in more than one place depending on the season, its important to log on to the VoIP online account management and update your current address each time you move.

All VoIP service providers allow you to purchase an ad5A8ditional phone number for a small fee (usually around $6 a month). If youre fortunate enough to live in an area where Sunrocket VoIP is available (they are expanding rapidly, so check back often if Sunrocket service is not yet available in your area), you can get a second number for only $3 a month with their unlimited annual calling plan. Just about every internet phone service provider includes the US and Canada in their unlimited local and long distance calling plans, so you Canadian snow birds can participate in this too!

With VoIP internet phone service, there is no need to have land line telephone service again. The quality of internet phone service is now just as good as traditional phone service as long as you have good, reliable broadband internet service. If youre planning to use VoIP internet phone service as your one-and-only home phone service (millions do), be sure to choose a well-known, reputable VoIP provider to ensure you have quality service. Some internet phone service providers to consider are Sunrocket, Packet8, Vonage and AT&T CallVantage.

// posted by voip40591 @ 1:11 PM 0 comments