| VoiP Phone 101 |
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| 1. What is Voice over IP? |
| VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol or as commonly
stated Voice over IP. It refers to the process of making and receiving voice transmissions over any IP network. IP networks include the Internet, office LANs, and private data networks between corporate offices. |
| 2. Can I use VoIP to replace my standard phone line entirely? |
Yes, most people are just doing that. There are a few factors you should keep in mind when using VoIP as your exclusive phone line.
- If your internet connection is down, you lose your phone service;
- While voice quality is almost as good as with traditional phone lines, there are occasional glitches such as echoes and slight delays;
- If you can't get a phone number in your local area, your neighbors' calls to you will be long distance;
- If your broadband connection is DSL, you will probably still need a traditional phone line into your home;
- Your phone number will not appear in the phone book or directory assistance;
- It may be difficult for some VoIP services to seamlessly connect with the 911 dispatch center or identify the location of Internet Voice 911 callers
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| 3. What's the minimum internet connection speed I need to use VoIP? |
That really depends on what service you are using. Companies like Packet8 allow for calls to be made even through a 56 Kbps dial-up modem because they compress the digital packets that carry the voice streams in each direction. Other companies such as Vonage and VoicePulse recommend a minimum of 90 Kbps, in both upload and download speeds, for their software do not use compression in transmitting voice packets. Ggenerally a broadband connection will always result in higher-quality voice over the phone. And if you plan on using advanced features such as three-way-calling and conference calls, you will need connection speeds higher than 90 Kbps. If you are uncertain, here are a couple sites that allow you to test your upstream and downstream speeds.
Speed Test 1
Speed Test 2
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| 4. will I be able to use fax with my VoIP service? |
| usually you will be able to use fax with your VoIP service (wtih extra fee), but some Service Providers may not support this feature. Remember, you can try out most services risk-free for 30 days and if you're dissatisfied, simply cancel the service and return the hardware. You'll owe nothing. |
| 5. Do I need to turn on my computer in order to use my VoIP Service? |
| Usually your computer does not need to be turned on to make or receive calls(unless you're using a PC-based VoIP service). All you need is a broadband Internet connection, analog telephone adaptor, and a router (in case you wish to use your VoIP phone and computer at the same time). |
| 6. Can I keep my existing phone number? |
| Number portability is the ability to still use your phone number from one phone service provider with another. Usually you will have the flexibility to port your number, but some providers do not provider this facility (in some cases, they charge fees for it). |
| 7. What is an analog telephone adaptor and how does it work? |
| An analog telephone adapter (ATA) provides an interface that allows you to use a standard telephone to communicate over an IP network such as the Internet. The name "analog telephone adapter" was originated by Cisco for their adaptor and other manufacturers may use slightly different acronyms, but essentially they mean the same thing.
An ATA-type device is a kind of computer that handles all of the tasks related to providing a telephone-line experience while talking over an IP network. This includes providing the dial tone, understanding touch tones, authenticating to the VoIP provider, encoding your voice in a way that allows it to be transmitted over an IP network, decoding IP packets into voice, etc. The ATA-type device will typically have a web server that will allow you to configure the device on your computer.
Depending on whether the device is provided with a service provider (pre-configured) or purchased from somewhere else, that web configuration may or may not be accessible or portions of the configuration may be restricted. Many US based VoIP service providers supply the ATA free of charge if you sign up for a monthly contract.
Please note: A deativation fee may be charged if your service is terminated if you use the VoIP providers service for less than 12 months. |
| 8. If I have a VoIP or internet phone service, who can I call? |
| Depending upon your service plans, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time. |
| 9.. Can I use multiple phone with my VoIP service? |
Yes, there are several ways to use multiple phones with your VoIP phone.
The most popular method is to use a cordless phone system that uses a base unit and additional, or extra, handsets. The “base station” of the cordless phone plugs directly into your Internet Phone Adapter’s Phone 1 jack. You can then place the extra handsets wherever you desire. Popular manufacturers of these cordless phone systems include Uniden, Motorola, and V-Tech (plus many others).
Another method involves using a multiple jack extension connector (available at most electronics stores such as Radio Shack) and then connecting it to phone 1 jack of the Phone Adapter. You would then plug each of your phones into the multiple jack extension
Wireless phone jacks are yet another great method of using multiple phones with your voip service. A Wireless phone jack converts an existing electrical socket into a phone outlet without having to run any phone wires. You can install a wireless phone jack as easily as plugging in a lamp, toaster, or any other device. Simply plug the “base unit” into your Phone Adapter and then place an extension jack anywhere you would like to have a phone. Many wireless phone jacks (such as those from RCA) have built-in surge protection and allow for as many phone extensions as you need. |
| 10. What is Softphone? |
| Usually part of a VoIP implementation, a softphone is a PC application or interface that lets users make calls on a computer using a headset and the computer's sound card. A softphone can also be used to control the features, answering schemes, and voice mail of a VoIP handset in an IP PBX environment. |
| 11. What are the common Voip Features? |
The largest incentive to replacing your traditional phone line with a VOIP line is of course the price. A VOIP phone line can save you a great deal of money over your traditional phone service, especially on long distance and international charges.
A lesser-known benefit however, is some of the new features that are offered to VOIP customer. VOIP service providers are no longer limited by the traditional PSTN telephone network and can offer a wide range of innovative features. Additionally many VOIP providers bundle the traditional phone service features for free with a VOIP package including:
- * Call waiting
- * Three-way calling
- * Call forwarding
- * 69 (find out who last called you)
- * 67 (block your number from caller ID)
- * Repeat dialing (keeps trying a busy number)
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