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<title>VOIP Information and Resources | VOIP Technology | VOIP Software</title>
<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/article.xml</link>
<description><![CDATA[VOIP Articles and Information  - Useful Articles related to VOIP: VOIP Technology, VOIP Software and much more.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:44:20 -0400</pubDate>
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<language>en</language><item>
	<title>VoIP and Internet Telephone - The Ins and Outs</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-and-Internet-Telephone-The-Ins-and-Outs.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:44:20 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-and-Internet-Telephone-The-Ins-and-Outs.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The fact that the Internet opened up a whole new world of communication options has not been lost on those providing telephone service - or on those who spend lots of money on voice communication. The ever-changing technology and emerging market for more cost-effective and better communication is creating a demand for people who can create, design and install VoIP systems. There's also a growing market for those who can repair and maintain those systems.
So what's so great about VoIP and Internet telephone systems? Cost is probably one of the biggest benefits touted by the companies providing the services and one of the biggest reasons so many people are ready to try the market. With VoIP and Internet telephone options, there's no cost for long-distance calls - even to foreign countries which is typically very expensive for those companies that make those kinds of calls. Think it's impossible that someone would offer unlimited long-distance for nothing? You actually already have that option already in the form of email and chat. All you need is a microphone for instant voice communication in a chat room, and that form of communication is free with your paid Internet connection.
VoIP and Internet telephone systems just take that to the next level through a voice communication system that allows faster and clearer streaming than through a traditional Internet computer connection.
So if it's so great, why isn't everyone using VoIP and Internet telephone service? There are some drawbacks. The first and most important is availability. Though this is improving, you may not be able to connect to your VoIP or Internet telephone connection from just anywhere you happen to be. For busy company officials and even individuals, this is a serious lack that makes the system less attractive.
Another drawback comes in the form of emergency calls. According to some sources, the VoIP systems are seriously inadequate in emergency situations. Because of limited availability of services, it's very possible that users may not have the ability to make calls at all. Even if calls are possible, the systems are sometimes not sending signals to the nearest towers, meaning you may not be contacting the most local emergency response teams. It's also sometimes difficult for those emergency personnel to target your location. All these problems will likely be dealt with over time, but they're still concerns to some people now who rely on cell phones for emergencies and are reluctant to take the chance that their VoIP or Internet telephones will work in emergency situations.
The legalities almost always become an issue and VoIP is no exception. Because this type of communication has the potential to have a major impact on the communication industry, there's little doubt that it'll eventually be regulated as telephone companies are regulated. This is of significant concern to those municipalities that provide telephone service and depend on the revenue from that service as income.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>The Straight Scoop On Business VoIP</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/The-Straight-Scoop-On-Business-VoIP.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:43:32 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Business VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/The-Straight-Scoop-On-Business-VoIP.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is an enigma for many businesses. There are many flavors of VoIP and many pros and cons that you need to be aware of when considering which service to choose. One goal of this article is to help you decipher through the technospeak so that you can make an informed decision that will save you time and money.
The first thing you need to know about VoIP Service is that it can replace your local phone company. Whether you have just one POTS (plain old telephone service) line or a voice T1 (24 bundled dedicated lines), a VoIP solution is meant to replace your phone company. Instead of using your local phone company's voice connection, VoIP will digitize your voice signal and send it over an internet connection.
In order for your voice to transmit digitally through the internet, you need to be sure you have enough bandwidth to facilitate the communication link. A minimum of a DSL line is required, but most larger companies will want a T1 line - a dedicated link directly to the internet that is guaranteed to be up over 99.999% of the time. Since you will be entrusting all of your business voice communication to this new technology, your connection to the internet becomes the critical link and you don't want to risk a company-wide phone outage to save a few hundred dollars on your bandwidth connection. To help with this DS3-Bandwidth.com has developed software that will allow you to generate a T1 or DS3 price in just seconds.
Once you have your high-speed internet connection taken care of, it's time to select a VoIP Service Provider - the company that will actually route your digitized voice signal to a real telephone on the other end. In essence, your VoIP Carrier will become your long distance carrier. The service providers Business-VoIP-Solution.com work with offer unlimited telephone calls to the United States and Canada, all for one fixed price. That's a good place to start your search. For companies who average more than $40 in local and long distance usage per employee, VoIP is well worth the initial investment.
There are likewise other hidden benefits of VoIP Service, the main benefit being the reduced bandwidth required to conduct a regular telephone conversation. Since a VoIP transmission only requires 32KB of bandwidth, you can fix up to 24 'VoIP lines' on a data T1, and still have 768KB left over for dedicated high-speed internet access! This means that you can migrate your entire phone system on to your existing T1 and still have half of the bandwidth allocated for data.
Other benefit of VoIP lies in the prioritization of the digitized voice signals that are generated when you speak. In the event no one is talking, the VoIP line does not transmit any data. This allows your T1 line to dynamically allocate bandwidth as it is needed, instead of permanently blocking out an entire channel of data.
Lastly, the MAJOR benefit of VoIP telephone systems is that they come with a very rich feature set. Some common features include: Unlimited Minutes, Local Number Porting (LNP), Personalized Voicemail, Unlimited In-Network Calling, Caller ID, Caller ID Blocking, Call Waiting, Call Waiting ID, Call Forwarding, 3-way Conferencing, Call Return *69 activates, Online Management &amp; Billing, Choose Your Own Area Code, *70 Call Waiting Disable, *78/*79 Do Not Disturb, *77/*87 Anonymous Call Blocking, Distinctive Ringing for Virtual Numbers, Virtual Phone Numbers all over the world, Enhanced 911, and Toll Free Services. You just can't get all that service with regular phone service without paying extra fees and surcharges. These features are standard with most business VoIP plans!]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>How To Set Up A Business VoIP System</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/How-To-Set-Up-A-Business-VoIP-System.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:43:11 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Business VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/How-To-Set-Up-A-Business-VoIP-System.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[To set up a business VoIP system, you need several components. A central device to manage the calls, the way a private branch exchange (PBX) or key system unit (KSU) does in traditional phone systems is one of them.
This can be a dedicated piece of hardware such as an IP PBX, a regular PBX that has been IP-enabled, or a server running specialized software. You will also need phones and a data network. In many cases, you may be able to use your existing digital phones and computer network, although you may need to upgrade some of your network hardware.
VoIP Benefit
The most prominent benefit of an IP PBX is for businesses with multiple locations. With the advantage of VoIP, all the offices on a LAN or WAN can get the profits of having a common office phone system. The profits are - extension dialing, seamless call transfers, and other features.
In addition to making it easier to communicate, this sharing of features can enhance collaboration as employees at different locations can truly feel like they are part of the same organization. Plus, if they are on the company network, the phone calls are free - even if your offices are located thousands of miles apart. It is an advantage in saving money expended on calling between two branches of the same office.
VoIP Conversations
Computer networks are designed to handle messy data: packets arrive out of order and some are even lost, but in most cases the data being sent can easily be reconstructed when it is needed. Voice conversations, though, are not as tolerant of these kinds of disturbances. Each packet of sound has to arrive in the correct order because they are being sent in real time - if packets are lost; the conversation sounds distorted, choppy, or falls off all together. This is why VoIP services that rely on the Internet to transmit calls can have uneven phone quality.
The selection of a business VoIP solution is a major decision. Voice service is critical to the operation of the business, so no one wants to implement a technology that will compromise call quality or reliability in any way. On the other hand, the cost savings and value-added functionality available with VoIP makes it a compelling investment.
LANs &amp; WANs
The VoIP phone system is beneficial for companies having multiple locations branches, telecommuters and remote sales offices. And the locations are connected with a company's Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). In that case the companies are suitable for using a VoIP system.
You can share the full features of your phone system across all your locations. In addition, even if you have one office in one place and one in different place, VoIP allows calls between them via extension dialing, making it a zero cost call. For businesses with hefty monthly long distance charges due to calls between far off locations, is an attractive reason to upgrade.
VoIP Process
A VoIP phoning process requires a regular phone, an adapter, broadband Internet service, and a subscription to a VoIP service. When you place a call, it is sent over the Internet as data until it nears the recipient's destination.
Then the call is translated back into a more traditional format and completes the trip over standard phone lines. Also known as Internet telephony, this allows for extremely cheap long-distance and international calls.
VoIP Drawbacks
The main drawback of VoIP systems is the network requirements.
In VoIP telephony the greatest challenge is the bandwidth. It requires high bandwidth for clear messaging.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Tips To Choosing A VOIP Provider</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/Tips-To-Choosing-A-VOIP-Provider.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:42:05 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Business VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/Tips-To-Choosing-A-VOIP-Provider.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Once you have decided to adopt a VoIP phone system for your business or home, the next step is to decide on a provider. There are so many options to choose from with each offering attractive schemes.
The first step would be to sit down and list in detail your needs. Once you have a clear idea do an internet search to find out about different providers, the facilities they are offering, and whether or not they have a reliable operation in your area. Read blogs as well as reviews on VoIP phones and the different companies, check with the better business bureau and chamber of commerce as to whether there are any complaints registered against the companies you are considering.
Some important considerations when choosing a provider are:
&bull; The costs: undertake a comparison of the VoIP fees. These can range form US $ 8- US$ 30 per month. And, depending on the charges, the facilities offered will vary. What you need to do is list what features are beneficial to you and then determine for these services what the monthly fees will be.
&bull; Read the offers carefully. Surf the web to find out what each provider offers for the fees charged. Think about call forwarding, voice mail, call waiting and so on. Read about what kind of network the provider has, the technology he is using and what his future plans are.
&bull; An important consideration is the ability to contact emergency services. Choose a provider who has E911 access. This is dependant on whether the VoIP system is to be the only phone connection in your home.
&bull; Find out whether the provider offers free technical support. Some do charge for technical services. Also determine whether your existing computer system and internet cable will support VoIP services. Determine whether you will need any new equipment or software.
&bull; Ask about number portability and whether you will be able to retain your current landline number.
&bull; Find out what the different plans being offered are and whether there are any promotional schemes. There are databases of residential and business VoIP providers listing special deals, features, and plans.
&bull; Make a list of doubts/questions you have and seek answers from VoIP experts.
&bull; Make a list of hardware and software required such as phones, internet speeds, IP phones, routers and so on. Determine portability as well as efficacy of the services.
&bull; Read the contract carefully. Find out whether there is a lock in period within which you cannot change schemes or providers.
&bull; Ask about service charges applicable. Find out about sound quality and reliability of services.
&bull; Find out whether there will be additional costs for making international or long distance calls.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a final decision. Most broadband phones work with a DSL or cable modem internet. If you have a dial-up, satellite or wireless broadband then VoIP phones will not work in your home or office.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Business VoIP</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/Business-VoIP.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:41:09 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Business VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/Business-VOIP/Business-VoIP.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Organizational structures in businesses have evolved from being in centralized locations to having offices that are located all across the geography. The concept of network organizations enables employees, who work in groups for a project, to be at different locations. PC-to-PC connectivity has enhanced the capabilities to transfer files and to conduct net meetings by such employees over the Internet.
Before the advent of Internet telephony, businesses with multiple locations and employees always on the move had to incur heavy charges for communications by way of long-distance calls and international calls. This is obvious from the fact that a traveling sales representative once had to report to the corporate office about the sales figures through public phones or mobile phones. With the arrival of local and wide-area networks, connectivity issues between fixed locations became lessened. But the charges incurred for the maintenance of such legacy systems were high because of administration costs and network management.
The components for business Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, are the same as those for any other VoIP applications, except for the ownership of network infrastructure such as IP PBX and other routers for network management. Also, Voice Facilities Managed services are provided by VoIP providers, obviating the need for ownership of infrastructure.
The features available in VoIP are calling extension, caller account information and seamless call transfer, which are essentially the same as those provided by traditional PBX. In addition, the major advantage is for network administrators. As VoIP network and architecture can be managed through web interface, the job has become easier by remote maintenance. Further, the need to call the vendor for configuration in terms of Move, Add, and Change (MAC) is reduced. The other advantage is for the employees, who can make free calls through soft phones with their laptops from any location.
The limitations for IP telephony for businesses are in the form of power outages, as VoIP networks depend upon a power source, unlike PSTN lines, which carry power along the lines. Still, businesses are rapidly adopting the evolving technology, which is illustrated by the fact that the IP PBX market alone will generate $9 billion by 2007.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>VOIP Hardware Guide</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VOIP-Hardware-Guide.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:40:43 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VOIP-Hardware-Guide.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that taken the telecom industry by storm by introducing significant changes in the field of telecommunications. Because of the changes it has brought to the traditional telephony system it has become a hot favorite in both the residential and commercial market.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is basically a process, which converts your voice into digital signals that travel over internet. Its most prominent feature is its affordability. With VoIP you can make long distance calls at a fraction of cost that you used to pay to your telephone companies. It is primarily because of the fact that transferring digital signals over internet is quite cheaper than transferring analog signals over the traditional telephone lines.
The VoIP hardware needed to make VoIP calls depends on the type of VoIP service being used. VoIP service is available in three different modes. These are ATA, IP phone and PC-to-PC. All these services are common and available for the use at the home PC. ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor lets the user to connect the regular telephone to the computer and use it for VoIP service by converting analog sound bits into digital data. Internet Protocol phones are those phones which are specially designed to be used with VoIP service. They look very similar to the standard phone models but their components are different from them. Moreover, a cordless IP phone will enable the user to use the VoIP services on the move. The PC-to-PC VoIP can be set up by installing the software provided by the VoIP service providers. Yahoo and MSN messengers are the examples of such software. In the PC-to-PC VoIP, users can make long distance calls through their computers and can communicate through the headphones with attached microphones.
As the VoIP is gaining popularity the market for the VoIP services and hardware is becoming more and more competitive. Presently there are several companies that are offering VoIP services and hardware to the growing market for the VoIP. However, the VoIP technology is so new that even the latest VoIP hardware becomes outdated in few months. Thus, one needs to be very careful while investing in the VoIP hardware. First of all, you should decide what kind of VoIP service is perfect for you. Then compare the cost of the VoIP hardware with that of the traditional phones. If it costs more than the traditional phones then there is no use of buying it as it is not advisable to buy VoIP equipment just for the sake of having the latest technology. Moreover as the products become outdated very fast you should purchase them only when needed. If you are using VoIP then you should be ready to spend more money in future to upgrade your hardware. Also, the installation costs are to be paid every time you change or upgrade your hardware. Finally, before going to shop for VoIP hardware you must collect information about the different vendors and should only select a licensed or authorized dealer.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Is Somebody Recording Your VoIP Calls?</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/Is-Somebody-Recording-Your-VoIP-Calls.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:40:22 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/Is-Somebody-Recording-Your-VoIP-Calls.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Perhaps not. But it is a fact that if somebody wants to, he can tap every VoIP call you make. This would be an invasion on your privacy but not much harmful if you were making small talk with your friends or inquiring about the health of your uncle Frank.
On the other hand, if you were making a business call in which you exchanged sensitive information and if that phone was tapped, this could have serious consequences for you.
While snooping is also possible on the traditional landline phones, it is not that easy to carry out. The criminal needs to physically fiddle with your phone line cable to introduce a tapping device. This carries more risk of exposure than the tapping of a VoIP phone. A snooper can do the nefarious work anonymously sitting in front of his computer at home. And he can get at you three ways - through your internet service provider, VoIP service provider or your own pc if there is any security lapse at any of these points.
As data theft has been attracting much attention, ISPs and VoIP service providers have become very security conscious and take very sturdy measures to protect their servers. So it is difficult, if not impossible, to get at them but a home pc can very much become an easy target.
Does this mean making VoIP calls is not safe?
No, VoIP is not unsafe as such. However remember that VoIP works through internet and is prone to all the threats and attacks that are associated with internet - viruses, identity theft, phishing, spam, spyware. In other words your VoIP phone is as safe as your pc.
If your pc can be attacked so can be your VoIP system with the result that somebody could steal your password to make phone calls, send you spam telemarketer calls or disable your pc by dos attacks as well as listen to your phone calls.
Can All This Happen To You?
In theory anything is possible. And some, if not all, of these unpleasant things can happen to you if somebody targets you specifically. Otherwise there is very little likelihood that your VoIP phone would be tapped or somebody would be using your account to make long-distance calls.
This means that you need not worry too much when making a VoIP call. But it doesn't mean that you should disregard security measures altogether.
Consider security like insurance. You don't expect to be knocked down while crossing the street or have a head-on collision while driving. Even then most everybody thinks it a good idea of having some sort of life or accident insurance. It is the same with VoIP or pc security. Hopefully nobody would hack your VoIP system or pc. But what if somebody does?
What to do As VoIP travels on the internet which reaches you normally through your pc, this is where the security should begin. So secure your pc and you should have secure VoIP. And for that you have to do a few things.
First of all set a security level of your browser which is the gateway to everything that enters your pc by way of internet. The levels on IE range from High to Low. Decide on the level you are comfortable with.
Next on the line of defense are firewall and antivirus. They catch any nasty that goes past the browser security. Get antivirus software which updates itself to meet the new threats that emerge. And remember to turn on your firewall and antivirus before you access the internet.
Passwords are the keys to your pc and online accounts. Make it a point to use passwords that are not easy to hack. And when you have created such strong passwords, take care to protect them.
If you are using VoIP phone to make sensitive business calls, use an adapter to connect your phone directly to the internet without going through your pc. This way your VoIP phone is insulated from the attacks that your pc may come under.
Do all this and your VoIP phone should be safe in most cases. But never let down your guard. Develop a security consciousness - be on the alert to learn about the threats that emerge and the ways to combat them. This is true of not only VoIP security but any security concern in our life.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>VoIP Services</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-Services.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:39:52 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-Services.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The increased usage of bandwidth services, availability of new and existing networks and the rapid convergence of voice and data demand new products and services from Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. These needs are further compounded by decreasing prices and the higher demand on the quality of service. With competition coming from major telecom providers, Internet service providers and VoIP providers, the core differentiating factor is the higher value-added services.
At the consumer level, there are services specifically tailored for individual customers (or residential customers), SOHO users, small businesses and large corporations. Depending upon the type of customer, the services could include providing infrastructure like hardware devices, soft phones, inbound and outbound termination and also bundling of all services. At the individual level, software-based service is also evolving rapidly.
Some of the specialized services include providing fax facility and emergency services through 911. Peer-to-peer services bypass the central service provider by letting clients communicate directly with each other. Other than networking with PSTN lines for traditional calls, there are some services that provide connectivity to GSM networks.
Software-based services provide PC to phone connections by registering with websites of the service provider, which allows downloading of software for free. They also charge minimal rates for calls outside of the subscriber base. The call may be to a local number, or it may be a long-distance call, international call or a call to a mobile phone. The calling rate depends on the service provider.
Some of the features are like that of PSTN. They include billing facilities, but may not offer directory listings. As VoIP services depend upon routers, the limitation is that services don&rsquo;t work during power outages.
VoIP services face a number of issues in providing quality service. The major issue is the delay of the packet in reaching the destination, which results in the lack of synchronization between speakers. In some cases, packets are lost due to overload and congestion in the network, resulting in the loss of voice data. The reliability of a service is determined by the routing of packets through alternate paths, even when the router fails or malfunctions. Lastly, security is of high priority as the voice communication devices may be hacked with malicious intention.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Residential VoIP</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/Residential-VoIP.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:39:32 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/Residential-VoIP.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, services are provided for two segments: businesses and consumers. Consumer VoIP is targeted at homes and hence referred to as residential VoIP. As with any other consumer product, the demand for residential VoIP is driven by cost and quality of service.
With more homes taking to the broadband services for entertainment, news and online purchases, voice-based services, almost free, have caused the consumers to switch to the VoIP telephony. The demand is such that according to Frost and Sullivan Research, consumer VoIP is expected to grow 77 times in the next three years, and the market is expected to generate $700 million in revenues by 2007.
The residential VoIP components are ATAs, phones with built-in routers, IP phones and other hardware accessories. Software services are also slowly catching up. Software providers like Skype have recorded thousands of downloads so far, and the software is free upon registration. At this moment, the residential VoIP market is dominated by hardware-based services.
In the hardware-based service, the market is dominated by ATAs, as they are still cheaper than phones with built-in routers. But with the market zooming, prices of the latter will come down, and it is expected that the standard in the future will be phones with built-in routers and IP phones.
The advantages of residential VoIP over PSTN lines are that the calls to the subscribers of the same service are free or cost almost nothing, and the area codes to which the calls are placed are free and are spread across geography, eliminating the long-distance calls and international calls. Some service providers provide connectivity to GSM networks. The convergence of voice and data enable transmission of voice, video and also synthesis of voice mails.
For homes, the convergence of voice and data through the Internet is an advancement towards flexibility, as communication and computing can happen together.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Making a Call Using VoIP</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/Making-a-Call-Using-VoIP.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:39:10 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/Making-a-Call-Using-VoIP.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Voice over Internet Protocol also known as VoIP, IP Telephony, Internet Telephony and Broadband Phone, is revolutionising the way in which we make long distance phone calls. VoIP has made it possible to provide a method of communication very similar to the standard telephone network, using an Internet connection.
The increases in Internet bandwidth, when combined with the advances of audio compression and machine speed has allowed VoIP services to be capable of a high quality, sometimes even better than the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). However, many users are also likely to accept a drop in quality for the benefit of free long distance calls that using VoIP gives you. This being the case, an even wider range of people are able and likely to use these systems. It is not surprising therefore that VoIP is increasingly being used today.
With VoIP, there's not just one way to make a call. There are actually three:
Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) - With VoIP, you are able to use your existing telephone handsets, eliminating the cost of having to purchase any additional hardware. Currently, the most commonly used VoIP method is using an ATA which simply connects to your regular telephone and to your Internet connection. The ATA is an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) which takes the analogue signal (your voice) from your regular phone and converts it into digital data ready to be transmitted over the Internet. An ATA can either be purchased or provided free when you sign up with a VoIP Service Provider. Utilising an ATA is very basic, simply plug the cable from your phone into the ATA instead of the wall socket, and you're set.
IP Phones- IP Phones look just like standard telephones. They have a handset, buttons and a cradle. IP phones use an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connector. They already contain the relevant circuitry to convert your voice into digital data. An IP phone is more convenient for taking advantage of many of the extra features that are included free with your VoIP account - call display, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail plus many other others. Wi-Fi IP phones are also now available allowing you to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi point. An additional benefit that makes VoIP so attractive for home and small business users is flexibility. With VoIP, you can make a call anywhere there is broadband connection. Incoming VoIP calls can be automatically re-directed to your VoIP phone regardless of the location, as long as it is connected to the Internet. For business travellers, this means they can take their phone or ATA with them on their travels, and never miss a home phone call.
Computer-to-Computer - Also known as SoftPhones, this is the most traditional and possibly the easiest way to use VoIP. With this method you can make free Internet phone calls worldwide. All that is required is a PC connected to a broadband internet connection, and a headset consisting of earphones and microphone connected to the soundcard of your computer. You will also need to download and install VoIP software. With the software installed, invite all your friends to download the same software and when someone is up and running, give them a call! VoIP software is free to download, and allows you to make completely free VoIP calls to other users of the same software, regardless of distance.
Instant messenger programs based on VoIP such as Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, and Gizmo Project also have the ability to be mobile, enabling you to receive and make phone calls using VoIP technology.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>VoIP Software</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-Software.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:38:45 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-Software.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, architecture consists of end-user devices, gateways, gatekeepers and the IP network. The software for VoIP is a collection of programs, applications and protocols to manage the architecture. The significance of VoIP software is underlined by the increasing demand for higher quality of service from consumers. Effective software programming translates into effective management of calls&mdash;in terms of routing of the calls through the least congested paths&mdash;and clarity of voice.
VoIP software can be classified according to the different functionalities in the VoIP network. These functionalities include the management of user interfaces, call processing, network management and billing. User interface software handles the interface to the user of IP telephone. The important features of the user interface include algorithms to compress voice data, echo cancellation and encryption.
Call processing servers are run by software to map the destination of the call. The software is a database program called soft switch. The software translates the phone number into a unique IP address after checking the validity of the number. It connects the two devices on both ends, after alerting the called party of the incoming call through a ring.
Call administration software, called consoles, are applications that manage the state of the calls and the distribution. This software provides bandwidth management. Some of the standard protocols are H.323 session initiation protocol. In order to maintain the quality of service, real time protocol (RTP) is employed. The software also manages the networks.
Some of the customer-oriented services managed by software are billing services. This includes pre- and post-paid services. Some provide voicemail services that synthesize voice for mails. IP soft phones are managed by software that lets the user directly connect with the VoIP provider through a computer. Skype software is rapidly capturing the market with millions of phone minutes.
Another area where software provides services is in the call-monitoring systems for call offices to manage the calls and Computer telephony Integration for businesses.
Software development is accelerated by the need to solve various issues such as loss of packets and sequencing of packets.]]></description>
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	<title>VoIP - More Basic than a Basic How To</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-More-Basic-than-a-Basic-How-To.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:38:27 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-More-Basic-than-a-Basic-How-To.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Have you not even heard the expression VoIP or Voice over internet protocol. It provides the ability to make phone calls over the internet at very low cost or even free. But what is it all about and how do you use it?
VoIP has several different ways in which it can be utilized. The first method is known as a softphone which basically means you download some software from a provider like Skype or VoipStunt, connect up a headset, set up the account and away you go. In other articles I have written I have provided comparisons of several providers including Skype, VoipStunt and Vonage.
The second method of making phone calls over the internet is by having an account with a VoIP provider such as Vonage or Skype (or Engin in Australia) and utilizing a piece of hardware known as an ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor. This connects to your internet connection through an Ethernet connection to your ADSL or cable modem and allows connection of a standard telephone being normal, cordless or DECT. Often you can also connect a fax.
Methods of OperationThere are varying methods of operation. You may only wish to make outgoing calls through VoIP which means you will not need a &lsquo;normal&rsquo; type phone number. If you wish to receive incoming calls from landline telephones, ie the caller isn&rsquo;t calling over the internet using VoIP, you will need to have that service ability with your provider and a number to go with it.
It is possible that you can retain your fixed line and have both VoIP and normal PSTN to the ATA which will mean both will ring at the same time. Additionally if there is a blackout or power failure you can still connect to the PSTN.
You will need to review your providers conditions to work out costs of calling outside of the VoIP network. In many cases this can still be free or very low cost indeed, including overseas calls. Often there is a flat rate for local and long distance calls but again this varies from Voip provider to provider. As mentioned earlier, previous articles I have written compare some of the services offered by the larger VoIP players.
There is an issue to consider around emergency calls. Skype and VoipStunt openly include in their terms and conditions that they do not provide access to emergency services calls. For this reason they are realistically utilized as a second phone service. However certainly in Australia, Engin provide access to emergency services through the triple zero 000 emergency number. Many people now have mobile phones so access to emergency services is much more available anyway.
EquipmentFrom earlier in the article you can see that equipment needed and relevant costs can vary from a headset, to an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. These are not overly expensive and often available for free or cheap when joining a VoIP provider. A google search or visit to eBay will provide ability to get updated on current costs however it does not cost a fortune to commence accessing cheap or free phone calls.
SummaryThis article has looks at the absolute basics of VoIP and how to get started. Further articles, information about VoIP products can be accessed by reading previous articles I have written.]]></description>
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	<title>The Truth About VoIP</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/The-Truth-About-VoIP.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:37:55 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/The-Truth-About-VoIP.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[VoIP has slowly made its way into the US mainstream. Currently more than 50% of Americans have or know about VoIP services (Most just know about it.). This is surprising, when only about 17% currently have broadband high speed internet. Some of those who have heard of VoIP did so from a high dollar marketing plan by one of the VoIP providers.
Why haven't many people switched from their traditional phone service to the more affordable VoIP service?
Many have been cautious of the 911 service, which is still being implemented by some VoIP providers and all of them do not cover many remote areas in the US. Currently providers are working on getting the whole of the US covered. We've heard stories of individuals calling 911 but only to have the emergency team respond to a wrong address. This is normally the fault of the VoIP subscriber not reporting a move of residence to their carrier. Also many VoIP services are transient and when they travel, 911 services are still located at their home residence or business. You will find that a few companies are working on including a GPS system into their VoIP devices, which will allow 911 services to pinpoint the individual's location. VoIP is still as reliable or better as a cell phone when it comes to 911 services.
Another concern of VoIP consumers is the loss of service when power goes out. This can be easily and somewhat inexpensively overcome by purchasing a battery back-up unit for your VoIP system. This not only will support your VoIP service during a power outage but will also prevent you from losing any work you may be doing on your PC.
Quality of calls once was a major issue for subscribers, but now has become less of a concern due new upgrades by providers and better informed users about their set-ups. When you compare VoIP with cellular services, VoIP will nearly always have a much better quality and is comparable to traditional phone service quality or in many cases surpasses it.
The truth with VoIP is that it is a great way to save over traditional phone costs. It may require a bit more attention than your old phone service, but the money it puts back into your pocket is worth it.]]></description>
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	<title>VoIP Terminology Explained For Beginners</title>
	<link>http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-Terminology-Explained-For-Beginners.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:36:49 -0400</pubDate>
<category>VOIP</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eVOIPSector.com/info/VOIP/VoIP-Terminology-Explained-For-Beginners.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[It could be quite intimidating 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 layman&rsquo;s explanation:
ATA &ndash; Analog Telephone Adaptor &ndash; A device which converts analog telephone signal into a digital format for transmission over the Internet.
Codec &ndash; A compression/decompression algorithm used in IP telephony.
Ethernet &ndash; Used for Local Area Networks (LANs) and is a packet based transmission protocol.
PSTN &ndash; Public Switched Telephone Network &ndash; that is the standard landline based phone system.
QoS &ndash; Quality of Service &ndash; Refers to performance of the transmission system. For example is there any echo or delay.
SIP &ndash; Session Initiation Protocol &ndash; An application layer protocol that manages multimedia communications sessions.
VoIP Phone &ndash; Telephone device that looks like an ordinary telephone that connects to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) however has an Ethernet port to allow 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.]]></description>
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