Oct 26, 2011 | All About VoIP, VoIP Getting Started
Here are most Frequently Asked Question about VoIP. Most common things you should know.
Oct 10, 2011 | All About VoIP
Though VOIP is an excellent technology, getting one is not that easy. There are a couple of factors you need to consider, one of which is the bandwidth.
Bandwidth refers to how much data can be sent and received through the Internet. There are two kinds of it. You have the download bandwidth, which refers to how much information can be transferred from the Internet to your PC, and the upload bandwidth, a measure of data transferred from your PC to the Internet.
As to how much upload and download bandwidth you need clearly depends on your needs, preferences, or habits. For example, if you love to watch videos and listen to podcast more than storing documents online, then you definitely need more download than upload bandwidth.
However, if you’re using VOIP you definitely need more of both.
What happens if you don’t meet the required bandwidth then? For one, the quality of audio and video may suffer. There may be some delays, or worse, you may not hear or see anything at all. If you’re using VOIP to make calls, you’ll experience a lot of dropped or disconnected calls. It’s also possible that you can’t take advantage of other well-known features of VOIP.
How to Avoid Bandwidth Problems
1. Prioritize cable over other types of connection. High-speed DSL connection is actually already great for VOIP, as the bandwidth it provides can already sustain at most 2 simultaneous calls. If you’re running a small business, the bandwidth and speed is already enough. Moreover, you can use facsimile services.
Nevertheless, if you want to guarantee exceptional quality, you should go for cable VOIP, where bandwidth and speed is around 4 times much faster and bigger than that of other VOIP setups. You may spend more, but it’s going to be worth it.
2. Make sure that your VOIP provider always upgrades its infrastructure. When you’re up against a lot of VOIP users, there’s no way that your own bandwidth won’t suffer. You will experience a number of downtimes or slow connection. But these can be avoided only if the company is willing to invest in improving VOIP technology, integrating better hardware, for example.
3. See to it your computer is capable of high-speed connection. Sometimes bandwidth is already huge, but it’s not maximized because of your computer limitations.
Oct 10, 2011 | All About VoIP
Anyone who is planning to adopt a VOIP system for his business always asks, “Is it possible to send and receive fax messages through the technology?” If you are using the traditional phone line, the answer is definitely yes. But is it the same with VOIP?
Yes, it is. However, it is not similar.
These days it is common among VOIP providers to offer fax services along with the voice and video packages. This simply increases the value of the bundle. But, of course, before you can take advantage of that, you need to
1) Meet the physical requirements
You need to have a fax machine, a broadband modem, and an ATA (analog telephone adapter). The fax machine shall be connected to your ATA, which is then attached to your broadband modem, so you can already receive and send fax copies
2) Determine the protocol used
There are two types of protocols used for sending and receiving fax copies through VOIP. These are T .38 and g711. Either of the two can be used. Moreover, you need to adjust the settings of your VOIP in order to accommodate the protocols used.
3) Change the baud rate
For you to use your fax machine along with your VOIP, the baud rate should be no more than 9600. Baud rate measures the rate of communication, specifically at how much speed data has been transferred. You may also have to adjust the settings in order to accommodate the required baud rate.
4)How Much Should You Pay?
Since faxing is totally different from sending and receiving audio and video, VOIP providers usually offer the services as a premium. This means you have to pay for it either monthly or depending on what you have agreed upon. It is also common to have a maximum quota for sending and zero for receiving. If you exceed your number, you need to pay for the extra.
5)Finding the Right Provider
One of the challenges with fax in VOIP is you cannot have any room for delayed or wrong transmission. If there is delay, for example, you cannot send or receive any fax copies. Hence, it is extremely essential you can find a very reliable provider that can give you steady and well-maintained VOIP network and Internet connection.
Oct 6, 2011 | All About VoIP, HowTo
VOIP has been a huge help for businesses all over the world. It offers flexibility, convenience, and cost savings. Moreover, it gives you three viable options for setup. Your choice depends on your needs and preferences.
On-premise VOIP
As its name suggests, the VOIP infrastructure is found within office, if not handled by your business. This is not difficult anymore as all the different pieces of equipment and software you need are readily available. This is also advantageous if you want to have full control over the configuration, power, and function of your VOIP. It is going to be much easier for you to upgrade the network to accommodate new technologies or integrate existing ones.
One of the disadvantages, however, is the cost. Unless you have already amassed a significant amount of capital, it is difficult to maintain your own VOIP, not to mention set one up. It further increases costs since you need to spend for your IT team, who needs to maintain your network.
Managed VOIP
A lot of business owners, especially first-time VOIP users and small-based ones, prefer managed VOIP. This means that a third-party provider takes care of the network, as well as other VOIP-related needs, such as the infrastructure.
The competition has been very tough among VOIP providers, so you have plenty of great choices with regards to cost. Moreover, you do not have to spend for anything, except for the monthly repayments. You can also count on its own pool of highly skilled IT personnel to maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot your VOIP dilemmas.
The danger of managed VOIP is finding a mediocre provider. It is possible to be locked in to an agreement for a number of years, and you have to bear the consequences of its poor service, including poor audio and video quality.
Hosted VOIP
A hosted VOIP is a combination of managed VOIP and on-premise VOIP. You normally have the existing infrastructure, such as the PBX system. This is considered as your main controller for your network of PCs and phones within your company. When you use VOIP, the provider simply taps on your existing PBX system, making it the host of your technology. VOIP calls normally pass through a public switched telephone network (PTSN) before it goes through your PBX system.
Oct 6, 2011 | All About VoIP
You have read about it online, heard it from a friend, or saw it on TV. VOIP is basically everywhere, and you start wondering if it is high time for you to change your communication network such as your good old telephone lines to this.
Perhaps you have to, but before you make those bold moves, take note of these suggestions first:
1. Find out the reason for switching to VOIP.
VOIP is not really entirely for everyone, so it is useless if you go for it but will not be able to make full advantage of it. This technology is more effective for those who are in the business since it can definitely reduce operations costs, build better connections among different offices, effectively manage home-based employees, and is flexible enough to be easily integrated to existing systems.
2. Choose a good provider.
Unless you have a lot of money, there is a good chance that your VOIP setup is either hosted or managed. Regardless, you have to look for a reliable provider, someone who can give you excellent hardware and software to use. It is also important to ensure that there is a highly skilled IT department you can count on just in case you meet problems with your connection.
3. Make sure there is a source of Internet.
VOIP works only if there is an Internet connection available. That is why even if your phone is VOIP capable, you still will not be able to take advantage of its mobile version unless there is WIFI or 3G.
One of the first things you have to keep in mind therefore is how dependable your Internet connection is, especially its speed. If it is not fast, then you may suffer from bad audio quality or dropped calls.
4. See if your own cable or Internet provider offers VOIP.
It saves you a lot of money and hassle if your VOIP is also being provided by your Internet or cable company. Usually, it is a premium service that you have to pay every month. Nevertheless, the rates are reasonably priced or affordable.
5. Determine the features you need.
VOIP can have a long list of features, but not all are necessary. To save you money and make the most of your technology, choose them wisely. Find those that help you achieve your goals.
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