voip phone service

VoIP - Should I or Shouldn't I?

2006-05-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

Have you been considering VoIP for your phone service? Are you still on the fence as to whether or not to try this technology?
Are you the type of person who enjoys technology and the benefits you can derive from it? Do you currently have a broadband internet connection? Do you want to continue to use your existing phone? Do you like to save money?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the questions above, you're probably a VoIP candidate.
The service itself is quite good, but not yet as reliable as the plain old telephone service. (POTS) Having said that, with the push towards this technology, the vendors are driven to providing a better service all the time. New advances in the technology itself are being incorporated into the networks on a regular basis. I for one have gone through a couple service upgrades with my own personal VoIP provider. It just keeps getting better and better. With competition heating up, you can rest assured that technology issues will be overcome sooner rather than later.
Ok, you're on the fence and deciding whether or not you should make the change. Let's go over a couple things that you should know before making your purchasing decision.
First up, what type of broadband access do you currently use? If you're using DSL and you're looking to use VoIP as your 'primary' phone service, check with your existing phone provider. Make sure you can still use your DSL without primary phone service being provided by your local phone company. I happen to live in an area where the RBOC does NOT allow for this. Basically, if I use DSL I could use VoIP has a secondary phone line, but I would not be able to cancel my phone service and keep my DSL. DSL without phone service is called 'naked DSL' and is not yet generally available. You can check our site for naked DSL providers. I for one use cable broadband access so the local phone company doesn't even enter the picture.
Next, let's make sure we all understand that VoIP runs over your broadband internet connection. VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. Simply put, it runs over the internet and NOT on the copper wires in your existing home telephone jacks. Basically this means that those phone jacks in your house would NOT work with VoIP. Your phone base plugs into an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter). If you want to have multiple handsets through out your home, you could use the cordless systems that come with a base and multiple handsets. I myself use a cordless phone so the phone base plugs into the ATA. This provides me the freedom to use my handset anywhere in the house.
Another point certainly worth mentioning is power and your existing ISP. If the power goes out in your home, your phone doesn't work. If you currently use a cordless phone where the base plugs into an electrical outlet, this same behavior occurs now. Loose power and you loose your phone. In addition, if your ISP (internet service provider) drops service or has an outage, you loose your phone as well. Some make a big deal out of this, but fail to understand that you can setup your service with alternate numbers. I for example, use my cellular phone number as my backup. If my internet connection goes down, anyone trying to call me will be automatically routed to my cellular phone. I never miss a call!
These are just a couple or many points to consider when making the switch. To be honest, it's very simple and painless to switch to VoIP. The best part is that many of the vendors offer trial periods. If you're still on the fence, you can sign up for service and feel comfortable in the fact that you can drop the service if not satisfied. No risk involved.
If you're still in the investigative stage, that's ok too. Visit our web site where we offer many informative articles on VoIP as well as utilities to gauge the speed of your existing broadband connection. Once you're armed with the information you need, we also offer access to a variety of vendors offer great service at a great price.
You don't need to sit on the fence much longer. Get the facts, get the details and choose a vendor that offers you a free trial period.
VoIP can be a great solution for your home or office.
FullService Broadband Provider. Unbiased, informative information on broadband technology made possible through Try Right Technology, Inc. Copyright 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Weaver

VoIP Telephone Service Vs. Traditional Phone Service: Understanding How It Works

2006-05-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

Over the past 6 years I have been watching the growth of the Internet Based Telephone Industry. With the bursting popularity of Broadband or High Speed Internet like DSL, Cable Modem, or Satellite, telephone service has become a natural addition of applications to run over the Internet.
Many people are not aware that most of the major telephone companies use the Internet to route their long distance calls already and have been for years. They use a protocol called SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) to offer Voice Over IP (VoIP). This same protocol is available in many of the leading messaging programs like Skype, MSN, AOL, etc ... For many years people have been using this protocol to talk over long distances on their computers using programs called “Softphones”. Softphones are basically computer programs that run on computers and use the sound card in a computer to convert analogue sound, like a voice, to digital packets that can be carried over the Internet. Then some program or device on the other end can decode the packets and play them back. Of course it goes in both directions. Thus you can use it like a telephone.
This same softphone technology is being embedded in small devices called Analog Telephone Adapters or ATAs. These devices have really become popular in the past few years and the quality of the devices have greatly increased. ATAs basically connect to a normal telephone in your house on one side and to the internet on the other. The ATA acts as a gateway translating the sound from the telephone into SIP that goes over the internet and eventually to the phone system where it is decoded and passed on to regular telephones.
Many companies over the past 5 years have tried to make a business plan using ATA devices. The most popular is Vonage. Vonage has spent literally 10s of millions of dollars on advertising and have established a good market. Their latest adds say they are a million customers strong. I can remember when they were just in a few local markets. Many companies have followed their lead like USP Connect, Packet8, Sun Rocket, etc … All these companies have worked out agreements with national and international carriers like ATT, MCI, WorldCom, etc… to pass to them SIP traffic and vice versa. This allows them to offer full residential telephone service over the Internet. The dirty little secret that telephone companies will not tell you is that, it is whole lot cheaper to route with SIP than normal analogue phone systems. Therefore, since these new companies do not have to pay for copper telephone wire in the ground like most telephone companies, or for big analogue based switches, their prices are a lot cheaper. Also, Internet based telephone systems are not taxed like local telephone companies. It is not uncommon to get telephone service from $9.99 for 500 minutes a month to $24.99 for unlimited long distance and local calls. You may have to pay a federal excise tax of $2.00 or so, but not all of the crazy taxes and fees like a company like Qwest would charge. It is impossible to understand the bill most of time with Qwest. Qwest, Verizon, SBC, Sprint and other local traditional telephone companies can charge more than $20 a month in taxes and fees. They advertise a $20.00 a month special but then add $20.00 in taxes and fees which are never explained to you. They also have a nasty habit of selling your telephone numbers to telemarketers that inundate you until you can get on the National Do Not Call List. On top of that they will charge you extra for Long Distance. I am always amazed the way people are brainwashed to think they are getting a good deal at $20.00 a month when in reality it is more like $55-$75 a month with taxes, fees, and extra packages.
The other thing you get with SIP based phones are all the new bells and whistles like Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Voice Mail, and 3 Way calling without additional cost. It is just included in their base packages. International calls are also significantly less expensive as well. It is not uncommon to be able to call Asia for 2 or 3 cents a minute or Europe of 1.5 cents a minute.
Additionally, now it is possible to take an ATA anywhere in the world and call another ATA anywhere in the world on the same network for no long distance cost at all. All you need is a high speed internet access and just plug it in and connect it to a phone. You can get your local calls anywhere. You also can have virtual telephone numbers anywhere. If you live in one state, but would like people in another area to call you at no charge or with a local call, you can get a telephone number from that area and have it virtually routed to you ATA where ever you are. So you can have numbers in CA, NY, FL and WY all ringing the same ATA. You can get virtual 800 numbers. Never have anyone call you collect again. Give you children an 800 number to call you from college or from a payphones where ever they may be. This is really an exciting industry and growing quickly.
Now there are some Cons to this type service. If the power goes out, the ATA turns off. So does your TV, refrigerator, air conditioner and all of your cordless phones in the house anyway. However, since you are not connecting to a computer, it can break without any repercussion on your service. The use of 911 is becoming more available with the advent of E911. Congress has mandated that all VoIP providers now support E911 that acts the same as regular 911. However there are some older areas in the world that are not equipped to receive E911 so the best the provider can do is give you the general emergency assistance number there. If you live in areas like this, use a cell phone for emergencies or keep a local land line for emergencies and dial long distance over SIP. It will still save you hundreds of dollars a year. You also may need a little assistance setting it up if you are technically challenged. However, be rest assured it is a one time setup of plugging the right wires where they go and you are off and going. So don’t be scared if you are over 60 years old. Your generation can benefit too from this technology.
The best thing is that this industry is very competitive. Because of the low cost of the service, companies can do some attractive marketing plans. I personally use USPConnect because they offer a very aggressive referral program and have a very high quality of service. If you would like more information go to www.Free4LifeCalls.com.
So don’t believe the hit pieces placed by local telephone companies bashing VoIP based phones. They are running scared. It is becoming very apparent that in the future traditional telephone service will become obsolete. They are all moving to VoIP, so you should too and take advantage of the great savings! I personally believe that telephone service should be free and I can use the money I save to go golfing or something.
This ain’t your Daddy’s old land line Telco anymore! Times are a changin’.
Wilford Lee Technology Consultant http://www.free4lifecalls.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wilford_Lee

VoIP Security – How Secure Are Your Calls?

2006-05-04T00:19:00.001-07:00

The move to Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) has grown in popularity so to have the security issues that surround VoIP systems.
Security issues are now a major concern of companies thinking about changing to a VoIP system.
Vunerability to attack
VoIP is internet based and this creates the problem of being open to all the attacks that are associated with this method of communication.
It opens up the telephone network to attacks from hackers, who could infiltrate and listen to phone conversations and steal confidential data, and Spammers have the opportunity to target a system with denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
Before making the move to VoIP, companies need to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the security issues surrounding this new technology and plan protection in advance.
VoIP networks are threatened with the same security risks as traditional IP data networks and similar meashures need to be taken to add protection and security.
Protecting a VoIP System,
Companies should adopt a multi layer security strategy to secure their VoIP systems.
This can be done by dividing the network into secure zones adding protection with firewalls and intrusion prevention techniques.
A company should in fact secure the network itself by putting in place layers of security to protect at all levels including:
Telephones, conversations, computers, and servers.
A specific method of authentication (encryption) should be standard as to should control access ( by passwords and firewalls)
Companies should always look to encrypt data sent for confidentiality, and use call software to establish a tracking of calls for all employees, to create accountability of information sent.
Internal Security
A potential breach in security that many companies ignore at their peril is internal traffic flowing over a VoIP system.
It is critical this is addressed and secured as well.
An increasing number of workers use voIP to communicate with company staff from wireless phones or soft phones and this creates a serious potential security problem.
Therefore companies should look to encrypt voIP traffic moving internally over a corporate network to prevent attacks from within the company itself.
The increasing use of desktop-based soft phones to make and receive VOIP-based telephone calls creates a breach in firewall security that of course can be exploited by unscrupulous employees.
The best way to address this problem as we have said, is to restrict access to the network.
In addition, make sure all inbound VOIP traffic that flows through a firewall is routed through a gateway server, thus eliminating a direct connection to the Internet and all the security issues this entails.
Securing a VoIP System.
Many corporate users are discouraged from using VoIP systems as they feel they are not secure however, this is the same as saying it is not safe to use a computer connected to the internet, it can be secured its up to companies and individuals to do so
Securing VoIP systems is like securing any IP network.
Just as you protect your PC with virus software, firewalls etc so to should you protect a VoIP system with similar meashures.
VoIP can and is secure, providing adequate steps are taken.
Security is a network issue as well
Security is not a server issue it's a network issue and companies can achieve security by placing the above measures in place to make their VoIP system secure just as they do with an IP network.
Further FREE information on voip security cheap and free calls including articles, features and offers please visit our website:
Source: http://www.net-planet.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sacha_Tarkovsky

Wireless VoIP – Major Advantages For Business

2006-05-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Wireless VoIP combines VoIP with Internet wireless (802.11b and successors) networks. And its potential for businesses and individuals will see huge growth over the next few years and this article will explain what wireless VoIP could do for you.
Two combinations of hardware and software make this work: laptops with wireless connections and VoIP soft phones, or handheld computers, again with wireless connections and soft phones.
The deployment of wireless VoIP looks set for huge growth over the coming years, for the following reasons:
1. Cost
The advantage of Wireless VoIP over cellular connections has driven the majority of interest in this method of communication so far.
Reduced costs for calls combined with higher-bandwidth data transfers are two obvious advantages. These however not the only reasons to adopt Wireless VoIP systems.
2. Deployment
WiFi networks cost a fraction of the deployment of traditional cell tower technology and implementation is quick as the extensive site reviews required to install traditional radio towers is not required ensuring deployment is cost effective and quick.
3. Call Quality
Wireless VoIP can also dramatically improve call quality, especially in residential areas such as office blocks; basements etc where traditional mobile network coverage is can be patchy. The advantage of having reliable wireless VoIP systems with excellent coverage are obvious, staff can be in touch in more areas more often.
4. Working practices
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages from a corporate point of view is the way wireless VoIP changes working patterns once all employees have access to wireless VoIP soft phones, laptops and hand held computers.
As the workforce moves to be more flexible and geographically spread out, VoIP employees can move from mobile networks to WiFi-based home and office networks, meaning they can be in touch wherever they are. This means companies can have employees working from a range of places including:
home, or even another country where labour costs are cheaper. The 21st century is already seeing a move to more flexible working practices in companies and wireless VoIP will be major contributor to this revolution.
5. Management
Wireless VoIP offers potential savings by allowing companies to change the way they manage their phone systems. For example, instead of having voicemail, caller ID and e-mail separately, wireless VoIP will allow customers to retrieve all of their messages in one place, alleviating the problem of having different operators for different services.
Employees can also download, enabling them to turn their phones into portable computers, track information, or log onto the company's internet connection.
There are obvious time and cost savings as all communications are standardized in single VoIP telephone system. This means greater flexibility, reduced billing and tracking complexity.
Fact is, wireless VoIP saves time and money leading to simpler management and greater operational efficiency.
Major Growth Expected In mobile VoIP
Of course, at the moment, wireless VoIP is in its infancy and soft phones are only available for desktops and laptops.
Once reliable, roaming-friendly networks are rolled out and WiFi enabled handset technology becomes more advanced, prices fall and connections are as easy to make as with standard cell phones, the wireless VoIP market will grow drastically in size.
Wireless VoIP is already being deployed by forward thinking companies and within ten years it is anticipated that wireless VoIP will be deployed by more and more companies attracted by the cost, flexibility and efficiency advantages.
Further FREE information on voip security cheap and free calls including articles, features and offers please visit our website:
http://www.net-planet.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sacha_Tarkovsky

VoIP - Why Some People Use It

2006-05-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

Why do some people choose to use VoIP over the local telephone company service?
While there are many possible answers to the question above, I’d like to point out a few reasons that I’ve personally seen or heard of. Being a small business owner, I for one made the decision based on cost. So let’s start there.
Before switching to VoIP, I was using my local RBOC (Regional Bell Operating Company) and a large long distance provider. My local RBOC bill averaged $25.00 per month and my long distance bill could be as low as $15 per month or as high as $150 per month. The first thing I switched was my long distance provider. By switching I saw an immediate cost reduction. This was certainly a step in the right direction. Bottom line was that before switching to VoIP my monthly phone bill was $40 to $165 per month, which I was able to reduce to $29 to $100 per month. This was still not good enough given the range of the monthly cost. I needed a way to budget a fixed amount. Enter VoIP. After switching to VoIP my monthly bill including E911 fee and all taxes comes out to just under $25 a month. That, for me, was the bottom line. Cost savings.
One of my customers switched to VoIP for not only the cost savings, but also the convenience. You see his daughter was going off to college in another state. He wanted his daughter to be able to call home at anytime and not worry about long distance charges. He took the option of a virtual number. When using VoIP area codes mean little. The call is routed through your broadband connection. To a computer, area codes don’t mean anything. It’s just data flowing through the internet. By using VoIP and a virtual number allowed this customer to choose a virtual number in the same area code as his daughters. Every time his daughter calls home, she dials his virtual number (local number), which then rings at his home in another state. He gets to speak with her all the time and she pays for a local call. So in this case it wasn’t cost alone, but the convenience as well.
Here’s one last example of a family who had a son serving in the military in Europe. This family chose to use a videophone and purchased 2 such phones. When their son was sent to Europe he brought the phone with him. Since he had access to a broadband connection, he simply plugged his phone in and was able to call home. Yes, a LOCAL call! Not only that, but he was able to actually ‘see’ his family. This setup consisted of 2 videophones and two accounts. His family could call him, or he could call his family. In both cases it was charged as a local call (even though he was stationed in Europe and his family was state side). If this wasn’t good enough, by using the videophone, they could actually SEE each other. This is really VoIP in action. The son in the military was still able to ‘see’ the Christmas tree, participate in birthday parties and so much more.
There are many reasons for switching to VoIP and the examples above are certainly not inclusive. Whatever your reasons for considering this service, chances are there is a provider and plan to fit your needs.
FullService Broadband Provider. Unbiased, informative information on broadband technology made possible through Try Right Technology, Inc.
Copyright 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Weaver

The VoIP Insurgency

2006-05-04T00:17:00.000-07:00

There was a dreadful time in history when the telecom regime (local phone companies) held consumers captive by charging high prices for phone service. To make matters worse, this regime would nickel and dime consumers to death for additional features like voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding. Not to mention their customer service or lack thereof, was and still is a horrifying experience. This long history of monopolizing the telecommunication industry has finally come to an end. It’s time for a regime change. Consumers now have an alternative – introducing VoIP.
VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection instead of a regular (analog) phone line. Some services that use VoIP only allow you to call other people using the same service, usually done when making PC to PC phone calls. Other services allow you to call anyone, anywhere (as long as they have a telephone number) including: local & long distance, mobile, and international numbers. This type of VoIP service allows you to use a traditional phone that plugs directly into a phone adapter.
The great thing about VoIP is that all the additional features are included in the monthly fee. These features include: unlimited local & long distance calls into the US & Canada, voicemail, call waiting, caller id, three-way, just to name a few. Most VoIP service providers typically charge between $20 and $25 dollars a month.
VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely redesign the entire world’s communication infrastructure. VoIP providers have already been around for several years and growing at a tremendous rate. Currently, there are over 6 million users of VoIP worldwide and that numbers is growing exponentially.
FAQ about VoIP
Can you provide me with a brief explanation of VoIP? VoIP allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection. VoIP converts a voice signal (analog) from your phone into a digital signal that then travels over the Internet to the desired location. It then converts the digital signal back to analog so the person on the other end can hear what you are saying.
How do I make a VoIP phone call? The first step of making a VoIP phone call is to subscribe to a service. Once you sign up for service, the VoIP service provider will then send you a broadband phone adapter, which plugs directly into your internet connection. You will then have to plug your existing telephone into the phone adapter. Lastly, all you have to do is pick up the phone and dial the number.
What kind of equipment do I need to use VoIP? You need three things in order to use VoIP: 1) A high-speed Internet connection (either cable or DSL); A broadband phone adapter (provided by the VoIP service provider); and 3) any standard (analog or digital) phone.
Is there a difference when placing a local or long distance call when using VoIP? Not really. VoIP phone calls are made just the same way as traditional calls are made. When dialing local calls, all you have to do is dial 7 digits (555-1212) and when dialing long distance, all you have to do is dial 11 digits (1-408-555-1212).
Can I call anyone using VoIP? Yes. You can call anyone, anywhere as long as they have a valid phone number. It can be a local call, long distance call, international call, cell phone, toll free, 911 (assuming they have E911 capability)and 411 directory assistance. Most VoIP providers will not allow calls to 900 or 976 phone numbers, nor will they accept collect calls.
What are some advantages of using VoIP?1. Cost - Most VoIP providers charge between $20 and $25 a month.2. Unlimited calling in the U.S and Canada.3. All the features are included (voicemail, caller id, call waiting, 3-way, call forwarding and much more)4. VoIP is portable. You can take the phone adapter anywhere where there is an existing Internet connection, plug it in and make calls if you were at home.5. The ability to choose your own area code. You can live in New York and choose to have a California phone number.
Are there any disadvantages of using VoIP?Yes.
1. If the power goes out in your home you will also lose your Internet connection, which means that your phone service will also be down. Some VoIP service providers offer a feature that allows customers to designate a forwarding number if their Internet connection goes down for any reason.
2. Not all VoIP Providers offer E911. This means that if you call 911 from your VoIP phone, it may not go to the local public dispatcher. Rather, it will get routed to an answering service first.
3. Call Quality. At certain times of the day, the call quality of phone conversations will suffer. This could be due to bandwidth sharing, or slow Internet connection.
Do I need a computer to use VoIP?No. Although most VoIP customers do have a computer, one is not needed. The broadband phone adapter simply plugs into a router (or modem) to get a connection.
Can I use VoIP when I travel? Yes. You can use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available and you bring your broadband phone adapter and phone with you.
How will I know if someone is calling me from a VoIP phone? You won’t. The VoIP phone works just like a traditional phone. The quality and experience is that good.
Join the rebellion aimed at overthrowing the telecommunications industry by force. Switch to VoIP today and start saving tomorrow.
Click here for more in-depth information about voip products and services.
Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Brito

Broadband Phones

2006-05-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

A broadband phone is a phone that uses the Internet to make calls over Internet Protocol (IP). You can use your old telephone for calling, but your calls are routed through IP using broadband Internet access. This is done by using a device called a digital adapter, which connects the broadband modem with your telephone. This connection gives access to the broadband phone line. The primary function of the digital adapter is to unravel and rearrange the digital voice data that it obtains through the Internet and convert it into intelligible messages like the ones you receive through your ordinary non-digital telephone. The international call costs are much cheaper than those made over the conventional telephones or cell phones. The process of transmission of messages is quite efficient.
The transmission of voice over IP, or “VoIP” for short, has a bright future in making long distance calls. The main plus point is that the transmission of voice messages does not require any new platform or infrastructure. It uses the already existing Internet communication system, which is being used with great success. Great advances are being made in the improvement of the Internet communication systems as new technologies are being introduced. In view of this it can be safely assumed that the new broadband telephone technology, which rides piggyback on the Internet, will advance accordingly and provide improved and cheaper services to individual and corporate business users. Quite possibly the interconnecting digital adapter would altogether be eliminated. You may get digital telephones that can be plugged directly into the USB ports on PCs and can send and receive calls digitally.
It appears that as broadband grows in popularity, VoIP will revolutionize the telecommunication system as never before, even more than cell phones have done. As a result, most call charges should eventually become dirt-cheap.
Broadband provides detailed information on Broadband, Broadband Phones, Broadband Speeds, Broadband Internet and more. Broadband is affiliated with Broadband Satellite Internet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson