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[V155]Voice Over Ip Solutions

by Steve Armstrong, Ste

Voice over Internet Protocol. First was the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell had a vision. He saw people communicating over long distances with their own voice, not trough beeps and squeaks. Then came the Internet. A few students and the US military had a vision, somewhat similar to Bell's. They saw people communicating over long distances, but this time in writing. And it was from two visions combined that the future of communications was born - Voice over IP. This type of communication uses internet data flux to transmit compressed information from a PC to another or from a VoIP receiver to another.

What is available?
As time passed and technology developed so did the VoIP providers. Here are a few of them, and what they have to offer.

Cosmobridge è Gatekeeper è CMC3000
"CMC(Cosmobridge Multi-point Controller) is the system for configuring VoIP network which has safety, security, and expansion as H.323 Gatekeeper of Cosmobridge. CMC3000, as the programs of performing user authentication, connection of calls, and recording call information, etc. by controlling and managing each Gateway or H.323 terminals scattered and recording data, can manage expanded or modified contents easily providing database and integrated interface."

Comuniq è VoIP è SMAS-7200/9000
"The SMAS unit was specifically developed to meet the rapidly growing market demand for competitively priced VoIP systems. It is the ideal solution for Operators, Broadband providers, ISP's, and the Enterprise Market because it allows users to bypass traditional phone lines and offer long-distance services, or make long-distance calls between company sites using their existing, fixed-cost IP network connection. The system is fully accessible from the network connection."

VoIP Group è ClickToTalk è eComSpeak
"eComSpeak is a software IP Phone Client easily tailored and customizable. Based on MS Netmeeting engine runs on any Windows based platform and is compliant with every market standard."

3Com è Client Phone è 3102 Business Phone
"The 3Com 3102 Business Phone offers even the busiest, multi-tasking workers the power and flexibility they need. With the capability to support Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or native 3Com NBX call control, the phone optimizes voice communications now and offers investment assurance for future deployments"

Adore è Billing solution è ADORE VoIP Billing
"Adore VOIP Billing is a carrier grade web based real-time prepaid/postpaid billing solution. It also has customer care and reporting system that enables Internet Telephony service providers to provide prepaid/postpaid calling card, pc to phone, pc to pc, and phone to phone service. Adore VOIP Billing has been built as a modular architecture. It has been built keeping in mind the customized nature of the telecom billing industry. The architecture is such that it can scale up the huge volume of traffic depending on the rate of growth of service provider's network. It has been developed using MS.NET technology and uses MS SQL Server as RDBMS."

Nortel è Client Phone è IP Phone 2004
"The Nortel IP Phone 2004 delivers traditional business communications in a network controlled by a Nortel Business Communications Manager, Meridian 1, Communication Server 1000, Communication Server 1000M or Multimedia Communications Server 5100. The IP Phone 2004 is directly connected to the LAN via a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet connection, offering simplified management and reducing the time and cost associated with moves, adds and changes."

What is VoIP?

Chances are you've heard of VoIP, or "voice over Internet." If not, you will soon, as major phone companies are now trying to get in on the action. Why? VoIP allows users to make phone calls using their high-speed Internet connection. This essentially translates into "free" long distance, or, depending on set-up, unlimited long distance for a low set price for the service. When using VoIP, the traditional phone company is left completely out of the loop--literally. The concept is much the same as email; for the price of an Internet connection and provider, you can send unlimited email messages.

VoIP Pros

VoIP is an affordable method for long distance calling, and depending on where you live, you may be able to transfer you current phone number to a VoIP system. VoIP is easy to use, and depending on the service and method you choose, installation can be as easy as downloading software or attaching an adaptor to your computer. For the most part, sounds exactly the same as with a traditional telephone line. If you are using VoIP and the other person is not, they will not know the difference.

VoIP Cons

Some areas do not yet have this availability, but it is still possible to transfer long distance only to VoIP--it just means that you'll have a separate number for long distance calling. This may be a slight inconvenience, but the savings may offset the cost--it all depends on your needs. Also, some users report hearing an echo when using VoIP. There can also be a slight delay at the beginning of the call.

One primary issue regarding VoIP is the ability to dial out for emergencies. Some providers work to place 911 calls (by configuring your service), and some do not. If you will be replacing your landline or mobile completely with VoIP, this is something you will want to research before choosing a provider and service.

Is VoIP Right for Me?

Deciding to choose VoIP depends on your needs. If you make a large number of long distance calls, it may be well worth looking into. VoIP services are often much less expensive than traditional providers. When comparing VoIP to cell phone programs, it again depends on needs. Most VoIP packages are considerably less than cell phone unlimited calling plans, but of course, VoIP is not as flexible (yet) as far as portability and other features you may not want to give up on your cell plan.

How Do I Get Set-up for VoIP?

Technical requirements for VoIP depend on the service and method you choose to use. There are three types of VoIP options.

• ATA stands for analog telephone adaptor, and it's very simple to use. You connect it to your computer or Internet connection, plug in a regular phone, and you're ready to go! Providers such as Vonage and AT&T CallAdvantage use this option.

• IP phones are special phones that look like traditional phones, but they connect with an Ethernet connector. A similar phone in the works is one that operates with Wi-Fi, which means that when you take your laptop to the local coffee bar to access wireless Internet, you could also make a long distance call.

• Computer-to-computer is an easy way to use VoIP and long distance calls are free; you only pay for the software. To use this method, you will need to download and install the software and be equipped with a microphone, speakers, a sound card and a high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable. Aside from the software, the only fees are those for your monthly ISP.

You'll need a high-speed Internet connection to use VoIP, such as DSL or Cable.

Most VoIP options are easy to install. Providers of ATA, for example, will usually send you the adaptor you need when you sign up for the service. If you have a standard Internet set-up, you should be able to easily install the adaptor and software yourself, and be on your way. The process is very simple and straightforward, and once installed, the service is immediate (no waiting 3-5 business days for your phone service!). Connecting an IP phone is equally easy, and computer-to-computer simply requires the downloading and installing of software.

Article Source : Pg. 24

About Author

Both Steve Armstrong & Andrew Kelly are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Steve Armstrong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tax Software, Online Dating and Computers and The Internet. Steve Armstrong edits - a website dedicated to resources on edits. Steve Armstrong's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.

Andrew Kelly has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bed and Breakfast, Kitchen Home Improvement and web development. . Andrew Kelly's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.