Voice Over Internet Protocol Information

VoIP FAQ

What is VoIP?
Why should I consider VoIP solutions?
Why use IP for voice communications?
How do I call 911
What is the power goes out?
What type of service and equipment are needed for VoIP?
Which VoIP system should I use?
Which VoIP signaling protocols are commonly used?
What is the relationship between codec and VoIP and what are the commonly available VoIP codec?
Where can I use VoIP?
How is VoIP voice rated?
Is There a Difference Between Making a Local Call and a Long-Distance Call?
Can I surf the web during VoIP calls?
Does my computer have to be turned on when making or receiving a VoIP calls?
Can VoIP make and receive calls to or from PSTN lines?
Can I make 800** calls with a VoIP service?

1. What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a technology that allows voice data to be transmitted across the Internet using a system called Internet Protocol. Fundamentally, VoIP uses packet switching instead of switches to send data from one person to another. However, special equipment is needed at both the receiver’s and sender’s end to complete the process.

2. Why should I consider VoIP solutions?
VoIP solutions is the hot topic in the telecommunications industry. Some say it is the future of voice transmission. VoIP solutions can save money by reducing the number of lines and eliminating the need for a traditional PBX system. It is important to discuss your specific situation with a Business Telecom Consultant to evaluate your particular needs.

3. Why use IP for voice communications?
As broadband booms, and technology evolve people now want to communicate through various way not just voice such as email, instant messaging, video and so on. Traditional telephony cannot evolve as quickly as the demand and developing new feature on circuit switch takes much times and money. Thus IP is an obvious choice since it was a common protocol and every computer understands this technology so it makes it easy to use for voice transmissions across computer networks.

4. How do I call 911?
VoIP phones did not come with specific address thus making it difficult for 911 operator to track your location. Many provider are aware of this concern and are working with Public Safety Answering Point and the National Emergency Number Association to route calls appropriately. Check with your Telecom Consultant for a proper ways to deal with potential 911 emergency access. Retaining one regular phone line might be wise in the event that your decided provider does not supply this emergency feature.

5. What if the power goes out?
Proper backup power is needed for each VoIP phone, which often can last up to 24 hours or else your entire VoIP systems will be down. One option is to retaining one traditional phone line, in the even of an emergency.

6. What type of service and equipment are needed in order to use VoIP?
High speed broadband connection, VoIP service provider, IP Phone (soft phone will require PC) or Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA).

7.Which VoIP system should I use?
It depends on your preference and budget. An ATA will allow you to use analog phone for VoIP and may well save you some money but do not have digital phone capability, whereas IP phone will feature call waiting, call transfer, etc support.

8. Which VoIP signaling protocols are commonly used?
VoIP signaling protocol are used to setup and tear down calls, carry the required information to locate end users and negotiate device capabilities. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), H.323, Cisco SCCP (Skinny Client Control Protocol), IAX (Inter-Asterisk Exchange), and MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol) are common VoIP signaling protocols available.

9. What is the relationship between codec and VoIP and what are the commonly available VoIP codec?
For VoIP to work, codec has to transform the signals from analog to digital and vice versa before it can be transported across the computer network. The most common VoIP codec currently available are: G.711 (alaw & ulaw), G.723, G.726, G.729, GSM and iLBC.

10. Where can I use VoIP?
Anywhere you have broadband connection; you only need to fix your ATA device if you are on subscription from a provider.

11. How is VoIP voice rated?
Voice quality is rated by a system called Mean Opinion Score (MOS) and standardized by ITU-T. The MOS is graduated on a 5 point scale with 5 representing highest quality.

12. Is there a difference between making a local call and a long distance call?
No, there isn't much difference just as there is no difference in cost in emailing to someone in Nevada or Ohio.

13. Can I surf the web during VoIP calls?
Yes, VoIP allows web surfing while making and receiving VoIP calls simultaneously.

14. Does my computer have to be turned on when making or receiving a VoIP calls?
It depends on whether or not you will be using a soft phone. ATA devices or IP phone does not require any computer when making or receiving calls.

15. Can VoIP make and receive calls to or from PSTN lines?
Absolutely! VoIP users can definitely make and receive calls to or from PSTN lines. Any type of calls are allowed. (e.g local, long distance, international, etc.)

16. Can I make 800** calls with a VoIP service?
Yes, you can dial any 800** number like you would dial any regular phone number.