Know-How Tips

By Jason Morris

Introduction To Voice Over IP (VoIP)

The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many

circumstances things have already changed. Take long

distance calls for instance, many service providers are

already using a technology called Voice Over IP or VoIP for

short. If you have never heard of Voice over IP (VoIP)

before, then the following article will change the way you

think about how long distance phone calls are being made

now, and about how all phone calls will be made in the

future. Voice Over IP (VoIP) is a method for turning

analogue audio signals into digital data that can be

transferred over the internet.

You may be asking yourself how this new VoIP technology is

useful. Well think about it for a few seconds. If it is

possible to turn analogue signals into digital data, then

VoIP can turn a standard internet connection into a method

for placing phone calls anywhere in the world virtually

free, except for your internet service fee, enabling you to

bypass the phone companies entirely.

Voice Over IP (VoIP) has the potential to completely

revolutionise the way the worlds phone systems operate.

There are many VoIP service providers that have been around

for a while, and are growing steadily. Now the worlds

leading telecommunications operators are waking up to the

endless possibilities of this new technology, setting up

VoIP calling centres around the world and promoting the

sales of Voice Over IP phone systems.

Making a call

With VoIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in

one of three ways:

ATA (gateway) – The simplest way to make a VoIP phone call

is through the use of ATA’s (analogue telephone adaptors)

sometimes called gateways. These devices enable you to make

use of your existing standard analogue phones. You simply

plug your standard handset into the ATA (gateway) then

connect the ATA to your computer or your internet

connection, enabling you to make VoIP calls. An ATA takes

the analogue signal from your standard phone and turns it

into a digital signal that is ready for transmission over

the internet. Some ATA’s (gateways) come with additional

software that is loaded onto a host computer, enabling you

to configure it for VoIP accurately.

IP Phones – These handsets look just like normal standard

handsets. They have an RJ 45 Ethernet connector instead of

the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the

necessary software and hardware to handle VoIP calls

already built in them. They connect directly to your

router, providing a very fast and cost effective entry into

the world of Voice Over IP.

Computer to computer – This is the easiest way to make use

of the VoIP technology. There are many companies offering

cost effective software that you can use for this type of

VoIP. Usually the only charge you pay is the monthly one

from your internet service provider, even for long distance

calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable

sound card and a fast internet connection.

Chances are that you have already made a Voice over IP

(VoIP) call without even realising it. The major phone

companies already use VoIP to route thousands of long

distance calls through a circuit switch and into an IP

gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other

end and then routed to another local circuit switch. More

and more companies are installing VoIP phone systems, and

the technology will grow and grow until it finds its way

into every business and household across the globe.

Voice over IP (VoIP) Features

Because with VoIP you can make calls from anywhere you have

access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP

phones or ATA’s with them on trips and still have access to

what is essentially their home phone.

Some people use a softphone to access their VoIP service. A

softphone is a specially developed software application

that loads the VoIP service onto your desktop computer or

laptop. Some even have an interface on the screen that

looks like a traditional phone. These softphone

applications allow you to place VoIP calls from your

laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a

broadband connection.

Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra

features that are added to your account. With VOIP service

providers these usually come as standard. Features such as:

1. Caller ID

2. Call Waiting

3. Call Transfer

4. Repeat Dialling

5. Return Call

6. Three-Way Dialling

Some VoIP service providers also offer advanced call

filtering features. These additional features allow you to

decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using

caller ID information. They allow you to:

1. Forward the call to a particular number

2. Send the call directly to voicemail

3. Give the caller a busy signal

4. Play a “not-in-service” message

Many VoIP services also allow you to check your voicemail

over the internet or attach messages to an e-mail that is

sent to your computer or PDA. It’s best to check with VoIP

phone system suppliers and service operators exactly what

features they offer as package and service prices vary

greatly.

There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a

streamlined Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system network. For

the network administrators, a VoIP phone system means they

only have one network to maintain instead of two. The

portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified.

This is because most VoIP phone systems can be configured

using a web interface, which can be managed by the network

administrator. The MAC (move, add, change) process is made

much easier, and you will not have to call your

system/service provider for every MAC you carry out. All

this means lower ongoing costs for your company.

Another cost saving for companies who implement a VoIP

system is, because multiple offices, no matter where they

are in the world are seamlessly connected, they can share

many of the features VoIP can offer, such as:

1. One single receptionist

2. Auto attendant facilities

3. Voice mail system

Choosing a VOIP phone system

If you have decided that a VoIP phone system is the right

step for your company, next you need to determine which of

your existing telephone equipment you are able to keep. The

potential cost savings that can be made through using any

existing digital equipment are huge. Many digital phone

systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions

and software upgrades.

When shopping around for potential systems you need to be

certain of the features they provide as standard and which

are optional cost extras. You also need to be certain of

exactly what is included with the system. Many suppliers

claim to include everything you need, but standard

components can vary from one company to the other. So you

need to sure you are comparing equivalent systems when

approaching potential suppliers.

You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of

existing equipment. The technology used in many VOIP

systems may affect the implementation of any existing

telephone hardware.

You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax

machines, credit card processors, and security systems etc

can be integrated into your new VoIP phone system. You

should make any potential vendor aware of such devices so

they can provide you with a suitable phone system for your

requirements.

Finally, do not try to save money by buying used VoIP phone

systems. Remember Voice over IP (VoIP) is a new technology,

so even last years equipment is outdated. Also the

installation cost will still apply whether the system is

new or second hand, and the service costs may even be

higher due to reliability issues. To put it simply it just

isn’t worth the hassle, the higher secondary costs will

wipe out any potential saving.

Thanks for reading,

About the author:

Jason Morris is co-author, search engine optimization and marketing consultant of Business Phone Systems Direct. Specialists in the supply and installation of quality business phone systems and accessories from leading manufacturers. For a free quotation on one of our range of Panasonic phone systems and for free technical advice click Panasonic Phone Systems

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