Free VoIP Tips, Explanations, and Articles

A Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) gateway is a network device that converts voice and fax calls between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and an IP network in real time. A VOIP gateway is also known as a media gateway, networking equipment. With a minimum of one Ethernet and telephone port, the controlling of the gateway can be done through the application of various protocols: SIP, MGCP, LTP, etc.

The VOIP gateway basically operates voice and fax compression/decompression, packetization, control signaling and call routing. Other service features can include billing systems, network management systems, and interfaces to external controllers, like Gatekeepers or Softswitches.

Voice Over IP Gateway assists carrier services. It offer flexible call integration, ringing and sound (tones) quality, and supports the transference of the calls resulting in lower consumer costs combined with ease of access. Gateways also helps offer compliant, easy numbering plans, choosing the lowest cost route automatically while keeping transparency at both the ends.

A gateway converts to IP voice packets through different applications, relying heavily upon software, tools and technical documentation for everything to work together. Overall, the gateway helps enable basic phone features: dial tone, ringing and caller I.D.

Nowadays, very seldom can you find countries without computers. The Philippines is a small country in Asia, and is rather behind compared to already developed countries. But this doesn’t mean that local residents are not aware of the new trends on the net.

There are many problems in the country that needs to be resolved. All the authorities are looking for ways to address the different problems in order to attain progress. And that is why rules and regulations are established for local residents to follow.

The National Telecommunications Commissions or the NTC regulates and addresses all issues concerning telecommunications. And one of the many things that the institution is trying to monitor is VoIP services.

VoIP is not new in the market; in fact, it has been used for a number of years now. But not all people are aware of its services; and what the different providers has to offer. According to the NTC, all VoIP providers are required to place a bond of guaranteed performance, and must have a paid-up minimum capital in order to deliver their services to the people.

You must be aware that there are many scams going on in the Internet. And the NTC is just protecting the people from possible scams. Their effort is geared towards blocking fly-by-night VoIP providers to protect applicants.

Because of this effort, VoIP providers are now required to pass through fixed-line networks of carriers.

A lot of VoIP providers are attracted to the Philippine market because they are aware that many Filipinos are working overseas. And so their families in the country are always making overseas calls. There are at least 8 million overseas Filipino workers, and this is quite a huge market.

The NTC assigned codes to the different companies concentrated in local exchange. According to the guidelines set by the NTC, all in and outbound VoIP should pass the local exchange’s network. Those providers using foreign addresses are prohibited in doing business in the country because they bypass the network.

In the Philippine context, a VoIP provider is an entity or a person who provides VoIP services directly to the people. They may also be resellers who are paid with certain amounts of compensation. They are required to post a performance bond worth five million pesos and having at least a capital of ten million pesos.

The cost of making an international call at present is about $0.40 per minute. And if a person is using VoIP, the cost in making international calls can be greatly reduced to as low as $0.10 or lower per minute. A lot of Filipino families can save as high as 75%.

The NTC further requires that VoIP providers posting performance bonds should be from registered surety companies or insurance companies.

This is one main reason why many VoIP providers are hesitant to make any investment in the Philippines. Many telecommunications companies are claiming that the issue has long been in debate, and that they have rights to provide service in the country at a much lower capital. But they can’t argue with the authorities. The NTC is quite firm as to their rules and regulations. This is only to protect small investors and its local residents as well.

In order for VoIP providers to penetrate the Philippine market, they must comply first with all the requirements set forth by the National Telecommunications Commission. And this is the only time that they can do legal business.

The Philippines has a very large market for overseas calling. Now, almost all current companies are quite competitive in giving their telephone service to many overseas Filipinos. In fact, there are different offers which allow the different families to save in making their international calls.

But if the VoIP providers can penetrate the market, the local residents will benefit greatly because all international calls will surely be much cheaper compared to the current rates being offered. Almost every person welcomes an opportunity to save money, and with VoIP around, there is another option for the people.

All other Asian nations are benefiting from the advantages of VoIP. But soon enough, after the long debates are through, the VoIP providers can do business in the country.

The continuous revolution of technology is steadfastly converting our world into a better, more comfortable place to live in. Before, people only communicated through letters delivered by hand from one place to another. Years of innovation paved the way to the use of telephones, beepers, and cellular phones. Communication technology’s significant breakthroughs are coming out at a rapid pace, and so today, talking to anybody anywhere around the world is made cheaper with the use of a computer and an internet connection.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the latest technology allowing you to deliver and receive voice calls using an Internet connection, particularly broadband, as a substitute to an analog or an ordinary phone line. Also, it is referred to as the Broadband telephony, Voice over Broadband, IP Telephony Broadband Phone, and Internet telephony.

Your voice is translated into a digital signal that travels over the Internet through the VoIP services. Once calling a regular telephone number, the signal is coverts to a regular telephone signal just before it arrives at the destination. VoIP can let you make a call either directly from a special VoIP phone, a computer, or a traditional phone linked to one special adapter. Wireless “hot spots” such as airports and parks allow you to connect to the Internet enabling you to use VoIP service wirelessly.

Complex modern VoIP phone systems are made of several interlinked components. For most businesses, it is as complex and ambitious as they desire to let every employee have a phone with an extension. Furthermore, it requires voice mail for transferring calls and so forth. Unfortunately, this is not the way VoIP companies provide phone service. Modern business phone system is complicated and difficult as it is made up of three components or more.

The main components for having a VoIP phone system are the phones, the service, and the connection. The phones are the real units you hold for talking. The service refers to the company that makes the whole system work and connects phones to the universal telephone network. The connection are the wires or servers, gateways, switches, and routers that are running full tilt and connected to the Internet and to the PSTN.

A broadband or a high speed Internet connection is one main requirement for having VoIP. Such connection can be managed with a cable modem or high speed services, such as a local area network or a DSL. Your computer is an important equipment needed.  The adapter or specialized phone is also required.

The three simple components can cover a big deal of complicated situation. Such complexity is dealt with by having time and money invested in understanding and maintaining the phone system. You may probably need to pay someone else to do it for you.

Today, VoIP phone systems provide telephone calls, where a fraction of the call routes over an IP network. Part of the call would travel over the Internet by a public or a private route. Once you are calling a regular phone, a part of the call will as well travel over the regular public telephone system or PSTN.

Your business will need to have an internal Ethernet network because of the IP network utilization for VoIP. Once you are using computers in your business, you certainly have it, so you do not have to worry. However, in case you realize that you do not have one, you can purchase an affordable one then have it easily set up.

VoIP services may allow you to call other people by using the same service; however, there are some which allow you to call anyone having a telephone number.  This includes international numbers, mobile phones, local numbers, and long distance. Some VoIP services just work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services let you use a traditional phone connected to the VoIP adapter.

We may consider a forecast that in the next two decades, each home will be utilizing a VoIP phone system. This will represent a considerable revolutionized communication technology. However, the experts must always consider the density of calls per second or the possible problems encumbered by traffic. Anyway, with all the innovations brought about each year, we must expect a highly transformed communication technology ahead.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is a method of delivering phone service that boasts cost savings and extra features over traditional telephone service operations. A VOIP service can probably be added to your existing network with minor software upgrades that shouldn’t mean too much out of pocket expense.

First of all, make sure you have enough speed to run the network. If your round trip time is never greater than 200ms, your network should be fast enough to handle VoIP and data traffic at the same time. Test by pinging devices both on your local LAN and your WAN.

Secondly, look at all the components of the VOIP network. You have:

• PCs, PDAs, and file servers sharing the network with a telephony server.
• Fax machine, VoIP soft phones and hard phones connected to the network with an analog telephone adapter.
• Your PCs, PDAs and laptop all able to call through any VoIP phone on the network
• Your PCs, PDAs and laptop can also place calls to regular telephones through either the telephony server or the long distance provider’s telephone switch.

Here are a couple of added notes with other details about VOIP networking. First, check with your equipment manuals for QOS and COS compatibility and replace any devices that do not support either one. Also, you need to secure your network as you do other similar areas, so check with your own systems to see which options work best for securing your network.

Once you install your VoIP network, you will be able to offer additional services to clients, friends, family and others who’d like to save bucks and get even more for their hard-earned money.

The main reasons most people are choosing to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) are to save money and to get increased functionality.

With increased Internet access and speed, more people are trying to take advantage of  services like VoIP that can consider long distance and even international calls as if they were local; i.e. no extra charges, as long as the other party is using a compatible operating system (like headphones that plug in or software to use the system, etc.)

Benefits of the majority of VoIP service providers include unlimited usage plans. That means for around $15 - $30 per month, you can get unlimited long distance for under $30 per month! Although most of these plans target calls for the USA and Canada, some providers do offer international unlimited plans or specially priced packages.

Another plus is that since VoIP providers lack high overhead costs, like the operating of large company networks, and they can and do pass their savings along to their customers. And so far to date, VoIP providers are not subject to the rigid and often high regulatory and tax restrictions that regular telephone service providers; i.e. they don’t have to pay the same fees and taxes as landline operations need to on a 24/7 basis. So they pass these savings along to customers, too.

VoIP offers a variety of awesome features over landline operations. You don’t have to stick with the same area code, for instance. Or you can add additional areas codes to your plan, saving family members and business contacts who would otherwise be long distance a lot of money long term.

Other nice features are:

Affordable Conference Calls – Although this feature can come with standard landline phone service, it can be expensive. Not so with VoIP; many VoIP plans offer 3-way or more-way calling at no extra charge.

Web-based voice mail – This allows you to listen to your voice mail from any personal computer that is connected to the Internet, no matter whether it has high speed or dial up access.

Softphone – This device allows you to take your phone service on the road. You can access your VoIP service from any personal computer with high speed access by plugging in your phone or headset.

So check out VoIP today join the club. Join the smart people who are saving more money and getting more functionality with their phone service!

When you choose to sign up for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service, you may need to make the choice between several different types of phones. This article presents a brief overview some of the latest USB VoIP phones, cordless IP phones and wireless Wi-Fi IP phones and then qualities to watch for when choosing one.

A “hard” phone is a physical device that looks much like a regular telephone except that it understands IP and some other protocols and plugs into the IP data network, not a regular phone jack. These phones cost and can be purchased from vendors like Cisco.

A “softphone” is a software application that runs on your PC. It works in conjunction with Internet access, a microphone, sound card and speakers. Some big name softphone companies are Tellme are Gizmo Project and Counterpath’s X-Lite.

While most VoIP phones need you to be connected to your PC via a USB cable, a cordless VoIP phone allows you to walk around, transmitting via a wireless signal. The phone can be used for either PC-to-PC or PC-to-Phone calling.

Wireless Wi-Fi IP phones are also called Wireless Fidelity and WiFi. Wi-Fi (short for “wireless fidelity”) is a term for certain types of wireless local area network (WLAN); Wi-Fi was created by an organization called the Wi-Fi Alliance.

The amount of features and benefits and the degree of each offered per phone, help determine price and value. So check to see which features come with models that interest you, to see if you are getting good quality for the price. Top features and benefits to look for include:

- Voice quality is good and loud enough; no echoes
- Speaker phone capabilities; again no echoes
- 3 way conference call capability
- Speed dial – that works well!
- Readable LED display
- Documentation should be easy to read and understand
- Efficient operation (i.e. not slow)
- User-unfriendly web page
- Fair price for value
- Good looks for good quality phone (i.e. no poorly-built, cheap buttons that you need to hit with hammer to activate)
- Equipment works with firewall intact
- Good configuration, functionality, stability, and codec support (for example, it shouldn’t need constant rebooting or maintenance)

Learn what you can about VOIP service and phones, because VOIP today means a choice between several different types of phones. Before you rush out and choose one of the latest USB VoIP phones, cordless IP phones or wireless Wi-Fi IP phones, check out the features and benefits offered, read online reviews, and then choose qualities that you want to work for you.

The internet marketing is an advance shape of marketing a product but online through internet. The service of web hosting is an Internet hosting service to create a person’s own website available through World Wide Web. Many websites provides great but affordable web hosting services on various web sites. The wireless internet especially VOIP is a value that allows connecting to the internet with no any attachments and without having to plug in. Sometimes USB ports are required to connect. It also makes easy to access service of web hosting. The service of web hosting is an Internet hosting service to build a person’s own website that can be accessed through Internet. The adwords advertising efforts keep you up-to-date with the most recent searches on various keywords. The linux shared hosting is very much in demand and there are many companies who are providing it.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) conference software comes in two basic varieties: free and commercial. Based upon feedback and reviews from users, the majority found that the free VoIP conference software packages are generally more difficult to setup and use (i.e. need to take learning curve into consideration). And the commercial VoIP conference software packages are most often easy to learn, install and use (i.e. not much of a learning curve), however, they come with setup fees and recurring costs for conference room access.

Here are some main features to look for with VoIP conferencing:

Monthly Fee - $17 - $25 seems about average, with unlimited service packages. Those offering timed packages run 200-500 minutes ranging from $10 a month to around $20.

Web Conferencing Lite - Some companies offer a “lite” package for no charge or a lesser rate. It usually doesn’t have all the other features as a “full” package.

Recording Download - Some packages come with recordings available for free download. Others charge for them.

Dial-in Playback –Most have this feature and you pay for it per minute, averaging 3.9 to 6.9 cents per minute per line.

Multiple Sets of Conference Codes – Some services give you multiple codes to use throughout your subscription. Others require that you have a new account for each set of codes.

Participant Limit – This seems to vary between 125 and 225 per conference call.

Live Call – Most offer this feature of hosting live calls versus recorded ones.

Management online – There should be a system of numbered management, like press #3 to mute callers.

Toll-Free Rates – Some offer toll-free numbers for you to use, and the per-minute rate might be higher accordingly. Could be worth checking in out!

Reservations Required –Some ask for this and you need to schedule your conferences. Others don’t require reservations.

Outdial – This can be helpful if you need to dial out during the conference, like to hook up with an absent member.

Custom Greeting – Most offer this feature to allow you to set up a greeting for our callers.

Lecture Mode – This is a must-have feature, so you can block out sounds from other callers while the speaker is talking, uninterrupted.

Canadian Rates / Alaskan Rates / Hawaiian Rates – Check into these packaged with the USA plus check into international rates if you’ll have international callers. A 3.9-cent per minute rate for the USA and Canada is excellent.

Setup Fee – Most have no set up fees or they offer deals with rebates or charges waived.

Contract – Many will have some type of deal where you are required to pay a fee if you cancel within a year, so read carefully before signing up.

Cancellation Fee – Some have fees if you cancel within a year, varies between $39.95 and $59.95.

Minimum Usage – Most have zero minimum usage requirements.

So remember: you can get free VOIP conference software, but sometimes commercial VoIP conference software is better. Which option you choose depends upon your budget and time for learning systems. So take at least a little time-out to see which would work best for your needs.

An adapter with at least one FXS port or telephone jack that connects a standard telephone and an ethernet jack that connects the adapter to the LAN is the most common analog telephone adapter. And you can connect a standard phone with a device like an ATA, which communicates directly with a VoIP server and does not require any software to be run on a personal computer, like a softphone, to a remote VoIP server.

The ATA conveys information via the remote VoIP server using VoIP protocols like SIP, MGCP, H.323 and IAX. Then it encodes and decodes voice signals with voice codec: gsm, ILBC, ulaw, alaw, etc.

FXS to USB Adapters

Hook up your phone with your person computer (pc). To hook up an FXS port / telephone jack to a standard telephone and a USB connector to a pc adapter, an FXS to USB adapter is the choice to use. Note that although FXS connects to Ethernet gateways, FXS to USB adapters do not communicate directly with VoIP servers. Software is necessary in order for the equipment to work, generally a softphone. This software then conveys the information via the remote VoIP server, performing the voice encoding and decoding. FXS to USB adapters do need drivers (software) which may not be available nor compatible across all operating systems and system platforms, so check in advance to coordinate your systems.

FXS to Dialup Adapters

Hook up with dialup. You can hook up an FXS to a dialup adapter, a unit with at least one FXS port / telephone jack that links the standard telephone and one FXO port with a built-in dialup modem to convey information via the dialup ISP. With this type ATA, it is possible to connect a standard phone with remote VoIP servers. The ATA then transmits via the remote VoIP server using a VoIP protocols; H.323, SIP, MGCP or IAX. And it encodes and decodes voice signals with codec; gsm, ILBC, G723.1, etc. Good news is that no software is needed, since ATAs work directly in conjunction with VoIP servers.

Skype is a free Voip (voice over internet protocol) service with downloadable software for conferencing at http://www.skype.com. The popular “Skype Me!” service allows people around the globe to hook up for free (in 27 countries at the time of this writing) using global telephony via the internet to anyone else who also has the Skype service. You can also call landlines with Skype on your computer for a small amount per minute as compared with regular phone service rates. Easy to use, Skype can be downloaded and used with almost any computer system.

Download and Installation Instructions

Turn on your computer and follow these steps:

1. Go to Skype.com and download their free software.
2. Click and install the software on your hard drive following their step-by-step automated instructions, as the software configures itself for your computer system and network.
3. Register with Skype and get a user ID.
4. Get a headset for your computer (eBay has a variety of inexpensive kinds & sound quality is awesome, so you shouldn’t have to worry about cheap brands.)

How To Use Conferencing In Skype…

1. Open Skype. Head to “Tools” then “Create Conference”
2. “Conference Topic” - Create a name for your conference here in this box.
3. Then choose your Conference Participants (for the right-hand box) from the left-hand box of All Contacts, adding them individually until you get 2-4.
4. When you have all your participants, click the Start button at the bottom of the window.
5. Use same features as you would during regular calls during conference.
6. Call Record is available on the High Speed Plus+ service. You have to press *7 on the Dial Pad, or the RECORD button on the Conference Controls after you have signed into the service.
7. When finished, hit the End Call or red phone (bottom right) button.
8. A window will appear asking if you are sure you want to End Conference - answer accordingly.

Keep an eye out for upgrades that allow up to 10 callers per conference, plus option paid features with Vapps service to coordinate advanced usage features with Skype. For now, you sure can’t beat the free service, when it costs quite a bit to conference call with landline phones. Also, realize you direct dial and hook up everyone yourself, so there is no need for scheduling in advance and getting operator assistance. Plus, you have unlimited time to talk (most conferences require cut off after 4 hours) and don’t need any number or letter codes to enter to access the conferencing. Have fun conferencing!

Skype is a free Voip (voice over internet protocol) service with a website at: http://www.skype.com. In a nutshell, you can use Skype to make free phone calls (aka global telephony) via the internet to anyone else who also has the service, or for a minimal amount (compared with regular phone service) with people you call at landline numbers. Fairly easy to use with a small learning curve, Skype can be downloaded and used most computers.

To get Skype and use it, turn on your computer and follow these steps:

1. Head to Skype.com and download their free software. Remember where you downloaded it.
2. Go to where you downloaded the software, then install it on your hard drive. This process is automated, configuring itself for your computer system and network.
3. After you’re all set up, register with Skype and get a user name.
4. Search eBay and find an inexpensive headset for your computer. Sound quality is excellent, so you shouldn’t have to worry about cheapy models.

Skype’s standard features include:

- Free communication with other Skype users
- Free Profile sharing; your URL, phone, etc. as you like with other Skype users
- Conference calling with up to five Skype users at once
- File transfers between Skype users
- Chat aka instant messaging

Skype’s optional features include:

- SkypeOut - lets Skype users call standard landline phones – not free, but cheap.
- Skype Voicemail – lets Skype users leave voicemail messages for you; not free, but cheap.

Skpye Tips

People are starting to hook up with Skype and grow business all over the world. One popular means is to add your Skype ID to your signature(sig) file in your emails and on forums. In your Skype profile, let people know when you’re online, invite voicemail, etc. And reach out to communicate with others.

You need to invite others to add you to their Skype lists and vice versa. It’s not an automatic procedure. So be pro-active. And do agree to let others add your ID to their list. Then take care and be professional. Don’t take advantage of the other person’s time or contact information. Keep it confidential.

If you are not available, you can set your profile to read as such. That way others won’t bother you when your software is open on your computer.

So click here to try Skype today and reach out to Skype someone!