Free VoIP Tips, Explanations, and Articles

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!