HDTV:

FAQ  (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is VoIP?

2. How does VoIP work?

3. Why use VoIP?

4. What kind of software do I need?

5. Who are VoIP providers?

6. How can I place a VoIP Call?

7. What kind of Equipment do I need?

8. Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?

9. If I have Internet Voice service, who can I call?

10. What are some advantages of Internet Voice?

11. What are some disadvantages of Internet Voice?

12. Can I use my Computer while I talk on the Phone?

13. Can I take my Phone Adapter with me when I travel?

14. Does my Computer have to be turned on?

15. How do I know if I have a VoIP phone call?

16. Does the FCC regulate VoIP?

17. Wheatear the VoIP will replace the present telephone system?

18. Do I get my own phone number?

1.                        What is VoIP?

Internet telephony, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. You can get your phone service delivered to you through your Internet connection instead of from your local phone company. VoIP is nothing but a class of hardware and software that enable people to make telephone calls via the Internet.

Voice signals are converted to packets of data, which are transmitted on shared, public lines, hence avoiding the tolls of the traditional, public-switched telephone network (PSTN).

2.                  How does VoIP work?

VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number.

When placing a VoIP call using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have.

Let's say that you and your friend both have service through a VoIP provider. You both have your analog phones hooked up to the service-provided ATAs. Let's take another look at that typical telephone call, but this time using VoIP over a packet-switched network:

You pick up the receiver, which sends a signal to the ATA. The ATA receives the signal and sends a dial tone. This lets you know that you have a connection to the Internet. You dial the phone number of the party you wish to talk to. The tones are converted by the ATA into digital data and temporarily stored.

The phone number data is sent in the form of a request to your VoIP company's call processor. The call processor checks it to ensure that it is in a valid format.

The call processor determines to whom to map the phone number. On the other end, a signal is sent to your friend's ATA, telling it to ask the connected phone to ring.

Once your friend picks up the phone, a session is established between your computer and your friend's computer. This means that each system knows to expect packets of data from the other system. In the middle, the normal Internet Infrastructure handles the call as if it were e-mail or a Web page. Each system must use the same protocol to communicate. The systems implement two channels, one for each direction, as part of the session.

The ATAs at each end translate these packets as they are received and convert them to the analog audio signal that you hear. Your ATA also keeps the circuit open between itself and your analog phone while it forwards packets to and from the IP host at the other end.

You finish talking and hang up the receiver.

When you hang up, the circuit is closed between your phone and the ATA.

The ATA sends a signal to the soft switch connecting the call, terminating the session. Probably one of the most compelling advantages of packet switching is that data networks already understand the technology. By migrating to this technology, telephone networks immediately gain the ability to communicate the way computers do.

VoIP technology uses the Internet's packet-switching capabilities to provide phone service. VoIP has several advantages over circuit switching. For example, packet switching allows several telephone calls to occupy the amount of space occupied by only one in a circuit-switched network. Using PSTN, that 10-minute phone call we talked about earlier consumed 10 full minutes of transmission time at a cost of 128 Kbps. With VoIP, that same call may have occupied only 3.5 minutes of transmission time at a cost of 64 Kbps, leaving another 64 Kbps free for that 3.5 minutes, plus an additional 128 Kbps for the remaining 6.5 minutes. Based on this simple estimate, another three or four calls could easily fit into the space used by a single call under the conventional system. And this example doesn't even factor in the use of data compression, which further reduces the size of each call.

3.                        Why use VoIP?

There are two major reasons to use VOIP: Lower cost & Increased funcionality

This is a cheap mode of communication. Basically it is beneficial for the international callers who spend much, calling through traditional phone companies services. Within a few years of its origin it has gained its popularity among commuters.

For users who have free, or fixed-price Internet access, Internet telephony software essentially provides free telephone calls anywhere in the world. Some people use VOIP in addition to their traditional phone service, since VOIP service providers usually offers lower rates than the traditional phone companies, but sometimes don't offer full 911 service, phone directory listings, 411 service, etc.

Increased Functionality 

VOIP makes easy some things that are difficult to impossible with traditional phone networks.

Incoming phone calls are automatically routed to your VOIP phone where ever you plug it into the network. Take your VOIP phone with you on a trip, and anywhere you connect it to the Internet, you can receive your incoming calls. 

Call center agents using VOIP phones can easily work from anywhere with a good Internet connection.

4.                  What kind of software do I need?

If you're interested in trying VoIP, then you should check out some of the free VoIP software available on the Net. You should be able to download and set it up in about three to five minutes. Get a friend to download the software, too, and you can start tinkering with VoIP to get a feel for how it works. Some, like CoolTalk and NetMeeting, come bundled with popular Web browsers. Others arestand-alone products such as Net2Phone, DialPad, Pagoo, VocalTec, PalTalk, Buddytalk, QuickNet, VoIP Blaster.

5.                  Who are VoIP providers?

VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely rework the world's phone systems. VoIP providers like Vonage have already been around for a little while and are growing steadily. Major carriers like AT&T are already setting up VoIP calling plans in several markets around the United States, and the FCC is looking seriously at the potential ramifications of VoIP service.

There are a number of services that have sprung up to facilitate this type of "free" VOIP call. Examples are: CBeyond Communications, Free World Dialup and Skype, VoicePulse, Packet 8, Net2phone, MultiVOIP, Innomedia and more.

6.                        How can I place a VoIP Call? 

Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and dial

the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.

VoIP applications are free to download from VoIP providers home pages. Once they are installed on the computer you can make a call. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor.

7.                        What kind of Equipment do I need?

In general, you need:

A high-speed internet connection. This can be a cable modem, or a super high-speed services such as ISDN, DSL or a T-1 link. The link you choose will depend upon the amount of telephone traffic you intend to use. A typical DSL link, for instance, is enough for eight simultaneous phone calls. A VOIP box - about the size of a telephone modem. - your telephones just plug into the box. And your ordinary phone lines allow remote users to call in from outside. An account with a VoIP provider. Your account can be configured to recognize your calls automatically, or you can require your users to enter their unique account numbers, issued by you. 

These include headsets and handsets, both normal and USB, gateways, and IP phones.

You can make VOIP calls by a regular phone with VOIP adapter or even from your computer using a simple microphone and computer speakers. IP telephones or VoIP boxes can also be used, providing an experience identical to normal telephoning. Many manufacturers are designing phones which are specially meant to work with this technology, called SIP phone.

In the past year, the quality and reliability of VoIP technology has improved to the point that vast numbers of users have abandoned their standard telephone contracts entirely, in favor of VoIP.

8.                        Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?

Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers

to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means you may not incur long distance charges if you call a number in your area code regardless of geography. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.

Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

But chances are good you are already making VoIP calls any time you place a long-distance call. Phone companies use VoIP to streamline their networks. By routing thousands of phone calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway, they can seriously reduce the bandwidth they're using for the long haul. Once the call is received by a gateway on the other side of the call, it is decompressed, reassembled and routed to a local circuit switch.

Although it will take some time, you can be sure that eventually all of the current circuit-switched networks will be replaced with packet switchingtechnology. IP telephony just makes sense, in terms of both economics and infrastructure requirements. More and more businesses are installing VoIP systems, and the technology will continue to grow in popularity as it makes its way into our homes.

9.                  If I have Internet Voice service, who can I call?

Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.

Let's say that you and your friend both have service through a VoIP provider. You both have your analog phones hooked up to the service-provided ATAs. Let's take another look at that typical telephone call, but this time using VoIP over a packet-switched network:

You pick up the receiver, which sends a signal to the ATA. The ATA receives the signal and sends a dial tone. This lets you know that you have a connection to the Internet. You dial the phone number of the party you wish to talk to. The tones are converted by the ATA into digital data and temporarily stored.

The phone number data is sent in the form of a request to your VoIP company's call processor. The call processor checks it to ensure that it is in a valid format.

The call processor determines to whom to map the phone number. On the other end, a signal is sent to your friend's ATA, telling it to ask the connected phone to ring.

Once your friend picks up the phone, a session is established between your computer and your friend's computer. This means that each system knows to expect packets of data from the other system. In the middle, the normal Internet Infrastructure handles the call as if it were e-mail or a Web page. Each system must use the same protocol to communicate. The systems implement two channels, one for each direction, as part of the session.

The ATAs at each end translate these packets as they are received and convert them to the analog audio signal that you hear. Your ATA also keeps the circuit open between itself and your analog phone while it forwards packets to and from the IP host at the other end.

You finish talking and hang up the receiver.

When you hang up, the circuit is closed between your phone and the ATA.

The ATA sends a signal to the soft switch connecting the call, terminating the session. Probably one of the most compelling advantages of packet switching is that data networks already understand the technology. By migrating to this technology, telephone networks immediately gain the ability to communicate the way computers do.

VoIP technology uses the Internet's packet-switching capabilities to provide phone service. VoIP has several advantages over circuit switching. For example, packet switching allows several telephone calls to occupy the amount of space occupied by only one in a circuit-switched network. Using PSTN, that 10-minute phone call we talked about earlier consumed 10 full minutes of transmission time at a cost of 128 Kbps. With VoIP, that same call may have occupied only 3.5 minutes of transmission time at a cost of 64 Kbps, leaving another 64 Kbps free for that 3.5 minutes, plus an additional 128 Kbps for the remaining 6.5 minutes. Based on this simple estimate, another three or four calls could easily fit into the space used by a single call under the conventional system. And this example doesn't even factor in the use of data compression, which further reduces the size of each call.

10.              What are some advantages of Internet Voice?

Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.

With many VoIP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection). You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost. If you're still not persuaded you can consider that, at the same time, you can exchange data with people are you talking with, sending images, graphs and videos.

Using VOIP you can effectively cut down your phone bills, since you just pay to your regular internet connection and small fees to your VOIP service provider. Setting up conference calls with VOIP is very easy. You can even set up your own network and don't need any special equipments like PBX etc. You can call to any local telephone, mobile, long distance number or any international number. More importantly, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone. Many additional features like call forwarding, call tracing, reminders, caller ID are readily available. You can even assign a local telephone number to your VOIP phone set, and just need a fast internet connection to use your VOIP service anywhere in the world.

11.              What are some disadvantages of Internet Voice?

If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences: 

Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. 

Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. 

VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings. 

Because IP does not provide any mechanism to ensure that data packets are delivered in sequential order, or provide any Quality of Service guarantees, VoIP implementations may face problems dealing with latency and data integrity.

VoIP applications and services require data transfer in real time. During a call an interactive data voice exchange takes place. Unfortunately, TCP/IP is not best suited for this purpose. Sometimes you have to wait for few seconds, to hear other side answering. But with recent development we are streaming the flow of voice signals in a improved manner but still the quality is not that sharp with respect to PSTN lines.

12.              Can I use my Computer while I talk on the Phone?

Yes.

13.             Can I take my Phone Adapter with me when I travel?

With VoIP, you can make a call from anywhere you have broadband connectivity. Since the IP phones or ATAs broadcast their info over the Internet, they can be administered by the provider anywhere there is a connection. So business travelers can take their phones or ATAs with them on trips and always have access to their home phone. Another alternative is the softphone. A softphone is client software that loads the VoIP service onto your desktop or laptop. The Vonage softphone has an interface on your screen that looks like a traditional telephone. As long as you have a headset/microphone, you can place calls from your laptop anywhere in the broadband-connected world.

With many VoIP services, you can also check voicemail via the Web or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or handheld. Not all VoIP services offer all of the features above. Prices and services vary, so if you're interested, it's best to do a little shopping.

14.                    Does my Computer have to be turned on?

Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.

15.                    How do I know if I have a VoIP phone call?

It will ring like any other call.

16.              Does the FCC regulate VoIP?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its' role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest.

The FCC has organized an FCC Internet Policy Working Group to identify, evaluate and address policy issues that will arise as telecommunications services move to Internet-based platforms.

Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology.  You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service. 

17.              Wheatear the VoIP will replace the present telephone system?

VoIP is a revolutionary invention that has the potential to completely overwrite the world's phone systems. VoIP providers are growing steadily and the FCC is looking seriously at the potential ramifications of VoIP service. Above all else, VoIP is basically a clever "reinvention of the wheel." It is hope with booming IT technology the VoIP likely to replace the present telephony system. It will still be at least a decade before communications companies can make the full switch over to VoIP. As with all emerging technologies, there are certain hurdles that have to be overcome.

18.                    Do I get my own phone number?

Depends what sort of service you opt to use. Internet-only voice call services, usually just identify you through a username and password. Services that can connect to the PSTN network to make phonecalls to non-VoIP phones will usually issue you with an 05 or 07 personal number.