VoIP service is an ideal means of sending telephone calls over IP networks. The Voice over IP works on the principle of converting analog signals to small packets of digital data and then sending them over a broadband internet connection that ultimately connects the users with the service providers. There are several advantages of using this service. The main reason why people acquire this connection is quite straightforward; the expenses incurred while making long distance calls using such a service is low as compared to the traditional phone line connections.
As VoIP service is based on the transfer of digital data, so the service provider can actually do a lot with this technology. Among the most prominent of the services that a service provider can provide are storing of incoming voice mails in the mailbox, sending of email attachments and 3 way calling. Let us consider a scenario in which the user is busy and wants not to be disturbed by any telephone calls. In such situations, the incoming calls can be stored in the voice mail of the subscribers. A person can also send a voice mail as an email attachment which can be accessed on a computer. Then there are plans where up to three people can involve themselves in conference calling. In fact, calling through Voice over IP is far from restricted. The service allows the user to talk to the entire family in one call. Then there are also the options of sending images, videos and voice to people with whom a person is conferencing.
The internet does not differentiate between calls made to a person living next door from calls to people living in another part of the world. The call charges remain the same; such is the benevolence of the VoIP phone service. It is the benefit in price rates that makes people opt for this service in the first place. Moreover the technology is simple and one only requires some simple tools to access the service. An Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) is provided by the VoIP service provider. This tool helps to convert analog voice to digital samples by use of Analog to Digital Converter. These digital samples are then compressed by the digital signal processors (DSPs). The DSPs make use of codecs for compression and eventually segment ‘voice signals’ to frames that are then stored as ‘voice packets’. The final process involves transfer of these packets in compliance with Voice Communication Protocol or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).
When these packets arrive at their destination, they have to be decoded; the entire process is carrier out, albeit in a reverse order. The IP packets are decapsulated in compressed data forms. These data are then decompressed to retrieve the original data making use of the same codec that was initially used to perform the compression. The data is then sent through a digital to analog converter that converts it to the original analog voice format for the listener to hear the voice distinctly. So, VoIP service is actually based on a very simple format but requires fast internet service to ensure an effective and soothing calling experience. This becomes all the more important in the context of business VoIP service, wherein the quality of calls becomes a yardstick in determining the expertise of a particular organization.
By: Kristen Kiya
Posts Tagged ‘Ip Networks’
Innovative Technology Can Implement Faxing Over VoIP
October 4th, 2009
The VoIP plays an important role in lowering down the monthly telephone bills. As a matter of fact, voice over IP uses high speed broadband connection instead of coaxial wires that helps to lower down the communication costs. Considering the inherent benefits of enhanced productivity and cost efficiency, the business houses as well as individuals have started to depend on VoIP services for their everyday communication. This packet switching technique helps the users to access video, voice as well as data over same IP networks. Not only this, this innovative technology can be even used for sending fax messages. Faxing over VoIP is now possible and that too at significantly lower rates when compared to traditional landline phone systems.
Faxing over VoIP is slightly different than the more common procedure that one is accustomed to wherein the Public Switched Telephone Networks or PSTN services are used. In this method however, there are certain initial hiccups and generally requires several attempts to accomplish. As a matter of fact, when the fax tone is digitalized into compressed IP packets, there is a packet loss that results in bad fax, error message or even dropped calls. In comparison, the faxing over the Fax Codec generally minimizes the loss of packets as it reaches the destination efficiently. Before, sending a VoIP fax, the users must check out some important aspects such as:
1. The users must set baud rate to 9600 and turn off the Error Connection Mode. As a matter of fact, the baud rate is kept low so that Fax reaches the destination slowly and without carrying the errors.
2. The users must opt for the provider that supports T.38 – T.38 in audio codec designed. The VoIP phone fax with T.38 – T.38 gives more detail and crisp images accompanied with stability as it create redundancy in the RTP stream.
3. The users must set the packetization to 10 millisecond or even less. As a matter of fact, if there are more headers in the RTP stream, the jitter and instabilities are less likely to come in.
The stability in internet connection plays a curial role in determining the success ratio of the fax. To maintain stability in the connection, the users must track the speed tests as well as analyze the detailed links.
In some instances, the users would not be able to deliver a fax over VoIP even after following all the above guidelines. In such instances, it is best to call the solution provider as there could be some issues related to routing that are causing the problem. As a matter of fact, problem in the routing can be fixed up at the solution provider’s end.
While sending a fax, the users must ensure that they are not using satellite or wireless connections as these kinds of connections are very unpredictable. Moreover, such types of connection adds huge amount of latency that would be a deterrent to the proper functioning of the VoIP fax machines being used.
By: Kristen Kiya
