VoIP Technology » Vonage

VOIP Problems

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:31:52 +0000

VoIP is a means of telephone service made available through the ever-expanding popularity of broadband internet service. VoIP (or “Voice over Internet Protocol”) services enable users to call extremely long distances over the World Wide Web without accruing large conventional long-distance telephone fees. In order to use VoIP, customers must have an existing broadband internet connection in place. The VoIP carrier provides a new phone number, access to the service, and for an additional fee, the phone equipment as well. While companies such as Vonage and Skype helped pioneer the industry by making people more aware of the technology, large conventional telephone carriers are also stepping up in order to offer their own VoIP services, proving that the technology is maturing. However, despite the large backing of major telephone carriers, VoIP still isn’t perfect.

The most notable of existing VoIP problems is the lack of an adequate infrastructure and effective back end system. Though as the companies and divisions that are devoted to VoIP services implement increasing usable standards in place this aspect grows less worrisome. However, in the beginning, billing issues as well as IP concerns had some companies, particularly those that specialized in conventional phone services, reeling.

Another large weakness that VoIP exhibits when compared to traditional home phone service is that VoIP is reliant on a broadband connection (dial-up internet is too slow), service up-time, and power, whereas a traditional phone service combined with an older, powerless phone needs none of them. While broadband internet service has become much more reliable in recent years, it is still not as dependable as conventional telephone lines. This means that if there is a problem with internet service, there will be no telephone service as well. While this can be very inconvenient for home use, it can be downright devastating for businesses that find themselves in a situation with no phones. Additionally, the unavailability of telephone service during a power interruption can leave people stranded with no phone service during emergencies, which can have life-threatening consequences.

Finally, the quality of phone calls that VoIP services offer can range from very good to very unacceptable. While many customers rave about their clear service, others regularly complain of dropped calls, strange sounds, delays, and echo. Delays are commonplace in VoIP phone calls and many expect the problems to become worse before they get better because, as with anything else on the internet, VoIP calling is subject to hacking. Therefore, companies will be scrambling to implement security patches in place, possibly at the sacrifice of quality, at least at first.

However, even though VoIP may not be as reliable as traditional telephone communication just yet, there really should be no surprise. Traditional telephone services have had the better part of a century in which to perfect their networks and it still isn’t perfect, either. For the cost, VoIP cannot be beat if you have a contingency line in case your power or broadband goes out. If you already have broadband internet service then the equipment and monthly VoIP service fees should be affordable enough to utilize the service in spite of its flaws – which are only going to become minuter as the technology matures.

By: Dave Goldstein

Wireless VoIP 101

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:27:18 +0000

The Internet has revolutionized communications in the last decade of the 20th century, but during the present, it is wireless technology that is the next step in connectivity all over the world in which Vonage also participates.

A world without cables, where you can take from one point to another numerous devices, could not be apart of Voice over the Internet phone services.

Vonage VoIP took this in mind with VoIP 101 emerging as a new alternative in 2006. Vonage phone introduces a change to your current long-distance calling plan, and analysts believe that eventually many traditional telephone providers will switch to similar VoIP plans for their customers.

The Forrester Research Group predicted that about 5 million American households will be using VoIP phone service by the end of 2006, with Vonage as the top provider, and a considerable percentage of users will be using wireless VoIP 101 services.

Flexibility, low cost, and improved technology is making Internet telephony a convenient service complementary to many other Internet activities, in which many people are involved not only in the United States, but also in the most unexpected places on the planet earth.

Vonage VoIP, and all other Wireless Voice over IP variants, are bringing to users Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), a feature which caught the attention of the press during a 3GSM congress in Barcelona in early 2006.

Although, there is still too much confusion about Vonage phone as a wireless alternative and what UMA is about, there are currently different wireless alternatives ready for a market hungry for connectivity, including IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) implemented on mobile phones, as well as non-standard Wireless VoIP systems, including the popular service offered by Skype.

Vonage says that Wireless VoIP will contribute to a major productivity for business, since there is no need to stay attached to desktop equipment, offering reduced cost in mobile communication and better deployment.

Wireless VoIP also guarantees call quality within residential areas where basements and office blocks are left off quality reception via traditional mobile services. Vonage considers that wireless VoIP services will improve the coverage in these areas where other wireless devices have succeeded as well.

Although, we are just in the beginning of this new technology, it is expected that most WiFi enabled handsets, such as Palm and smartphone devices, can take advantage of wireless VoIP, which market growth is increasing every day, with more carriers joining the venture, including Vonage phone services, along other renowned Internet telephony providers.

By: Natalie Aranda

VoIP Guide- Some Guidelines for VoIP

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:19:19 +0000

VoIP refers to voice over Internet Protocol. This latest technology provides voice conversations over Internet or via IP-based network. In VoIP technology, protocols are used to carry voice signals over Internet Protocol network. VoIP is also known as IP Telephony, Internet telephony and Digital Phone.

Nowadays VoIP technology is very popular. People generally like to use this technology because its costs are less than traditional phone. Several large corporations use this IP technology to increase their working area. Everyone is currently familiar with voice chat software. Internet protocol telephony has some additional advantages over traditional phone lines.

VoIP technology enables you talk to several people simultaneously. You can also send some other types of data like files, with the help of VoIP. It offers different services with developing technologies. VoIP enables you to send any type of data at higher speeds of Internet.

Several devices can easily receive IP calls. It doesn’t require hardware but some software programs like Skype are required to install on your computer. Some national companies such as Verizon and AT&T also offers VoIP services. Vonage was the very first company that offered voice over Internet protocol services at reasonable rates.

Due to developing technologies, it is said that VoIP has a great future. It has gained a large number of clients in a short period. Its installation procedure is very simple and anyone can easily handle it with a little knowledge.

By: Sardool Sikandar

When Wireless Broadband Meets VoIP

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:25:04 +0000

For a long time, wireless cell phones using broadband were the only solution to communicating on the go. But a few years ago, people developed a new way to communicate with their phones and it’s called VoIP, or voice over internet protocol. Many people may have already heard of Vonage, the company that pioneered the use of VoIP, but these same people may not know what it is and how it works. People also might be wondering why it’s a lot cheaper than traditional wireless plans.

VoIP is a new revolutionary way to make phone calls, sometimes for free. This new technology allows you to make phone calls through your computer and an internet connection. It uses IP addresses to connect you to whoever you’re trying to call. But voIP isn’t limited to just computer to computer phone calls. It can also make calls when someone is in reach of any wi-fi hotspot. All you need is a IP phone and a power supply. Of course, with every new technology, there will be up-sides and down-sides.

When you subscribe to a service like Vonage, they will only charge you around thirty dollars a month while other cell phone companies will charge around fifty. If you download VoIP software off the internet and use it to make long distance calls, it will cost you nothing in most cases and it takes around five minutes to set it up. Now, companies are developing ways to allow people to use voIP on popular smart phones such as the Motorola Q and the Samsung Blackjack. The reason it’s so cheap is that voIP costs about a two thirds less than wireless to maintain. Placing a call using VoIP will only cost a company like Vonage one third of the cost that Cingular or T-mobile has to pay. And now that people know how to convert wireless phones to IP phones using Motorola Q accessories or Samsung Blackjack Accessories, cell phone companies are starting to lose business to VoIP providers, but new technology always has certain important disadvantages.

For example, when you do not have a WI-FI signal, the phone will have no dial tone. Also, emergency calls to 911 will be a problem as well. These IP calls are untraceable so if you are unable to tell the 911 operator where you are, they won’t be able to find you.

VoIP won’t be a large threat to wireless companies for a decade or two because of these problems. They are not small either and it will take companies like Cingular more than a decade to switch to this cheaper technology. Stay with your expensive wireless company for now.

By: Natalie Aranda

Business Calls Made Easy by VOIP Technology

admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:59:18 +0000

As high-speed Internet connections spread around the world widely, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology changed how people think of long-distance phone calls. Many see VOIP as the revolutionary technology that will replace the conventional phone systems entirely. In United States, companies providing VOIP related services, such as Vonage and CallWave (More CallWave information at here), are expanding steadily. Major carriers like AT&T are already looking seriously at the potential implication of VOIP technology.

How VOIP technology works?

VOIP a technology where analog voice signal is turned into digital signal and transmitted over the Internet connections. This enables VOIP users to make Internet phone calls without going thru phone company services.

VOIP calls can be done via several methods: ATA, IP phones, or PC-to-PC. For ATA, an analog-to-digital converter is used on regular phone to enable VOIP calls; For IP phones, specifically designed phones are used for voice routing via its IP address; for PC-to-PC, a VOIP calls and a PC with Internet connection is what it needs. Basically each of these VOIP call method performs the same function: To enable voice communications. However, different call methods have totally different hardware set up and they are all meant to suits different level of users. Needless to say, the cost of these VOIP call methods varies a lot.

How VOIP technology can help in your business?

Great savings on your business call rates

With VOIP, you can simply enjoy a much cheaper phone calls by utilizing your existing PC set up and data networks. Most VOIP companies are offering minute-rate plans structured as little as $30 per month. With the elimination of unregulated charges and additional features given, switching from conventional phone services to VOIP can be quite a bargain.

Easy customer calls support

Often the telephone customer supports will consume a big part of a business budget. The high sets up cost for customer calls support can be reduce greatly using VOIP systems. With the availability of VoIP calls, business owners can utilize the “Click to Talk” web services set up a customer service application like call centres with enhanced features and low maintenance cost.

Flexibility

With VoIP services, business travelers or home workers can work as in the office. You can call freely from anywhere you have the Internet connectivity. Further more, you get another alternative with VoIP– the soft-phone. A softphone is a application software that loads VoIP functions into your computer. With soft-phone, you can make VoIP calls thru your laptop/desktop from anywhere that has the Internet access.

Further more, a VOIP system gives better flexibility in the set-up. By implementing VOIP technology, you can select any area code for your customer support phone number regardless on your location, you can allow multiple employees managing your customers calls without extra charges, you can own an instant web-based voice mail for business tracking purpose, and you can have integrated conferencing.

Wrapping things up

VOIP has been declared by greats like Forbes.com to be “the four letter word for growth.” It is widely acknowledged that technology can spur growth and businesses, even small ones that integrate new technologies, have a strategic and competitive edge over others.

However, even though VOIP systems sound like a savior for your business, you should never switch into their service blindly. The new technology might sounds great, but there are several drawbacks that you should consider them with care. The reliability of VOIP services (imagine long down time for your LAN system.), the power issue (VOIP functions fails whenever there’s no power supply.), and quality of the services are some of the major issues to consider before making the switch.

By: Teddy Low

VoIP Technology is Breaking the Chains of the Traditional Phone Companies

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:41:22 +0000

Before companies like Magic Jack and Vonage we were slaves to the traditional land based phone systems. Big phone companies like AT&T and SBC (just to mention a couple) had us at a disadvantage and they knew it. With traditional land lines, every feature had a fee, even keeping certain features off you phone cost money. After adding up all those fees, along with your local and long distance, your phone service could cost $40.00, $50.00, $70.00 a month or much more depending of what features you tacked on and how many long distance calls you make a month.

Well I’m probably not telling you anything you didn’t already know. So how about something you may not know about – VoIP and companies like Magic Jack, Vonage and Skype are paving the way for this money saving communications technology. VoIP like Magic Jack and Vonage is finding their way into homes, not only here in the US, but around the world.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – allows and analog signal from your phone to be converted into a digital signal that can be then be sent over the internet (much like a email) instead of over a wire network like the ordinary land line. This allows the user to make long distance phone calls for free or at a much cheaper price depending on the service used. Vonage is a pioneer and one of the most popular of this new telephony technology.

There is now a small host of companies offering VoIP services that will continue to grow as (VoIP) is the future of communications. Magic Jack is such a company and is growing in popularity as more and more people are becoming aware of this new technology. Magic Jack is the only service that has its own network system which is one of the most compelling reasons the service is so inexpensive.

While other VoIP companies are offering good products for reasonable prices, none can beat the price or can offer the simplicity and the flexibility of Magic Jack. The Magic Jack device plugs directly into an available USB port (2.0 or higher) the software in the device makes contact with the Magic Jack home base and after only a few minutes it takes to set up your account and phone number, you are ready to go. You can then take your phone that had been plugged into the land line wall mount and plug it directly into the Magicjack, lift the receiver, hear a dial tone and start making calls.

Companies like Vonage must pay for the network they use, so it comes with a low monthly bill. Magic Jack has one low price you pay annually which is less then one month’s bill of a traditional land line. Magic Jack will let you opt in for a multi year agreement that saves you even more money. Skype is another popular VoIP company that is much better then the traditional landline but has limitations such as phone calls are only free if you are calling other Skype users and must purchase credits in order to call someone using phone services other than Skype. This would kind of be like buying minutes for cell phones.

Magic Jack is not a phone or software installed on your computer; it is a device with the software installed in it that plugs into your computer or any other computer with a broadband internet connection. This means you can take the Magic Jack with you on long trips or even out of the country and make free long distance phone calls back to the US or Canada for free. How’s that for flexibility?

By: Tim Wedin

VoIP – A Destructive Technology

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:14:19 +0000

Many in the telecommunications industry have described the upsurge in the use of VoIP as being destructive. This is true in so far as the traditional landline services have been disrupted. Telecom Companies services such as BT have had to introduce their own VoIP packages for new subscribers and for those existing ones who require the facility, albeit these are mainly unaware. This highlights the concern the landline suppliers have over VoIP.

The backbone of the VoIP technology requires the use of broadband. As faster DSL broadband delivery has been made available, the growth of VoIP users has increased exponentially. The traditional Telecom Companies who had the lion’s share of the market have had to readjust and compete with the likes of Vonage and Skype. A revolution has taken place which has allowed for increased competition and even the smaller Internet providers or other Internet-based companies have captured large segments of the Telecom market at the expense of the once huge Telecom cartel.

Within the VoIP industry one clear pattern is emerging, that is there is no clear pattern. The niches within the technology allows for a huge combination of methods and/or alternatives which allow the use of voice over internet to take place. Whereas some of these sub niches claim a meteoric rise in popularity, they are as likely to face a sudden fall in popularity. Take for example Vonage, having been at the forefront of the technology their overall percentage share has fallen dramatically with the rise of Skype and usage of VoIP through social media.

Time will tell to see whether they can withstand this and establish a method of using VoIP as being the most trustworthy and only real alternative to traditional landlines. It is interesting therefore to note that the Telecom Companies have now taken on board similar methods and BT Broadband send out their ‘hub’ allowing connection to PCs and other broadband devices. For the ordinary user these terms are confusing to say the least but it suggests an acknowledgment that this is the way of the future and that eventually all traditional landlines will be done away with.

Companies such as Vonage and Skype, providing they offer a set up which replaces the normal telephone with like for like, should have nothing to fear and these will eventually compete on a more even footing with their larger counterparts.

By: Jonathan Ledger