VOIP Internet Phone Center

IP-telephony is not really a new concept and is now available on the market for many years, it’s no more in testing mode. People don’t know exactly what a Internet Telephony device is. What is it, how does it work?
Here you will find some information aboujt Internet Telephony devices.

A Internet Telephony device can be classified in three general categories:
- end stations (such as phones),
- gateways and routers,
- and controllers.

Like everything else in IT, every category has a specific function that it performs. And if you combine all the functions you will get a complete IP-telephony system.

Hardware and software VoIP phones
There are two types of VoIP phones: hardware and software.
- A <B>hardware phone</B> is a physical device, very similar to your common phone; it has a handset, dialpad, etc. The only thing that is different from your ordinary phone is that it connects to an Ethernet network rather than a telephone network. IP phones are built with all the necessary hardware (and software) to digitize your voice (i.e., codecs) as well as setup and make calls (i.e., signaling and transport).
- <B>Software-only phones</B>, or “soft” phones, use the PC’s capabilities to communicate with other PC’s over the Internet, by using the PC’s sound card, CPU and network card as part of the phone’s hardware, and thus, enable a PC to become an IP phone.

IP-telephony Controllers
VoIP controllers, also called IP PBXs, manage the VoIP network. They are actually tools that you can use to configure your IP phone: restrict access, enabling functions and passwords, allowing/not allowing certain options, etc. Plus they are performing all the functions of a traditional PBX. IP PBX controllers are PC-based, running a standard OS (such as Microsoft Windows, Linux or Sun Solaris, but very different) with additional software to control the IP-telephony systems. These IP-telephony systems can provide APIs to extend vendor-provided or user-written features and functionality.

IP-telephony Routers
Voip Routers are devices that decide where the IP datagrams should go, between networks, from the source to the destination. IP-telephony Routers are inter-network equipments that help a LAN connect to a WAN; therefore the router’s capability to ensure correctly handled high-priority traffic is very important. Since WAN speeds have generally less bandwidth than a LAN, proper packet queuing and prioritization is in order to ensure good voice quality across the path.

Gateway
A IP-telephony device is a device that connects the VoIP network to your public telephone network (PSTN). In this way, you can make calls and receive them, from your PTSN, even if you are using an IP-based system, just like your traditional phone. Depending on the type of the gateway, they are equipped with analog/digital interfaces in order to connect to your local telephone company. With so many options available today, gateways are also capable of transcoding (changing the signal from one codec version to another so that the Internet Telephony device can communicate with the rest of the network). For example, a gateway uses G.729 codec, while your PTSN network uses a G.711 codec.

Jim Francisto
Voice over IP

Canon’s latest bargain basement inkjet photo printer is the Pixma iP2600, at under £30 this is the replacement for the Pixma iP1800 and as such is a basic model with a limited number of features. It misses out such extras as a PictBridge port and memory card slot but is a capable basic prints that can turn out crisp prints you can be proud of, all from a sleek modern design
Design
A lot of work has been put into the design of the Pixma iP2600 and Canon are to be congratulated on a job well done. The smooth exterior, a space saving 5.6×17.4×10 inches is complimented by a glossy black look, with a slightly mirrored finish that looks very sleek sitting on your desktop. A far cry from the usual boring grey plastic body that usually signals an inkjet printer. The output and paper trays both fold into the unit when not in use, creating a sleek box that more resembles part of a high end Hi-Fi system. The output tray has a slightly flimsy arm which extends to catch loose paper, but lacking a stop cap at the end tends to let sheets fly off the end, annoying, but not critical. The minimalist control panel has only two buttons, one acting as a paper feed button and the other doubling up as both a power button and error warning light. The power cord fits into the rear of the printer and the USB port is also located here. It is worth noting that a USB cable is not supplied, so you will have to purchase one as an extra. At this price you cannot expect PictBridge or memory card slots, so all images will have to be sent to your photo software on your PC and printed from there.

Cartridge supplies
Low capacity cartridges are fitted to the Pixma iP2600 when sold. The black PG37 cartridge with 11ml of ink and the three-colour CL38 cartridge with 12ml. These cartridges do not represent the best value for this printer, as they are not filled to capacity. The black PG40 and colour CL41 cartridges are identical in size but are fully filled to capacity. The high yield PG40 black cartridge has 16ml of ink and is available for £14 whilst the CL41 ink cartridge, containing a total of 12ml of ink, 4ml of each colour cyan, magenta and yellow are less than £17. When ordering replacement cartridges for this printer, remember these order codes, as these products will give you the cheapest cost per page printed.

Performance
In speed tests the Pixma iP2600 performed very well. It managed to produce 5.68 pages per minute of black text, which compares well with both the HP DeskJet D4260 and the Lexmark Z845, that are both more expensive printers. The canon also performed well in quality tests, the characters formed were precise with crisp edges and created no blurred areas, in colour graphics tests most documents came out with solid colours and nice even distribution of colour. The only slight area of concern was in portions where gradual colour gradients occurred but these imperfections were barely noticeable to the bare eye and only a perfectionist could grumble.
4×6 photos printed on Canons semi-gloss paper were also impressive. They were not perfect but were well balanced and even, a difficult job for a budget printer.

So with solid printing performance at relatively quick output speeds and acceptable photo prints, the Canon Pixma iP2600 is an affordable choice and is a printer that performs well above its weight, making it probably the best budget buy under £50.

Health clinics and hospitals progressively count on high-performance networks to provide healthcare professionals the data needed to make quick and errorless diagnoses. Digital patient records and medical imaging drive bandwidth higher as insurance companies and legislators keep pressuring the healthcare industry to slim down costs. Information network equipment enables health organizations to provide higher quality, more accessible, and less expensive care.

Current healthcare relies on a burgeoning supply of digital diagnostic images. Ultrasounds, X-rays, PET scans and MRIs rapidly grow to many megabytes per image and bog down network traffic. Getting used routers allows health systems to develop the latest architecture they need without depleting the company budget.

It is imperative for Healthcare Information Technology professionals to abide by HIPAA and other government privacy laws while utilizing the latest health technologies, and ensuring a top-notch security program under tight budget limitations. Security and integrity of patient information requires a robust network.

Utilizing used Cisco switches can also save ongoing maintenance costs. Healthcare professionals require real-time access to digital patient information from any location, and at any hour. With lives on the line, hardware downtime is not desirable. Significant discounts on used Cisco equipment make redundant configurations a financial possibility. Keeping spare hardware on-site offers the best solution in instant recovery. These cost effective alternatives are ideal for protecting distribution or access level equipment – keeping every clinic and every doctor connected.

Vonage is a phone service that utilizes VoIP technology. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which means you must have high-speed Internet service before you can use their service.

There is no need to purchase special phones; however, you will need a Vonage phone adapter. This adapter plugs into your telephone and computer, as well as your cable or DSL modem. If you have a home network, you will also need a router.

Vonage recommends using a wired Ethernet router when connecting to their phone service. This is because transmission problems can occur when using a wireless router. If you choose to use Vonage phone service with a wireless router, there are a few things you should be aware of.

First, you must install the wireless router before you can setup the Vonage phone adapter. Next, the adapter must be connected to the modem in order for your Vonage phone service to work. It’s important to realize that most wireless routers have pre-installed firewall software, which may need to be configured to work with VoIP.

D-Link manufactures a wireless router for Vonage which retails for around $89. While it doesn’t rank well with most consumers, it does offer nice features which are worth exploring. One such feature is that you can take the Vonage Wireless Router anywhere there is a high-speed Internet connection available to make or receive calls. Another feature is that the unit allows for wired or wireless connectivity.

The IP-001 USB VoIP phone is a great new VoIP internet phone developed by Logos Asia Ltd in mainland China. The fantastic thing about this VoIP internet phone is that is utilizes the USB interface making it very easy to use and setup whatever computer skill level you may have. Plus because of the nature of USB, the IP-001 USB VoIP phone is also plug-and-play compatible making it easy to move the VoIP phone between computers should you need to. With the funky and well thought out design of the IP-001 USB VoIP phone it is not only pleasant to look at but also very simple and easy to use.

IP-001 USB VoIP phone main features:

• The IP-001 USB VoIP phone supports SIP, H.323, MGCP.
• Also supported are the VoIP networks: Skype, MSN, X-pro, X-lite, Net2Phone, eysBeam, Firefly, SJphone and StanaPhone.
• The IP-001 is easy to use in a similar fashion to a mobile phone.
• Utilizes a 16bit sound card internally.
• When using the IP-001 USB VoIP phone with Win98 SE, Win ME, Win 2k, Win XP or Mac OS no drivers are required for installation.
• The IP-001 USB VoIP phone has built in echo cancellation, noise reduction and full duplex communication abilities.
• The IP-001 can have its handset earpiece volume and ring tone volume adjusted to suit.
• Both PC-toPC and PC-to-Phone operation is possible with the IP-001 USB VoIP phone.
• The IP-001 USB VoIP phone requires no external power supply because it is USB bus-powered.
• The IP-001 VoIP phone is perfectly suited for use as a Skype phone.
• Plug-and-play compatible due to USB interface.
• The IP-001 USB VoIP phone is simple to operate and configure lending itself well to home and office/SOHO users.
• USB A-type connector.
• Conforms to USB 12 Mbps spec. version 1.1
• Conforms to USB audio device release 1.0
• Operation temperature: 0 to 40 degrees Celsius.

ZyXEL has now introduced the newer version of the wireless 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phone.

Incase you are not familiar with the original ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phone, these are VoIP devices that look like regular cell phones but have the ability to make phone calls over the internet via any SIP-based provider, for example, Skype or Vonage. If one of the ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phones is within range of a wireless access point or hotspot they are able to make local or international phone calls via VoIP. The 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phones are able to also be used as walkie-talkies and as an intercom for talking with other VoIP internet phone users or wireless computers without any additional costs.

So what has the new V2 ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phone brought to the table?

Here is a summary:

The good:

• The new ZyXEL 2000W Prestige has a slimmer and more compact design than its predecessor.
• It has a comparable range with a cordless phone.
• The VoIP phones earpiece slit is easy to use and locate.
• The ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phone has a good loud ring tone that comes from te back of the device.
• The ZyXEL 2000W Prestige has a good large screen area.
• This VoIP phone is pretty easy to setup and is very clear. If you are familiar with SIP devices you will find this phone very easy to operate.
• The ZyXEL 2000W V2 supports auto-provisioning via HTTP download and browser-based firmware updating.
• The ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo V2 has an internal phone book to save you time and allows dialing from recent call lists.

The bad:

• The ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo V2 uses the 11b wireless network standard which will slowdown faster 11g wireless networks.
• There is no support for WPA or WPA2
• Sadly the newer ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phone has an less than impressive broadcast voice quality
• The VoIP phone does not come with a stand or carry case, just a chunky travel-charger which plugs in to the mini-USB port located at the bottom of the ZyXEL 2000W V2 VoIP phone for charging the removable 3.7V 1350mAh Li-ION battery pack.
• The VoIP phone has a less-than solid feel about it which makes it seem easily breakable and not very durable
• The four-way-rocker navigation area is a little cramped but does work effectively however.
• The backlight on the ZyXEL 2000W Prestige is a bit dim and is not adjustable.
• If you need to control dial plans or other more advanced SIP settings you unfortunately will not find them on the v2 ZyXEL 2000W Prestige
• You can not save call numbers from the recent calls lists to your internal phone book memory.
• The ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phone is limited to 10 speed dial numbers

With VoIP calls you get to say goodbye to your old clunky phones and make cheaper calls, however it can feel like it comes at a price.. being chained to your computer! If you are looking for a way to free your self from your computers desk every time you want to make VoIP internet phone calls you cant do any better than the CS50-USB Wireless VoIP Headset by Plantronics. This Wireless VoIP headset does have a fairly hefty price tag of around $299.99 but you really do get what you pay for with this headset.

The CS50-USB is in a class of its own being the first wireless VoIP headset for VoIP software applications with remote call detection and answer/end capability through PerSonoCallâ„¢. As you can see from the picture not only is this a wireless VoIP headset but also a hands free VoIP headset giving you total freedom; why only do things by half?! The CS50-USB provides you with superior audio quality, high-grade design and four, let me say that again, four(!) wearing options to get the most comfortable fit. Does it get better than that? Well just in case you are unsure here are some details about the Plantronics CS50-USB wireless VoIP headset:

• Quick USB connectivity for easy compatibility and fast set-up for softphones
• The only totally wireless VoIP headset solution - have conversations up to 200 feet with absolutely no headset cables
• The first wireless VoIP solution with remote ring detection and call answer/end from the touch of a button, due to Plantronics’ PerSonoCallâ„¢ software
• Superior sound quality for clear, private, and totally secure calls, including noise-canceling microphone and TIA810a compliance for echo elimination

The CS50-USB wireless VoIP headset from Plantronics is currently the top wireless solution for VoIP internet phone calls.

(IP 8100-2) Vtech Cordless VoIP Phone Brief list of Features:

• 5.8GHz digital
• Caller ID
• Voice mail
• Call conferencing
• Two handsets
• For use with Vonage
• Current price: $149.99

(IP 8100-2) Vtech Cordless VoIP Phone Details:

Broadband phone system: This system cordless VoIP phone is designed specifically for use with the Vonage phone service. The Vonage Internet phone service provides you with local & long distance calls for one very low cost. Vonage service gives you secure online access to great features such as phone books, call waiting, caller ID, voice mail, conferencing, call forwarding & lots more. You need to sign up for the Vonage service separately.

5.8GHz digital system: 5.8GHz digital spread-spectrum technology provides the best performance available with improved audio quality, more range and better security.

Expandable: This cordless VoIP phone’s base unit come with two handsets, and can handle up to four! Have a phone in any room because extra handsets don’t require another phone jack.

Be hands free: The cordless VoIP phone handsets have speakerphone capability as well as out-put jacks to plug-in optional headsets so you can enjoy the convenience of hands free conversation when using the cordless VoIP phone’s.

Phone memory: This cordless VoIP phone system can store as much as 50 names & numbers on both its built-in caller ID memory and phone book.

Cool extras: The VoIP handsets have a few handy extras; 3-line LED displays, back-lit keys and some useful belt clips.

Networking features: The system’s base unit runs as both a phone adapter plus a router, and has both LAN & WAN ports. With the firewall and the other security features provided, you can talk in confidence knowing your conversations will be private and heard by the people on the call alone.

(IP 8100-2) Vtech Cordless VoIP Phone Specifications:

Technology
Technology: 5.8GHz digital
Expandable: Yes

Caller ID
Call waiting caller ID: Yes
Caller ID memory: 50
Caller ID on base: No

General features
Battery type: Vtech batteries 80-5808-00-00 or 89-1324-00-00
Back-lit handset keys: Yes
Multilingual capability: Yes
Headset compatible: Yes
Keypad on base: No
Conference capable: Yes
Multiline capable: Yes
Warranty Parts: 12 Months
Warranty Labor: 12 Months

(IP 8100-2) Vtech Cordless VoIP Phone Ratings:

Sound quality: 4.3
Range: 4.3
Durability: 3.8
Cost/Benefit: 4.2
Overall: 4.2

Summary: A great cordless VoIP phone system packed with plenty of features, a quality build and output. Highly recommended.