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Archive for: October, 2005

History Of VoIP

The history of VoIP started off as the product of work performed by a few enthusiasts in Israel during 1995 when the only communication obtainable was PC-to-PC. Shortly on in 1995, Vocaltec, Inc. announced the release of their Internet Phone Software. The internet phone software released was intended to work with home PCs that had sound cards, microphones, speakers and modems. This software worked by compressing the voice signal, converting it into voice packets and then sending it over net. The software worked well so long as the person making the call and the person receiving the call both had computers with the same software and hardware. The audible quality was not a patch on the quality of the standard phone systems at that time but what it did do was represent the first ever VoIP phone system in the history of VoIP.

In the history of VoIP the technology achieved good promise by 1998. A host of entrepreneurs began building gateways to enable the first PC-to-Phone and further down the road Phone-to-Phone calls through VoIP. A few of these entrepreneurs initially gave customers their service for free so they could make free calls with their existing home/office phones. The phone calls made by customers all contained adverts at the start and end of each call. The VoIP services were only taking place in North America and gave the customers the ability to have free long distance calls. The VoIP service providers were able to give the service away for free because the service was sponsored by a variety of advertising agencies and companies. The use of a PC computer was usually required for initiating the calls even though the call was being made from phone-to-phone. At this point in the history of VoIP, voice over IP calls made up just under 1% of the total volume of all voice communications.

During 1998 there were three manufacturers of IP Switches that launched equipment able to perform switching. Currently the majority of suppliers of IP switching & routing equipment include VoIP as standard or as an optional extra with their middle level and more advanced equipment. By the year 2000 the volume of VoIP had reached more than 3% of the total voice traffic and it was predicted that by 2005 VoIP was going to increase to as much as 25% and 40% of the total of all international voice traffic. These days there are currently two standards for VoIP switching and gateways which are SIP & H.323. SIP is mainly for the use of end-user VoIP software applications and the H.323 standard is the newer ITU standard used for routing over circuit-switched and packet-switched environments for termination of IP initiated calls on the PSTN, however, the reverse is becoming progressively more common.

Voice is the most recent fundamental function added into the IP environment. Within the history of VoIP, ever since it was pioneered, the number of VoIP technology providers has been growing and an increasing number of them are now offering software for PC telephony. A large surge of gateway manufacturers has come to the market as well. Only until relatively recently PC-to-PC telephony was predominantly provided by VoIP only on intranets in businesses, however, for the first time in the history of VoIP users are able to look forward to a prevalent expansion in the saturation and use of Internet telephony.

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ZyXEL 2000W Prestige Voiceglo VoIP Phone V1 vs. V2 Round Up

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

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Make Free Phone Calls Over The Internet With FWD

FWD (Free World Dialup) is a fantastic service that allows you to make free phone calls over the internet… 100% free! No Cost, No Spam, No Gimmicks, No Limits!

You can use FWD to make true calls using favorite telephone, computer or PDA and any broadband connection. Call anybody, you neighbour or a relative in another country, and experience the same ease of use and high audible quality FWD provides.

You can use FWD for free via either the software that already comes with your PC or by downloading FWD’s free self-configuring application from their home page (www.freeworlddialup.com). If you combine any home phone with a simple cheap converter you are able to experience the total freedom FWD provides, whether through DSL, Cable or WiFi!

FWD is the largest open network service provider for person-to-person, advanced, real-time IP communications. However, FWD is more than just free phone calls. FWD is a complete IP communications network.

Instant Messaging
Send and receive IMs from other FWD and SIP-enabled contacts as well as buddies using the four most popular IM networks (AOL, Yahoo!, MSN, and ICQ).

Voice
FWD is dedicated to providing reliable Voice-over-IP (VoIP) connectivity to all of its users.

Video
Broadcast video to SIP-enabled contacts via webcam and receive webcam video from those contacts as well. No specific webcam configuration is required (provided both parties have a webcam configured and connected to their computer system).

Presence
Let people discover when you’re online, offline, or away from your computer.

Great, so how do I get started with FWD and begin making free phone calls over the internet?
Anyone who has Broadband Internet can access the FWD website (www.freeworlddialup.com), download their free software and within just a few minutes have an FWD number assigned and be able to make and receive free phone calls over the internet to and from anywhere in the world.

To learn more about this top VoIP service and make free phone calls over the internet visit their website at: www.freeworlddialup.com

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Wireless VoIP Headset - Plantronics CS50-USB Overview

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.

Wireless VoIP Headset - Plantronics CS50-USBThe 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.

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Free VoIP Conference Software

The e/pop Web free VoIP Conference Software from WiredRed gives you total state of the art PowerPoint, document, application and desktop sharing, remote control and multiparty VoIP audio and video conferencing. This VoIP conference software is suitable for quick web meetings right through to fully featured multi-presenter conferences.

WiredRed have created a breakthrough free VoIP Conference software application because it only tales 5 minutes to install. e/pop is a 100% self-contained installation. No longer do you need any previously installed web servers, databases or any other prior-to-use requirements.

Receive clear, smooth and crisp video from e/pop’s true multiparty internet video conferencing from a 100% software driven environment allowing you to use any normal USB video conferencing webcam. e/pop rivals hardware driven video conferencing equipment that can cost close to tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars. e/pop allows you to manage your bandwidth usage as you go all in real time.

as with the video feature e/pop also includes multiparty audio VoIP conferencing. The VoIP audio can be disabled/enabled at any time and can be switched from low bandwidth to high bandwidth quality settings quickly and easily. This free VoIP conference software has it all!

There are tons of more features which include:

- Real time PowerPoint sharing
- Fast desktop sharing & proxy friendly remote control
- Zero hassle VoIP web conferencing that can display your logo
- real time presenter controls
- record and playback your conference
- 100% true web based admin & management area
- Secure VoIP web conferencing with the industry standard SSL3/TLS & more
- IT-friendly VoIP conference software; no client deployment & free training

Free VoIP Conference Software:
Click Here to try it out for free!

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Using The Internet To Make Phone Calls

Using the internet to make phone calls instead of using your standard traditional telephones to male calls can save you a fair bit of money but does bring with it a requirement for some technical know how. Before you jump right in and start using the internet to make phone calls you should look in to the pros and cons of using the internet to make phone calls before you spend to much of your money and time on VoIP internet phone alternatives.

Here are some important things to consider:

  1. The better/faster your internet connection the better and clearer your internet phone call conversations will be. If you plan on using internet to make phone calls you really need to have a broadband level internet connection and at the very least you must have a minimum speed of 28.8Kbps. Your ISP (internet service provider) and/or dialup modem will have the details you need to find out what speed your internet is running at.
  2. In order for you to be able to use the internet to make phone calls in the first place your computer will need a sound card in order for you to hear the conversation. Most computers these days come with soundcards built in as standard. If you are using an older computer you may need to check if it has sound capability. The sounds cards should ideally be at least 16 bits and should also allow recording to take place.
  3. You will need speaker & a microphone that are compatible with your computer & sound card. Most sound cards use a 3.5mm jack for most of their inputs and outputs which is compatible with most standard speakers and microphones. If you want to go the extra mile while using the internet to make phone calls you can get yourself a combined headset which is essential a pair of headphone but with a built in microphone that can be positioned in front of your mouth from the headphones themselves. This frees up your hands whilst in a conversation.
  4. You need to get yourself VoIP internet telephony software which you can download from the internet. There are many great services that provide this software for free. One such company is Skype. You can read about them and others in our VoIP Phone service reviews section. The software you choose needs to be same or compatible with the software the other people are using that you intend on making the internet calls with.
  5. When calling up others with your VoIP intent telephone setup you need to make sure they are online so they will answer your call. You can arrange for them to be online at specified times. Many VoIP intent phone software’s allow you to have a ‘buddies list’ just like in text messenger program where you can see all your buddies online status. You can then use their internet ’status’ to make phone calls to them when they are online.
  6. Using internet to make phone calls is fairly straight forward and with most of the VoIP intent telephony software available you get supplied with details instructions on how to go about it. Normally this is simply a process of accessing a certain online server and finding a name from a list of currently-online users.

Some useful VoIP tips:

  • In most situations using the internet to make phone calls is done with two individuals who have PCs, internet and compatible VoIP software. However, certain software and services can enable you to make calls to normal offline-telephones like the ones you already have in your home. Some internet telephony services even enable normal telephones to make calls to your computer as it would a normal phone! Usually in order to make these internet to land-line phone calls you will usually incur service charges, however they are very small in comparison to normal telephone call costs.
  • To get the best performance and audio quality when using the internet to make phone calls try to get a full-duplex sound card for your computer. Most sound cards will be more than adequate but for the perfectionist in you a full-duplex sound card is the answer for top clarity internet phone calls!

I hope this has helped you to get a better understanding in to using the internet to make phone calls.

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VoIP Service Quoters Advice

Looking for a VoIP Service Quoter?

The new VoIP (Voice Over IP) technologies around today are able to dramatically reduce your phone bill costs be it for home or for an office. The thing is there are so many VoIP services available now that it can really take up your time searching for that top deal to suit what you want out of VoIP. This is where you need a VoIP Service Quoter service! Let them do all the leg work for you; simply let them know your requirements by filling out a form once and then they go and fetch all the quotes from multiple VoIP services. All completely free!

You may be wondering why these VoIP service quoters provide this valuable service for free. Simple, they earn commissions on customers they refer to a VoIP service. By providing you a whole load of quotes you are less likely to shop around further and simply pick a VoIP service from the VoIP service quoters list presented to you. However, do not let this put you off using them as most reputable VoIP service quoters will provide you with impartial, honest details and quotes for all their associated VoIP services. The trick is to find a good VoIP service quoter firm so you know you are getting a good list of quotation results back and don’t have to go shopping for another VoIP service quoter as this is the exact situation you wanted to avoid by going to them in the first place!

We have located this great VoIP service quoter for businesses:

BuyerZone

They are free to use. All you have to do is first answer a few specific questions on what kind of service you need. Try to provide as much information here so you receive more accurate quotes from all the VoIP services. Next you just provide your company details and contact info. Then let the VoIP service quoter know how you would like the customized quotes delivered to you. They then notify the various VoIP vendors that match your requirements and who service your area. You should then get a reply with all your quotes within 1 to 5 working business days.

This similar service provides VoIP quotes for both home and business uses:

IT Quotes

Remember that Whilst VoIP service quoters can help you find a good deal, price is not the only factor when looking in to a VoIP service. There are pros and cons to every VoIP service provider so try to look at all aspects and make sure your core requirements are met.

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Becoming A VoIP Plan Reseller

Get in on Voice Over IP (VoIP) now because it is one of the fastest expanding areas within the telecommunications industry right now. By becoming a VoIP plan reseller you can get on board the VoIP explosion and earn potentially limitless amounts of money.

There are a few VoIP Plan reseller opportunities around with new ones appearing all the time. With this being the case and the industry still fairly young you must be sure you join the right company so becoming a VoIP plan reseller doesn’t become a short lived venture… as at the start of any revolution many companies will not last and only a few will actually become major players. Get in with the major players from the start and your VoIP plan reseller business will have a stable and long lasting lucrative future.

One such fast growing and solid VoIP company is rocketVoIP. Becoming a VoIP plan reseller for rocketVoIP will earn you commissions for all devices you sell, plus get you further commissions each and every month that individual stays a customer. You can achieve unlimited, steady monthly residual income with the rocketVoIP reseller plan by simply showing people a great way they can save on their local, long distance, and international calls from their home, business or cell phones through using their broadband connection to make calls with rocketVoIP.

Becoming a VoIP plan reseller for rocketVoIP couldn’t be easier either… simply fill out their form on the reseller page, select a user name and a password so you can then be assigned a VoIP reseller ID. You can then login to the admin system and start making money with your new VoIP plan reseller business!

Here are some features of the RocketVoIP plan reseller program:

  • Biggest commissions & monthly residual income.
  • Becoming a VoIP plan reseller for rocketVoIP means you get paid for the entire life of every customer.
  • rocketVoIP have the lowest VoIP calling plans together with UNLIMITED international calling to more than 50 countries.
  • Full featured real-time web based admin area for viewing reports and processing orders real-time.
  • Quarterly commission checks sent out.
  • Provide a great product at great value for your customers through offering them the most competitive broadband phone service in the whole VoIP industry

Click Here to visit rocketVoIP:


Scroll down to the bottom of the rocketVoIP home page and click on the text: ‘RESELLER PROGRAM‘. This will take you to the page which tells you everything you need to know and do for becoming a VoIP plan reseller for rocketVoIP.

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