| VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a way to make phone calls using the internet as the transmission method, rather than a landline. With a standard 'sip' system, you can make and receive calls from other VoIP users, mobile users, and people with ordinary landlines. The integration between any ordinary line and VoIP is complete, and undetectable to callers. This system uses the worldwide 'sip' standard, and allows you to connect free to anyone using a 'sip' provider, not to be confused with close circuit systems such as Skype.
Just like a modem converts digital signals from the PC into analogue (voice) traffic for transmission over a phone line, a VoIP-enabled phone or VoIP adaptor converts your voice into digital packets (using the special SIP
protocol) for transmission over the internet. If you make a call to another VoIP phone, the opposite process occurs at the other end, and your voice emerges intact from the ether. If you make a call to a mobile or landline, the gateway decodes the call and sends it on as an ordinary voice call to the telephone exchange (PSTN).
To use the system you will require an ADSL/cable broadband Internet Connection, a standard 256Kb ADSL connection can accommodate 2-3 simultaneous calls.
You then get an account with us which gives you a VoIP external number which is what other 'sip' VOIP users connect to, and also gives you an external PSTN (Real world phone number) which anyone can dial from a normal phone.
You can elect for this phone number to be on any UK 01 or 02 exchange.
Finally you will require a phone to use, either a 'Soft' phone which is a free telephone emulator which runs on a PC, a VoIP-enabled handset, or a VoIP adaptor.
The preferred option would be a VOIP-handset, or an adapter. These plug in to an Internet router, and for small users the inexpensive adapter can allow you to use a standard telephone handset.
One of these is the ATA-1100 which is the ideal solution for a Single user, as it can also allow your normal phone line to be connected, and in this way you have full flexibility.
Call placed will normally go via the internet (although these can be made to go via the normal phone line on a call by call basis), calls received either on your normal phone number, your additional real world number, or your sip Internet Number will all come in to the same phone. This adapter also routes all calls direct to the external phone line in the event of a power failure, and does the same for any emergency number calls.
For a small additional charge Business users can have an Asterix exchange which allows up to 10 extensions for each number subscribed, with a variety of routing, conference call etc. options. |
