Archive for the ‘voip’ Category

XO SIP Service

XO SIP service provides IP-PBX customers direct IP access to XO’s private OC-192 IP network. It is a low cost, low bandwidth consuming protocol conversion that offers the performance of business-class VoIP, unlike the traditional T-1s and other equipment.

Providing a direct connection to the XO IP network reduces recurring costs of the PSTN and data circuits, as well as eliminates the costs associated with the purchase, support, and maintenance of media gateways.

Voice traffic is prioritized though XO’s Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation. This allows businesses to maximize the full IP circuit, and helps them ensure that when voice lines are idle, data traffic is supported. The selection of port speeds and scaled calling plans to fit the needs of each customer are also available without the hassle of per line fees.

The benefits and features of the XO SIP service include:

  • XO SIP is available in 1.5 Mbps, 3.0 Mbps, 4.5 Mbps, 10 Mbps using either fiber, copper, or serial DS1 Ethernet, and 45 Mbps using DS3
  • Standard features include unlimited local calls, portable local numbers, unlimited site-to-site calls, free local DIDs, E911, 411, caller ID, operator and directory listing services, and customized inbound and outbound toll free calls

Expanding data capabilities is simplified with XO’s wide range of features:

  • Voice communications bundled with dedicated Internet access. This includes web-based online management and web hosting
  • 100 megabytes of disk space, 10 email accounts, and virus protection with Perimeter Email Protection to fight spam, wrongly sent emails, and viruses
  • 1 gigabyte bandwidth

Improve your network’s performance using these optional features:

  • Have more voice calls simultaneously on the same bandwidth using compression
  • Efficiently field and deliver inbound calls to their respective destinations by using auto attendant
  • Use the voice virtual private network to configure private dial plans for on-net call routing
  • Establish customer support numbers, order-taking centers and technical assistance lines using the business call center
  • Virtual DIDs allow companies to establish a local presence in markets where there is no physical business address, giving them the unique capability to serve customers in different markets

Posted in DIA, Ethernet Service, XO, voip | No Comments »

Integrated Access Overview

Businesses that need access to the internet as well as 20 phone lines or less s over the same line are ideal candidates for an integrated T1. Integrated T1’s are capable of running multiple services (local telephone, long-distance, telephone, internet, VoIP) over the same circuit. In other words, with an integrated T1, businesses can install a single T1 to accommodate voice, internet, and data networks.

Integrated T1’s require sophisticated T1 equipment to be split between the 24 channels on the providers end. Generally, this equipment is provided to the customer for free from the local phone company.

Features

  • Unified Messaging
  • Competitive, flat-rate of long distance bundles
  • Local phone lines
  • Internet access
  • Web hosting
  • Static IP, to meet your network configuration
  • Web-based monitoring

Benefits

  • Reduce overall network costs
  • Begin with four local lines and 384 Kbps of bandwidth and have the ability to grow to 20 voice lines or more with transport speeds of 1.54 Mbps per channel
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Simplify business communications through the combination of data, voice, Internet and video applications on one T1
  • Web based tools to monitor T1 performance
  • Get high speed, “always on” Internet access
  • Suit your business needs by choosing data, voice, internet and access links to your T1
  • Retain existing phone and fax numbers

Posted in Integrated Access, Internet T1, Long Distance, voip | No Comments »

VoIP Services

VoIP solutions can be classified into the following:

Conferencing Services

Conferencing services allow providers to offer convenient, easy-to-use, and efficient conferencing solutions to their clients, permitting them to facilitate teleconference meetings, conduct instant conferences, plan, and conduct investor relations calls.

Local Services

Local services are among the most heavily used communications services, including basic phone service, voice mail, and directory assistance.

Long Distance Services

Long distance services consist of calls placed between two states, two call regions within a state, as well as international calls. There are two types of long distance calls: switched and dedicated.

  • Switched long distance pushes calls through standard telephone lines towards the destination of the caller.
  • Dedicated long distance, or “T-1” service, are circuits used by medium or large companies to support high-volume distance traffic.

Dedicated long distance achieves maximum network efficiency by connecting the premise equipment of the circuits directly to the network switch. Premise equipment includes: PBX or hybrid-key systems, digital phone systems with a digital trunk interface card, or an analog system with a channel bank.

Voice over IP Services

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a way to use an IP network to carry voice calls. This is done by digitizing voice streams and converting them into data packets, then sending them over the network. Using an IP Telephony system that utilizes VoIP standards allows for higher level features like advanced call routing, voice mail, contact centers, and more.

SIP Services

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a peer-to-peer multimedia signaling protocol developed in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It provides media setup and teardown by reusing the existing IP protocols such as DNS and SDP. SIP is ASCII based, resembles HTTP, and has generated a very high level of interest in the VoIP industry – even being foreseen as becoming the standard protocol of future voice networks.

Posted in Audio Conferencing, Dedicated, voip | No Comments »

Top 10 Things to look for when choosing an Internet Service Provider

When it comes to choosing an Internet service provider there are a multitude of options – both for the provider you choose, as well as the type of service. Before signing up with an ISP, take a close look at what each one has to offer, in order to be sure you get the services you need at a price you can afford.

10 Steps to Follow:

  1. Determine your budget. The faster your internet speeds, the higher the cost. Those on a tight budget have the more economical options of dial up or even a light version of DSL. Also, phone companies often give discounts for bundled internet and phone services.
  2. Look for ISPs with good ratings in your specific area. A number of ISPs may have great ratings in one area of the country but fail miserably in yours. A good idea is to talk with your neighbors or local businesses to find out how they feel about their ISP.
  3. Once you’ve begun narrowing your list down to the ISPs within your budget and with positive reviews in your area, check to see which of those offer special deals on bundled services. Most cable and phone companies offer bundled deals when you purchase phone, TV, and Internet services together, and give incentives for signing up for specific times, or contract lengths. But, as always, buyer beware – typically once that year is up you’ll find yourself paying regular price, which can be almost double.
  4. Next, take a look at customer support. Is it offered 24/7; how are they rated? Remember that a computer isn’t limited to breaking down from 9am to 5pm, and even the best and most expensive connections can experience technical issues or downtime. Know whether you will receive live support and/or email, and if they charge a fee.
  5. Decide the speed you need. Most ISPs offer plans with prices based on download speeds. Slower DSL (also known as DSL light) or cable speeds are the most cost-efficient for those only wanting to browse the web and utilize email. That being said, if you’re looking to play online games, transmit data or stream movies and TV, you’ll definitely want a faster Internet.
  6. Subsequently, see if they offer a free email account. Most ISPs offer at least one free email address. Others may provide more or charge a small fee for additional email addresses.
  7. Then, see which ISPs provide anti-virus email protection. Many viruses sneak onto a computer via email, and having it scanned before reaching your inbox offers an added level of security.
  8. Don’t automatically omit dial-up. With all the new advances in Internet services, dial-up has been given a bad reputation for quite some time. The truth is, there are still many parts of the country where dial-up is the only option, particularly rural areas. Aside from dial-up, satellite is a good – but expensive – alternative.
  9. Avoid usage caps. Occasionally ISPs will limit the amount of time you can use the Internet. Although not all ISPs have this, make sure to read each policy carefully to avoid any inconveniences.
  10. Look for a company that has an online bill payment option. Most large Internet providers do, while smaller providers, especially dial-up services, do not. Paying online is quick, saves paper, and just makes life a lot simpler.

Posted in Checklist, DIA, Dedicated, ISP, Internet T1, Internet T3, Local, MPLS, Private Line, Tips, VPN, voip | No Comments »

10 things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider

Many businesses today are either thinking about or have already begun replacing their existing phone service with a voice over IP (VoIP) solution.  Today, VoIP services and systems are well established with both small and mid-sized businesses and large enterprise customers.  For example, VoIP penetration among US businesses was 42% at the end of 2009 and is expected to reach 79% by 2013.

The following are the top 10 questions customers inquire about moving to VoIP:

1. What are the benefits of VoIP?

    In the early days of IP telephony, the initial appeal of VoIP was toll savings.  While toll savings remains a good reason to switch to VoIP, there are others, such as:

    • Reduced costs – Unlike traditional telephony, VoIP utilizes the existing network infrastructure for system installation. This saves thousands of dollars by taking advantage of the investments already made by a company.
    • Ease of management – IT staff can often manage the VoIP phone system because it runs over the company’s Internet connection or data network. This enables them to perform routine tasks such as setting up voicemail boxes, adding or deleting users, as well as activate other features at no additional cost, while outside vendors could charge upwards of $300/hr for the same tasks.
    • Mobility and portability – Special features enable employees to work remotely while still accessing advanced call handling and additional features as significantly reduced capital costs. Added benefits include flexibility, scalability and reliability.

    2. Can I implement VoIP and keep my existing PBX?

      The biggest factor influencing the answer to this is whether your existing PBX can be interconnected to a VoIP gateway. If it can, you will need a VoIP gateway installed on your site in order to IP-enable your existing PBX. When it’s time to replace that PBX, you will most likely want to replace it with an IP PBX as well as IP phones.

      3. What charges should I expect for my VoIP services?

        Expect one-time, non-recurring charges that typically include an installation and account set-up fee, as well as a charge for setting up an IP trunk or channel between your site and your provider. Monthly recurring charges are for your phone calls.

        Occasionally providers offer bundles of minuets (ranging from 500 to unlimited) for a fixed monthly fee, and then charge for calls exceeding the limits of your plan. Others require monthly fees for the trunk or channel then charge each call at a rate determined by call destination or duration. Generally, service providers offer lower rates for higher call volumes.

        4. Are there any other service charges I should plan for?

          Each service offered by a VoIP service provider (including but not limited to: hosted PBX, US and Canada toll-free numbers, local numbers (DIDs/DDIs), and conference call service) typically comes with one-time and monthly recurring charges.

          5. What is hosted PBX and what are its advantages?

            A hosted PBX system delivers the functionality of a traditional on-site PBX but as a service. The subscriber does not buy the equipment and is able to use regular phones. In addition to cost savings, another key benefit of a hosted PBX is that it can make any office virtual by sending calls anywhere – enabling employees to receive calls through their company’s main business number whether they are working on the road, at home, or in the office. Features such as “follow me” allow calls to try several different numbers for each employee.

            Because the hosting company houses the equipment and is in charge of updating and expanding the technology required for its subscribers, a hosted PBX greatly reduces upgrade costs and complexity. As an added bonus, service providers typically have thousands of extensions spread across their client base, making them scalable to any size and capable of adding additional extensions without taxing bandwidth. Simply put, hosted PBX is a service that requires no capital investment, offers a predictable monthly operating expense, and has a lower total cost of ownership than premises-based PBXs.

            6. Is there any other special equipment required to move to VoIP?

              That depends on a few things, the first being whether you choose to carry on using your existing PBX; if you do, a VoIP gateway is needed to digitize analog voice calls from your TDM PBX.  Small or mid-sized businesses that do not have a PBX will need a VoIP device or analog telephone adapter (ATA), as well as a router or VoIP gateway.

              A critical aspect is the design of your local area network (LAN) and its equipment components. In a VoIP environment, your LAN becomes part of your telecom infrastructure. You need to be sure your firewall, router or switch and any other equipment can handle VoIP and be set to deliver the Quality of Service (QoS) required for VoIP and give priority to voice traffic.

              7. What faxing services are provided over VoIP?

                Faxing over VoIP can be both challenging and unpredictable. For this reason, heavy faxing businesses should take into account keeping a PSTN line specifically for their fax machine. Companies that from time to time fax up to a 4 page document will work just fine if their VoIP service provider supports certain codecs that allow faxing. Certain VoIP providers are capable of accepting your fax for you, and then sending it via email in a PDF format.

                8. How is the quality of VoIP service?

                  Today, VoIP providers rely primarily on highly-reliable Internet routes from Tier 1 – and some Tier 2 – carriers to move their traffic. Top-quality network equipment and solutions are developed for customers of companies delivering business-class VoIP. Ideally, your VoIP traffic should move along routes with the least number of “hops” – everything below 200ms for a VoIP packet is considered adequate.

                  That being said, there are some issues that affect voice quality in VoIP, including:

                  • Bandwidth – always topping the list of factors that affect VoIP quality, don’t expect great quality with a dial-up connection, however, a broadband connection is suitable provided it is not shared with too many other applications.
                  • Hardware – poor quality equipment is more often than not the cheapest. For that reason, it is essential to have as much knowledge and information as possible on an ATA, router or IP phone prior to investing on or beginning to use it.
                  • Location of your equipment – often VoIP equipment can interfere with each other, producing noise and other problems. For example, your IP phone frequency could hinder other VoIP equipment. This is due to electrical feedback.

                  VoIP transmits voice data packets in a compressed form so the transmitted load is lighter. The compression software used for this are called codec’s. Each codec is designed for a specific use. If a codec is used for a communication need other than that for which it is meant, quality will suffer.

                  9. What kind of support can I expect?

                    After making the choice to switch to VoIP, one of the most important things to consider is the quality of service you will get from your provider, including assistance and training with technical issues and customer support.

                    Know whether a provider offers 24/7/365 tech support or just 8-5? Do they offer on-site support? Are there specific response and resolution times for different outages? What are the associated costs of these issues? Fortunately, the majority of service problems in a VoIP environment can be detected and resolved remotely. Another important yet frequently overlooked issue is the attitude and capabilities of a provider’s technical team. Find out the size, certification and training of their support staff as well as their overall service philosophy to get a better understanding of how they will handle your technical troubles.

                    10. What other factors should be considered in selecting a VoIP service provider?

                      Customers should be careful to distinguish between residential and business focused providers. Residential VoIP providers, for example, typically do not understand the demands or expectations of business-class VoIP; likewise, they do not use the same equipment or carriers. A VoIP service provider focused only on business customers will be more likely to truly understand and address your business’ needs.

                      The VoIP service provider you select will be the key to whether and when your business realizes the cost, productivity, and other benefits of VoIP services and solutions.

                      Posted in Checklist, Tips, voip | No Comments »