On the other hand, for the vast majority who are not techie-nerds and who are looking for a non-techie to English translation of what VoIP has done to induce such high praises, then sit back, relax and read a bit more. In a nutshell, VoIP allows you to make phone calls over the internet, using your computer, to pretty much anywhere on the planet. The VoIP acronym is simply a fancy, smancy technical term for what could just as easily be called an Internet phone.

The miracle of VoIP can be explained in a simple process. The analog voice signals, which are the technical term for the exchange of hot air you have with friends and family while talking for hours on the phone… Sorry, I couldn’t resist a bit of humor as I drifted back to days gone by and my youth. Ok, back to business.

VoIP converts the analog voice signals into digital data packets, which allows those packets of data to be transferred via cable lines (the internet) and then they are reconverted into analog voice signals at the other end so that once again, you can understand what is being said. Thanks to internet protocol, VoIP supports real time and two way transmission of conversations.

Sounds Good But How Do I Get Started With VoIP?

First, you have to know what type of internet service you have from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). The reason you need to know the type of service you have is because currently, VoIP works best with a cable or DSL internet connection because they are faster as in they can download more bits of information (data packets) per second and this allows better sound quality on your internet calls.

Although VoIP services are available for other types of ISP connections like dial up, prepaid and satellite… the technology with VoIP has yet to progress to the point where you will consistently experience crystal clear sound over slower internet connections. However, if you currently live in an area that hasn’t been wired for broadband, you shouldn’t have to wait too long for the technology to progress to where you can enjoy a quality conversation over a slower internet type connection. However, for the time-being, quality is still a bit patchy without a high speed connection.

How Much is This Internet Telephony, VoIP Thingy Going to Cost Me?

Cost is one of best things about VoIP because VoIP services cost less than residential phone service and much, much less than most monthly cell phone plans. And if your DSL or broadband internet company just happens to be one of companies that currently offers VoIP services, then so much the better because that usually translates into even lower rates than if you used an independent or outside company for your VoIP phone service.

How Reliable Is VoIP?

Because transmission is being done over the Internet, the voice quality is largely dependent on your internet connection speed. And at this moment in time, regardless of your ISP or connection speed the voice quality still hasn’t reached that of normal land based or mobile phones. Plus, although rare, if your internet connection goes down you wouldn’t be able to make or receive phone calls and VoIP is still more vulnerable to dropped calls due to a lack of signal strength.

Although VoIP still has a few drawbacks, once you try it you’ll quickly realize that they aren’t the type of problems that will stop you from wanting to use it especially when you get your bill each month because with VoIP the savings can be dramatic if you spend a bunch of time on the phone.

How Secure Is VoIP?

Because transmission is in an environment where the dreaded “hacker” reigns supreme this concern is an obvious and legitimate one. Let’s face it… although not perfectly secure it’s no less secure than sending emails and billions and billions of those are sent each day. And frankly, if you’re concerned about others listening in on your phone calls you should toss your cell phone because picking up those signals by the “unscrupulous” is much easier than sabotaging your VoIP phone calls.

If you are overly concerned with security due to the fact that VoIP is a relatively a new technology and that there still exists; although remote, a possibility that those cyber technicians will hijack your calls then you’ll just have to wait until you feel these issues are solved before you give VoIP a test drive.

Can You Keep Your Number?

Yes and No! In most instances you will be able to keep your current phone number but just to be safe you should ask this question before signing up for VoIP service. And frankly, in some cases you may be required to change numbers. Oh well nothings perfect.

Kevin Erickson is a contributing writer to: VoIP | Wifi Hotspots | Trade Show

With VoIP, the promise is the ability to make local and global long distance calls at a significantly lower rate than over a plain old telephone line through your local carrier. The VoIP trend has caught on and large enterprises all over the globe are adopting this new technology to reduce their cost of business communications which may include fax, conference calling, along with streaming video applications. VoIP has been around for some time, but it has only been until recently that it has finally matured to the stage worthy of replacing everyday phone use.

At the household level, it is certain by now that you are compelled to embrace this technology somewhat, but are not sure how to go about it or even if this technology has any real benefit for your family. You are probably wondering, “How much? How difficult? Is it necessary?” This article hopefully will clear up a few unanswered questions you may have regarding this technology and maybe even excite you enough to go on out and get VoIP hooked up in your own home.

First off, you must have an Internet connection. No, not your 56k dial up connection, but an actual high speed Internet connection. This can be cable, satellite, or DSL Internet, but you will need high speed Internet for VoIP to function properly and become your new calling station. Dialup just doesn’t have the capacity or speed to transfer voice digitally without significant quality loss. A company named SpeakEasy has recently come out with a new DSL product that requires no current phone line for high speed Internet if DSL is your current favorite of broadband services and if you are planning on replacing your current phone service with VoIP.

Secondly you will need what is called a gateway. The gateway is connected between your computer and Ethernet modem. The VoIP gateway is where your phone line will be plugged into. Gateways enable freedom from possible computer problems that can shut down calling capabilities or deteriorate voice quality. Computer crashes, slow memory, and many other computer problems that plague us in everyday life, you do not want to plague your ability to make phone calls.

Gateways are specifically designed for VoIP phones but adapters are available for current phones should you not want to buy a brand new phone. VoIP providers usually have the adapters available for sale so you don’t have to shop around for one yourself. Before you write off buying a new phone however, video phones are the newest product line and it won’t be long before this trend explodes. You may want to get your video phone so you aren’t left out of exciting face to face conversations with friends and relatives when they get theirs. Packet8 VoIP has a good video phone sold separately with their services.

The services included with VoIP usually include all the convenient bells and whistles your current phone service provides including your own local VoIP telephone number, call waiting, voice messaging, 3 way calling, and more.

There are some important things to remember with VoIP before you go diving in to this feature rich voice technology. You should check with your VoIP provider for local 911 emergency coverage. Some VoIP providers charge extra on a monthly basis for both 911 and 411 access so make sure you know how much it is going to cost you before committing to a calling contract.

One last important thing to remember is that your gateway is reliant on electricity to function. This means power outages will put your phone line out of service, but then isn’t your phone already only functional with electricity these days?

This article was written by Aaron Siegel of TopSavings.Net which provides consultive services for communications at the residential level all the way up to government.

Services available at the website include VoIP (Including Packet8), Internet Access (Including SpeakEasy), Long Distance, Local Phone Services, Cellular services, and more. Broadband Phone

The major benefit of broadband service over dial up service is the website uploading speed. The speed increases exponentially when changing from dial up to broadband service, which saves you time and energy. Broadband is also always on, so you do not need to connect to it each time you want to use the internet.

One broadband internet service provider is your local cable company. They have unsurpassed speed and ease of use. Each time you turn on your computer your internet connection is ready and waiting on you and you do not need to take the time to connect to it as it is already connected. The cost is sometimes a stumbling block for internet users, but these broadband internet service providers sometimes offer package deals with your cable TV service or a slower access speed for a reduced price. You need to ask if there are any deals when choosing this service. All they can tell you is no.

DSL has better speed than dial up service also. Several broadband internet service providers offer DSL service. One of the drawbacks of this service is that it is distance sensitive and only works well within three miles of the central office. It is very dependent on the phone lines and any static or disruption will cause disruptions of your service also. Ask neighbors if they have DSL and if they do, what their experience has been with DSL. Word of mouth is the best way to find out the pros and cons of any broadband internet service provider.

Satellite broadband service internet providers offers a service that many rural or out of the way areas are not offered from their cable company or other providers. This is a plus to many customers who would not have internet service without the satellite providers.

Broadband internet service providers offer a service that millions of customers use everyday. The key is to research the type of service that you want to use-whether cable, DSL, or satellite and find the right choice for you and your family. Compare the web speed, features and cost in your decision and enjoy surfing the web with the speed and convenience that you will love! What more could you want?

Learn the essential information for picking the right Internet Service Provider at Net Zero

What is DSL? The full form of DSL is Digital Subscriber Line. DSL internet is faster than cable internet. It is a broadband internet connection and files can be uploaded and downloaded quickly. The most important point is that you do not require any new cabling to be connected to DSL internet. You can simultaneously connect through the phone lines for accessing internet and receive and make calls too. DSL internet is much more faster than dialup internet. While you opt for a DSL internet connection, you get a DSL modem for connecting to the internet.

The differences between Satellite Internet and DSL:

]]> http://highspeedcable.org/the-difference-between-satellite-internet-and-dsl/feed/ 0 http://highspeedcable.org/linksys-wap54g-wireless-access-point-love-them-and-hate-them/ http://highspeedcable.org/linksys-wap54g-wireless-access-point-love-them-and-hate-them/#comments Sun, 27 Jan 2008 10:01:21 +0000 Admin http://highspeedcable.org/2008/01/27/linksys-wap54g-wireless-access-point-love-them-and-hate-them/ I have installed the WAP54G wireless access point since its release and found it a great access point to work with. I have installed the WAP54G wireless access point in small offices, large warehouses, schools and office buildings. Companies like the WAP54 so much because first it’s cheap and second it’s cheap.If you have the money you will always want to purchase enterprise class wireless access points. They are sturdier and have many more power and antenna features that the WPA54G wireless access point.If you don’t have the money and need a wireless network the WAP54g is the most versatile and cheapest access point you can buy on the market. Cheap does come with Quarks and over the years I have noticed many which I will list here.

1. Firmware – Before you start configuring your wireless access points upgrade the firmware first to avoid head aches. WAP54g’s will work 100 times better if you have the correct firmware version installed. Linksys is very good at fixing bugs and if they have a more recent firmware version out you better install it. If you don’t have the most up to date firmware and plan on using WPA2 with AES you will have problems.

2. Power Cycling – A common problem with all Non- Enterprise class access points is that sometimes they need to be restarted or power cycled. The WAP54g is no exception, if your wireless users are experiencing slow connections or they are not associating with the wireless access point then restart it. It is a quark but it does fix many of the WAP54g’s issues.

3. Less is More – Because the WAP54g is a cheap wireless access point companies will purchase a lot of them (often too many) a place them in a small space. Just like all wireless access points placement is the key to having seamless quality wireless coverage in you operations area. If a company says that its wireless network is slow or they are always losing connections they might have too many wireless access points in a small area. Too many WAP54g in a small area will cause chaos, turn them all off and start placing them in better higher positions one at a time, preferably mounted on the wall.

You will need less wireless access points if you use the correct wireless antenna. The WAP54g comes with two di-pole omni-directional antennas that emit a wireless signal in a doughnut pattern. If you place the WAP54 wireless access point near a wall half of your signal is going out the window. Purchase a directional antenna to replace the rubber duck antennas. You will find that you have a better signal quality and your wireless network will be more secure because nobody can sit in the parking lot and pick up your SSID.

4. Bad Access Points – I due recommend the WAP54g wireless access point but I have run into many lemons. If you install a wireless access point and many people are having problems connecting, after you have upgraded the firmware and upgraded their drivers, You could have a lemon wireless access point. As a network admin you don’t have hours and hours of time to screw with one thing, if everyone connects fine to all the WAP54g’s except for one toss it or return it. WPA54g’s are sensitive to power fluctuations and it could have got zapped, always have it plugged into a surge protector.

Like I have said before the WAP54g is a good cheap wireless access point. When your client is strapped for cash and needs a wireless network use a linksys WAP54. Just remember to upgrade you firmware, power cycle if you are experiencing odd problems, less is more and don’t waste your time on a lemon.

Many Internet service providers now offer improved dialup access. The speed of these dialup access services have increased considerably, thanks to software upgrades. If you are planning to get Internet dialup access, you will find a wide choice of Internet dialup access providers. Choosing the best deal from among the maze of plans and services can be overwhelming. However, there are some quick points you can look for when choosing a dialup access provider.

When choosing an ISP, go with a company a proven track record of providing high-quality dialup access. Some ISPs offering broadband still provide excellent dialup access services as part of their options. Some important issues with dialup access are the time it takes to connect to the Internet and the disruptions that can occur once connected. Check out the other features that the ISPs offer such as free email addresses, virus protection, SPAM blockers, and others.

Another important factor that you should take in consideration is the billing method. For dialup access, local access numbers must be available to avoid long-distance charges. If you are looking for the best dialup access service, devote time and effort to research and ask around. There is a wide choice of ISPs available, but you can narrow down these choices and finally pick the best one by determining your needs and budget and looking for the ISP that will meet these factors satisfactorily.

Internet Dial Up Access provides detailed information on Internet Dial Up Access, Free Internet Dial Up Access, Internet Dial Up Access Providers, Internet Dial Up Access Numbers and more. Internet Dial Up Access is affiliated with Internet Access Providers.

Administrator of a wireless network with FAT wireless access points can be a huge cost and high security risk. Each wireless access point carries your wireless network key and can end up being used against you. When deploying a wireless network with FAT wireless access points you need to configure each wireless access point individually. Also if you need to change the form of encryption or authentication you will need to configure each access point one by one. A wireless enterprise gateways will let you configure all or some access points to your needs. This makes your company more dynamic and can adjust its security needs to each situation. If you are having a company meeting and have guest who will need wireless access then you will be able to adjust quickly. Or if you have a perceived wireless attack you can disable wireless access points quickly and efficiently…

When a user roams between two Fat access points there is usually a battle between AP on who is now going to handle this user. With a wireless enterprise gate the third party switch will now act as a traffic cop and tell the AP what to do. This is important because if the user needs a constant connection the slowness of a FAT wireless access point hand off can limit the user ability to work.

Wireless enterprise gateways utilize many security features such as VPN’s which further encrypt wireless traffic. They also use NAPT or Network Address Port Translation which hides the interior clients from everyone else. Wireless encryption gateways like any switch can utilize VLANS or virtual lans which segment the wireless users form the wired users.

Wireless enterprise gateways will reduce security risks and administration. The reduced administration cost combined with flexibility to react to your changing business environment makes the benefits out weigh the cost of the gateway.

The way VoIP works is pretty straight forward. Whereas the traditional circuit switched technology reserves a dedicated path from a caller to the receiver for the entire duration of the conversation, VoIP converts the voices into data for transmission over data networks. At the receiving end, the data is once again converted back into audio.

The implication of this process is that a regular Internet connection is all one needs to make absolutely free phone calls. In using free VoIP software for Internet phone calls, the role of the telephone company and consequently its charges are completely eliminated.

This path breaking VoIP technology is poised to redefine the very method the world’s phone systems use. Major players in the VoIP world, like Vonage, are already making their presence felt having been on a steady growth for some time. Leading traditional carriers like AT&T are already in the process of incorporating this revolutionary new technology in markets across the US. Simultaneously, regulatory agencies including the FCC are taking a long hard look at VoIP to harness the technology into a more secure format.

Among the multiple advantages attributed to VoIP technology, include the use of the same lines for both data and voice transmissions. With one network, both installation and maintenance expenses are minimized. Compression technology makes it possible for multiple calls, as many as eight, on the same lines as opposed to the circuit-switch systems. Neither is there any compromise on sound clarity.

With VoIP it is also possible for various devices to be inter-linked, thereby enabling added incentives like PC-Telephony. Integrating the phone system to a customer database provides ideal support for customer relationship management or CRM.

Phone calls using VoIP are not subject to toll charges. When both sides have high-speed Internet access and VoIP phones, distance charges don’t apply no matter how long the call duration or distance may be. The possibilities in terms of businesses and consumers to save on costs are therefore staggering. What’s more VoIP can also be utilized in setting up an independent private interoffice networks for main to satellite office communications.

Punks Johnston likes writing about VoIP phones. See http://www.voipphonereviews.net for more information.

The technology, though complex, is quite direct. The VoIP provider takes the regular, analog voice conversations and converts them into data that can then be sent across the Internet using a high-speed broadband connection. At the other end of the call, the data is converted back into an analog signal that the conventional telephone system can deliver to the person whose number was initially dialed. All of this is accomplished seamlessly while using normal telephones at both ends. In other words, you don’t have to speak through your computer’s microphone in order to get the most out of VoIP services.

There are many advantages to switching over to a VoIP service, but the biggest one is cost. For the most part, long-distance and international calls will be significantly less expensive for individuals using a VoIP service rather than a traditional long-distance or international plan. Most VoIP service providers also offer a number of additional free features already established with traditional phone plans, such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, Voicemail and more.

There are other advantages as well. For example, because of the convergence between your VoIP phone service and the Internet, some providers will even allow you to receive Voicemail messages as email attachments. Also, if you have a cable broadband connection, you may be able to keep your current telephone number as well.

Signing up for a VoIP plan is actually quite simple. Really, all you need is a broadband Ethernet connection such as DSL or cable, any touch-tone phone (corded or cordless) and a credit or debit card with a U.S. billing and shipping address. Your VoIP provider will supply you with the proper phone adapter upon signing up, usually at no additional cost. As for the person on the other end of the call, all they need is a regular phone. They don’t need to use a VoIP service or even have an Internet connection for the call to go through.

Lastly, although VoIP calls are placed through your Internet connection, they will not affect your ability to use your computer. Thus, if you wish, you can continue to surf the web and send emails while you’re on the phone. Also, because VoIP utilizes your Internet connection and not your computer, your computer does not even need to be turned on in order for you to place a call.

Will Thomas is a staff writer for useVoIP.org which is an online resource providing VoIP Information and Articles

Satellite Internet access works through a dish at the customer’s location, which sends radio frequencies from the computer to the satellite. The dish is usually of 1.2 m diameter. The customer’s location may be equipped with a satellite modem to convert digital information into analog form. The customer’s location may be a single PC or networked workstations. This obviates the need for telephone lines.

At the other end, the satellite sends back the frequencies to the teleport at a ground station where a number of large aperture dishes are placed. From here, the data is sent to the network system, which consists of routers and optical cables that connect to the Internet backbone. As the Internet backbone is shared by many service providers, the bandwidth availability is restricted by the terrestrial Internet infrastructure.

At the user’s location, the access is determined by the level of service required, whether it is one-way or two-way satellite service. One-way service may require a regular dial up service. A user may need to have a minimum of Windows- or Mac-supported PC with a networking capability. Other requirements include Ethernet port. Other than hardware requirements, software programming to manage interfaces is required.

Broadband access through satellite is a costly alternative to cable modems and DSL. The access is limited by the costly installations and the weather conditions. Besides, the uplink speed is limited by the dial-up speed just like dial-up Internet. The long-haul distance between the dish and satellite results in delay of the access.

Satellite Internet provides detailed information on Satellite Internet, Satellite Internet Services, Satellite Internet Access, Satellite Internet Providers and more. Satellite Internet is affiliated with High Speed Internet Services.