Computers are the most amazing things ever to be created. These wonderful machines constantly help us with everyday things that we now take for granted. Can you imagine what life would be without computers? The computers are something we all need, but what about the Internet? I believe it is the prime reason why we cannot even imagine living without computers. Cyberspace gives us incredible power putting the world at our fingertips. What matters most as far as Internet surfing is concerned, is the connection speed. Nowadays many people enjoy using cable internet connection as opposed to our old dial up service.

When I started using computers for the first time, this was back in 1997; I considered the dial up connection the greatest one possible. This weird phone line connection made it possible for us to search the world. We could reach everything for a second. We could find and buy anything we wanted. Dial up service was the best! However, after using it for many months I started to see its drawbacks. First of all, I really disliked that awful noise the computer was making while connecting. Secondly, I hated the dial up service every time I got disconnected, especially when I was just about to get the highest bid on that EBay auction. When you are online and someone calls or picks up the phone you might get disconnected if having dial up connection. I couldn’t hate my family for using the phone, so I chose to hate the dial up service instead.

You cannot imagine how glad I am that cable and DSL exist. Are you one of those guys keeping their dial up service going? You must be insane then. Get high-speed Internet connection and you will never hear that awful scream of dial-up again. Cable Internet is so fast, you click on the website and it pops up immediately. You also won’t have to wait to watch movie trailers. Cable Internet is amazing in all the ways. When using dial up service it took me hours to get a tiny task done. With cable connection I am done in minutes. My best advice to those using dial up is to consider the advantages of cable Internet and give the latter a shot. Once you surf the Internet with high speed service never again will you want to go back in the past where dial up has its place.

Most people don’t know that they already have everything they need to start saving money using internet telephony, or VoIP. All you have to have is a regular telephone and high-speed internet access. That’s it! If you have both of those, you are ready to start saving loads of money on local and long distance phone calls.

It is inevitable that VOIP will replace traditional telephone service at some point. The only question is when should you jump in?

VOIP is quickly becoming more reliable and receiving wider acceptance. In fact, phone companies are already taking advantage of the technology to provide cheaper long distance rates. Like any emerging technology, however, there are kinks in the system that are still being worked out.

Advantages:

Internet Phone Service has numerous advantages over traditional telephone service. The most obvious is the cost benefits. If you have a high-speed internet connection, you can make phone calls from PC-to-PC anywhere in the world for FREE! More common PC-to-Phone calls usually come with a small charge but are still much cheaper than regular phone service.

For a small monthly fee, you can sign up with a VoIP service provider and get unlimited calls within the country! International calls can also be made for a fraction of the cost of regular service.

Another advantage is its portability. You can make and receive phone calls wherever there is a broadband connection by simply signing in to your VOIP account. This makes VOIP as convenient as e-mail. When you’re traveling, you simply pack a headset or Internet phone; then you can talk to family or colleagues for next to nothing.

Phone-to-phone VOIP is also portable. Internet phones are small and light enough to take anywhere. When you sign up with a VOIP service provider, the Internet phone or adaptor used by that service is assigned a unique number. This ‘phone number’ remains valid, even if your VOIP service is in Los Angeles and you’re connected to the Internet in London. When plugged into a broadband connection, anywhere in the world, you can make and receive calls as though you were at home.

Features like call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and 3way-calling, are included with Internet telephone at no extra charge. While you’re talking on the phone, you can send pictures and documents at the same time.

Disadvantages:

Unfortunately, there are a couple of minor drawbacks you may experience. The first is the fact that you would loose service during a power outage and the other is limited emergency calling.

Conventional phone service continues by the current supplied through the phone line during a blackout. This isn’t possible with Internet phones. When the power goes, there goes VOIP service. Battery backups and power generators that provide electricity are the current solutions to this problem.

Emergency (911) calls are another concern for many potential customers as well. In the event that you need to call 911 but can’t speak or have to leave, your call can be traced when dialed from a traditional phone. However, this is not the case with VoIP. Fortunately, there is currently technology being developed called ‘e911′ that will make this possible, so this will not be a problem for much longer.

VOIP also has sound quality and reliability problems. Data sent across the Internet usually arrives at its destination scrambled. E-mail and documents can be reassembled in the correct order when it arrives. Voice data also arrives scrambled, but it’s more complicated because of the real-time nature of VOIP. Some data packets may have to be dropped when they don’t arrive in time, in order to make voice connections with the least delay. This can cause brief silences in the audio stream.

Your internet connection speed and the distance of the call are the two biggest factors in the quality of the call. If you are in a high-traffic area this may also cause some loss in the quality of the conversation. Once again, technology is constantly being improved on and this is becoming less and less of an inconvenience.

While the disadvantages mentioned above currently present minor problems, it is expected that these will be corrected by the year 2008 and VoIP technology will have become the industry standard for telephone communication.

About The Author
Mark Hipp is an avid technology and amatuer radio enthusiast. He also manages several websites including:

http://www.vonage-broadband-phone-service.com

http://www.ipod-nano-store.com

http://www.goodasnewmusic.com

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, uses your broadband internet connection to place phone calls. By converting your voice (or analog) signal into a digital signal, this makes for a more efficient way to talk on the phone and can save you money.

There are three ways you can use VoIP. You can either connect using your regular phone and an adapter, a special internet phone, or download software and use your computer. Here are the methods, in greater detail:

Using your home phone. If you would like to switch from your regular phone line to VoIP, many people opt to continue using their home phone. To do this, you must use an analog telephone adapter, or ATA. This device converts the analog signal (your voice) to a digital signal. Once the signal is converted, it goes through the internet connection. When shopping for a service provider, ask them if they include this adapter with their packages. Most do.

Connect using an IP phone. When using a special IP phone, you don’t need a separate ATA. Everything you need to use your broadband internet connection as your telephone service is included with the hardware. Instead of using a regular phone jack and connector, it uses an Ethernet connection to plug into your router.

Connect using your computer. If your computer has speakers, microphone, a sound card, and a high speed internet connection you can use your computer for VoIP. Companies offer free or low cost software downloads which allows you to use your computer to make phone calls. Using this method is either free, costing only the price of your internet connection, or nearly free. Earthlink’s Vling software is both free to download and free to use. The only hitch is that you can only talk with other Vling users.

Mike Bell is the webmaster of http://www.VoIP-Journal.com, a site devoted to providing users with VoIP news and information.

If you work at home using the internet or are frequently on the internet checking out websites, then you will want to look into service from a high speed internet provider. There are several ways to connect to the internet in order that you receive this quicker service. You can look into DSL which is at least 5 times faster than dial up and runs through the phone line. Cable and satellite internet access are the other choices. After you choose which connection you are interested in, then you need to find the high speed internet provider that offers that particular service.

DSL is a great option for people who live close to the central office where the DSL comes from. DSL is distance sensitive, which means that you need to be within three miles of the office of your high speed internet provider to receive the best connection. The best way to find out about DSL is to ask neighbors if they use it and if the do, ask if they are satisfied with it. DSL is always on, so you do not have to wait for it to connect to the internet. With better speed than the dial up method, this may be the right choice for you.

Cable internet runs through your cable line and has amazing speed. Downloading is quick and easy and it is always on for your convenience. The only drawback to cable internet may be the high cost that these high speed internet providers charge. There may be package deals with your cable TV service or a reduced priced if you accept a slower access speed, so ask if there are any discounts that are available. Cable internet is a wonderful option for those users who are on the internet several times a day.

Satellite internet may be the only option for consumers in rural and out of the way areas. Satellite internet uses satellites in outer space for internet connection. This is a faster option than dial up, but may be dependent upon the weather, although most consumers only have problems during major storms. Ask neighbors about their internet service and if they use satellite internet service. This is the best way to find out which high speed internet provider will work for you.

High speed internet providers fill a vital need for internet users. The important thing to do is to research the provider group of your choice until you find a high speed internet provider that offers what you need for you and your family. Once you do this, then you sure to find the high speed internet service that is right for you!

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

VOIP is a hot topic these days, but what exacty is VOIP and VOIP service? It is a method of using the internet to carry phone calls. The term, “VOIP”, stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol.

Why use a VOIP service? Probably cost is one of the main considerations as VOIP is less expensive than many other telephone service options. The cost of VOIP service is similar to the cost of sending email. You must pay to have an internet service, but after that, your usage is free. In some instances, savings of up to 90% over regular long distance and other telephone services can be recognized.

Can my business use VOIP service? Anybody with an internet connection has the basic capability to use a VOIP service, and benefit from the cost savings associated with VOIP.

Can VOIP be used for long distance calls, and how about international long distance? Certainly. In fact, that is one of the primary arguments in favor of any VOIP service. The savings can be quite significant when a VOIP service is used for business or personal long distance calls. If you are now making international long distance calls for businesss or personal reasons, you should see immediate savings on your long distance telephone charges.

Is VOIP legal. Yes, it is a legal and acceptable alternative to standard telephone and long distance calling systems.

Will DSL or Broadband access enhance my VOIP service? Absoulutely. high speed internet services, such as DSL or Broadband, allow the use of multiple phone lines. This would be of particular importance to a business user.

Would VOIP work for an internal business network? As a matter of fact, many businesses have used it successfully for exactly that purpose, in addition to using it for external business contacts.

The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service. He has worked as an accountant, purchasing agent, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, instructor and long-haul, over-the-road truck driver. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He has been an active internet marketer since 2000, and now makes his living online. He has an online store specializing in communications products at http://texasprepaidcellular.com

Avaya Phone Systems has taken several steps to ensure a smooth transition
traditional, circuit- based phone systems to VoIP phone systems. The company
views the evolution to converged network as a three- step process:

Install IP architecture, laying the foundation for a wireless network
capable of supporting data, voice, and video on a single cable.

Incorporate applications, taking advantage of features that increase your
productivity and efficiency.

Employ IP telephony, connecting all branches and locations of your
business, making the conversion from an outdated, inefficient network, to an
industry- standard one.

Step One: Install IP Architecture

The first step in switching to VoIP phone systems takes one of two
routes, depending on whether your company has POTS or a PBX. The route from
POTS to VoIP phone systems is longer and more expensive, and is generally not
recommended unless the monthly toll charges and fees are so unwieldy as to
outweigh the high cost of converting.

However, VoIP phone systems architecture can be installed alongside the
existing POTS, preserving your earlier investment. Over time, you can phase out
your POTS and replace circuit- based telephones with IP- enabled ones, as you
embrace IP telephony.

The process is much simpler with a PBX: The computer data network is
expanded to support IP telephony on the LAN and VoIP and the WAN, creating a
common infrastructure connecting all locations.

Step Two: Incorporate Applications

After a foundation for IP telephony has been built, and a converged
network is in place, your company is ready to take the next step to VoIP phone
systems: incorporating applications, taking advantage of integrated voice, data, and
video.

VoIP phone systems enhance business communications by allowing for
critical applications that improve productivity and efficiency: many applications and
features that allow you to stay connected and accessible. Cell phone connect and
remote call forwarding let your receive business calls when you’re out of the office,
and Unified messaging gives you greater control over your voice and email
messages.

VoIP phone systems keep you informed: the network has proactive
monitoring programs that alert you when it needs repairs before something breaks
down.

Step Three: Deploy IP Telephony

The final step in the transition to VoIP phone systems is to deploy IP
telephony, creating converged communications. Deploying IP telephony and
realizing the full potential of VoIP phone systems allows your company to flourish in
an adaptive environment, easily integrating with multiple configurations.

This is possible because of modularization; VoIP phone systems have
modular applications and components, increasing flexibility while making it a cost-
effective solution.

As a completely optimized and integrated infrastructure, VoIP phone
systems can save your business thousands upon thousands of dollars. VoIP phone
systems eliminate fees for leasing phone lines, and greatly reduce monthly
regulatory fees.

Cameron Elliott is an Telephony specialist at avaya voip phone systems where he extols the benefits of Avaya
Phone Systems

Easy Guide on Networking your Home Computers

Let’s say you have 3 desktop computers at your home. One in your kid’s room, in your home-office and one in your family room. Your idea is to have all these 3 computers connect to the internet. One computer has an internet connection on a DSL or cable modem (this is just a terminology for that little box that you connect from the phoneline or cable port!).

So you want all these 3 computers connect to the internet, share files? print from any of this computer?

Here are your step-by-step guide:

(1) Your DSL or cable internet service already comes with a modem. This is a connection from your phoneline to the modem. And then, you will notice your computer#1’s
network cable directly connect to this modem called the Ethernet port (or on the USB port).

(2) For the other 2 computers to share internet connection, you must have a router with 4 ports (at least!) — looks like a telephone ports. There are a lot of router brands, one is Linksys and is my favorite. But as I have said there are a lot of different brands out there!

You must buy a network cable if you don’t have one. You can buy it from most electronic store.

(4) Here we go! (considering ofcourse we are networking a Window-based computers– Windows XP (home & professional) and Windows 2000 and higher)

(5) Connect a network cable on your router (port name: “internet” or “ethernet” – this is usually a separated port from the other 4 ports). The other end of the network cable will directly be connected to the DSL or Cable modem’s (port name: “ethernet”).

(6) Connect a network cable on each computer that you want to get connected to the internet– (connect this cable at the back of the computer (port name: ethernet).

(7) The other side of each of this network cable will then be connected on each of the port on the router

(8) Now you are ready to be connected! — turn on your dsl/cable modem. Make sure all lights are on and solid. Turn on your router.

(9) Then turn on your computer(s) — make sure the light at the back of the computer is blinking! (this is a good sign that you are connected on the network!)

(10) Then set up your router which is normally you choose the proctocol PPoE and just enter your username and password supplied to you by your internet service provider. Oh! by the way, depending on the router, the admin window of the router is on the manual. It’s so easy to find it. Trust me.

(11) If your username and password provided to you by your internet service provider is valid… then you should be connected to the internet!.Go and start browsing the internet!

*** most of the routers available in the market now are interlligent routers! There is really nothing complicated on how to set it up. Its entirely DHCP (automatic IP assignment). I don’t want to be technical but .. there you go! Enjoy and be safe on the internet!

There are many benefits and advantages to switching from PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network. VoIP technology is growing and changing every day. Major corporations are transferring their business needs over to VoIP and households worldwide are making the switch.

VoIP is produced by transferring voice into digital data over the Internet. Because the data is smaller compared to a standard electric unit, VoIP users save on valuable bandwidth as well. If you have a high-speed connection in your home, then you can utilize VoIP. You may need to purchase some equipment, such as a VoIP phone adapter. The phone adapter will allow you to use all of your telephones with the VoIP technology. You may also need to purchase a router. Most of your VoIP service providers will supply you with the hardware that you need. You even have the option of purchasing phones designed for VoIP as well as Videophones that will display images while you speak. VoIP is the wave of the future. Many major computer companies have already begun to incorporate VoIP with their Instant Messaging programs. Yahoo has also recently purchased the VoIP Company, Dial Pad. Now, Instant Messaging programs such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL allow pc-pc phone calls. The world is making the switch to VoIP, but in case you are still unsure if VoIP is right for you, here are five benefits to adding VoIP to your home and business.

VoIP is Cost Efficient

Whether for your residence or business, VoIP is just plain cheaper then other telecommunication applications. You can reduce cost in your home by saving on long distance and local telephone calls. Many VoIP service providers have plans that allow unlimited local and long distance calling. You will have to check with various companies to see how far their unlimited local and long distance calling areas serve. You also save money by using VoIP throughout your house. You won’t need to install additional phone jacks and wires, you just add on to your VoIP system.

VoIP will Integrate your Audio, Data, and Video Applications.

VoIP systems can integrate your telephone needs with your computer applications such as E-mail, Fax, Web conferencing, and Video Phone needs. This saves money and energy by combining all of these services into one basic application. You can use your phone and access all of your other programs at the same time, allowing greater freedom and is a simpler way for the home owner to utilize all of these different products.

VoIP Provides Flexibility

VoIP allows users tremendous flexibility. For instance, many VoIP users can take their phone adapter with them, and use their telephone number anywhere they have access to an Internet connection. This includes traveling overseas, while staying in hotels, or even camping. If you have high speed Internet, you will be able to take phone calls on your regular number. This is a much better solution for those with active lifestyles compared to the expense of cell phones as well as being the perfect solution for mobile employees and those whose jobs require much travel.

VoIP Users Can Choose their Own Area Codes

VoIP providers allow users to choose their own area codes. This is a fantastic option for those whose friends and family all live in one particular location, and they are out of state. By choosing your family and friend’s area code, you are allowing them to call you, whenever they choose, and they will not have to pay long distance charges. Their calls will be local. Some providers extend the area codes to other countries. This would be extremely beneficial to someone whose friends and family are halfway across the world.

VoIP offers Features for Free

Features that typically cost extra with PSTN phone services are usually bundled with VoIP unlimited calling plans. These features include Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Return, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Because of the integration between VoIP and the Internet, many service providers will allow you to access and control all of your VoIP phone features through the Internet. With VoIP, users have greater access to control all of their phone features as well as save on charges.

Olivia Tan is co-publisher of http://www.AllVoipSolution.com
She provides tips and review on VoIP
equipment and VoIP
Service Providers.

When deciding on the best bandwidth configuration to run your video conferencing on…you may think you have endless choices. Sometimes it appears that way when you may actually be limited to just a few. Here’s a comparison when your only choices are between ISDN and ADSL.

So the question than becomes this.

Which is better in the sense of connection speed and for Video conferencing between ISDN PRI (1.544Mbps) to ADSL (1.544Mbps)?

PRI ISDN T1 is the industrial strength flavor of ISDN, and is intended for users with much greater capacity requirements. PRI has 23 B channels plus one 64 Kbps D channel. Each channel has a 64Kbps capacity, enabling a total transmission speed of up to 1.536Mbps. With PRI ISDN, you can pre-define the number of channels used for specific types of calls or data delivery. What this means is that you can use the various channels for accomplishing different things on different channels simultaneously. In other words, PRI ISDN offers much greater flexibility than that provided by BRI ISDN. Additionally, the D channel is used as the switching channel that communicates with the Central Office for Call Management. It is used to carry local and long distance traffic.

An ADSL circuit connects an ADSL modem on each end of a twisted-pair telephone line, creating three information channels — a high speed downstream channel, a medium speed duplex channel, depending on the implementation of the ADSL architecture, and a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) or an ISDN channel. The POTS/ISDN channel is split off from the digital modem by filters, thus guaranteeing uninterrupted POTS/ISDN, even if ADSL fails. The high speed channel ranges from 1.5 to 6.1 Mbps, while duplex rates range from 16 to 832 kbps. Each channel can be submultiplexed to form multiple, lower rate channels, depending on the system.

ADSL modems provide data rates consistent with North American and European digital hierarchies and can be purchased with various speed ranges and capabilities. The minimum configuration provides 1.5 or 2.0 Mbps downstream and a 16 kbps duplex channel; others provide rates of 6.1 Mbps and 64 kbps duplex. Products with downstream rates up to 8 Mbps and duplex rates up to 640 kbps are available today. ADSL modems will accommodate ATM transport with variable rates and compensation for ATM overhead, as well as IP protocols.

Downstream data rates depend on a number of factors, including the length of the copper line, its wire gauge, presence of bridged taps, and cross-coupled interference. Line attenuation increases with line length and frequency, and decreases as wire diameter increases.

They are completely different technologies used for different things. With ADSL you are generally given Internet access and with a PRI you get 1472 kbps of usable bandwidth to be used in a combination of various ways. The key difference is that with a PRI, you never actually have to connect to the Internet as you do with DSL. Therefore, a video call doesn’t have to use IP as it most likely would with DSL. Therefore things that affect call quality like latency are generally not as a big a factor with ISDN.

Many companies still use ISDN PRIs for video conferencing to power multiple video calls simultaneously. A lot of people are now using both ISDN and Internet access via DSL/T1/T3/Cable/etc. for their video needs. Generally ADSL is far cheaper but the quality isn’t necessarily as good because the customer has little control over the path an IP call takes through the Internet, but that my friend is another conversation for another time.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications….including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you’re always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Before signing up to a VoIP provider you need to do your homework. Sure you learn what VoIP is about and you research which provider will be the best for you, but don’t make the vital error of not considering your current fixed line circumstance.

First and foremost is the matter of whether the fixed line is going to be retained. In most cases it probably will be as either an backup in for emergency circumstances or where the fixed line may be cheaper for certain calls, especially if utilizing either VoipStunt or Skype which clearly point out they do not nor intend to provide emergency calling access.

In certain countries you need to retain the fixed line for your broadband service so this must be factored into the overall cost comparison of a fixed line service versus a VoIP service or combination there of.

A further complication occurs where bundling occurs. That is discounts if local calls, national or long distance calls and broadband service are all combined with the one provider. In the case of one provider you will pay $29.95 line rental, $49 which allows a cap of $120 of local, long distance and mobile phone calls, and $39 for broadband internet access totaling about $118 a month. For someone on this providers bundle wishing to take up VoIP, you would remove the $49 for calls, retain the line rental to provide broadband access and because the bundle is removed (no local or long distance calls retained) the cost of the broadband service increases by $20 to $59.

It is clear from the above example that you would need to be making significant calls at very low VoIP rates to make the change or VoIP addition worthwhile as there would only be $29 to absorb monthly VoIP provider costs.

The other alternative however in this case is to get a cheaper broadband internet service which then provides more scope to cash in on accessing telephone calls over the internet and over all reducing communications costs.

Summary

It is crucial to examine current telecommunication costs prior to signing up with a paid VoIP provider service. This does not however impact upon accessing free VoIP providers as a second telephone service.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol.