| Q. |
What is VoIP? |
| Ans. |
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - technology that enables one to make and receive phone calls thru the Internet instead of using the traditional analog PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) lines. |
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| Q. |
What are the advantages of VoIP over analog PSTN lines? |
| Ans. |
The primary main advantage of VoIP over PSTN lines is cost (it's cheaper!) Other advantages of VoIP are as follows: digital features not commonly available on PSTN lines such as voicemail, caller ID, conference, music-on-hold, etc. |
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| Q. |
Do I need a computer to make/receive VoIP calls? |
| Ans. |
The answer depends on whether or not you will be using a softphone with your VoIP integration. VoIP does not require any computer to make/receive phone calls (only ATA devices or IP phones). If softphones are used instead of physical phones or ATA devices, then computers are needed. See Skype Voip Phones. |
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| Q. |
What type of service and equipment are needed for VoIP deployment? |
| Ans. |
The following equipment and services are required for VoIP deployment: High-Speed Broadband connection, IP Phones (Softphones will require PC) or Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs) and VoIP Service Provider (terminate calls). |
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| Q. |
Can I surf the web during VoIP calls? |
| Ans. |
Yes, VoIP allows web surfing while making and receiving VoIP calls simultaneously. It shares the bandwidth connection with other LAN computers and prioritizes voice. |
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| Q. |
Should I use an ATA or an IP phone? |
| Ans. |
It depends on your preference and budget. An ATA will allow you to use analog phones for VoIP. While this might save money, they do not have one touch feature keys (e.g. transfer, hold, etc). On the other hand, using IP phones will provide more features that are similar to digital phones. |
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| Q. |
Can I use VoIP for all the phones in my residence? |
| Ans. |
Definitely, VoIP can replace every single phone in your residence. Both ATA devices and IP phones can be used instead of regular analog phones. This setup requires an account with a VoIP provider. See Freshtel an Australian VoIP Service Provider. |
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| Q. |
How I can make/receive free VoIP calls to/from remote location? |
| Ans. |
Making and receiving free VoIP calls can be made possible by signing up with VoIP Service Providers such as Free World Dialup (FWD) that allow unlimited VoIP calling. These providers will sometimes allow making/receiving free VoIP to PSTN calls (and vice versa). In addition, VoIP end user devices such as ATAs and IP phones can be set up to make point to point VoIP calls between one another. |
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| Q. |
Can VoIP make and receive calls to/from PSTN lines? |
| Ans. |
Absolutely! VoIP users can definitely make and receive calls to/from PSTN lines. Any type of calls (e.g. local, long distance, international, etc.) are allowed. This requires an account with VoIP Service Providers that provide termination. See Freshtel an Australian VoIP Service Provider. |
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| Q. |
Which VoIP Service Provider should I use? |
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VoIP Service Providers can be selected based on the services and calling plans that they provide. The features they offer can greatly differ based on the price of the calling plan that you choose. Rates vary between providers and their pricing ranges from per minute charges to flat monthly bills. Choosing the right calling plan should be based on your monthly telephone usage and company budget. See Freshtel an Australian VoIP Service Provider. |
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| Q. |
What does IPS stand for? |
| Ans. |
Internet Protocol Server |
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| Q. |
What is IP telephony? |
| Ans. |
In simple terms, IP telephony is the migration of voice and data
technology through a single medium. |
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| Q. |
Will upgrading our PABX cause any interruptions to
our business? |
| Ans. |
Upgrades to your system will occur at a time most convenient
to you. NEC will coordinate a time with you during business hours
and usually carry out upgrades after hours to minimise any effect
on your business. |
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| Q. |
Do I have to do anything to my data network to enable
IP? |
| Ans. |
The data equipment needs to support QoS (Quality of Service).
This feature allows the data network to treat voice with a high
priority ensuring voice quality. QoS also helps data equipment
handle voice more efficiently. Layer 2 switches are required as
hubs are not suitable. Routers need to support the QoS features.
Your NECBS representative can provide guidance to ensure you have
the right data equipment. |
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| Q. |
What sort of maintenance will the IPS require? |
| Ans. |
NEC has a maintenance arm available to you, known as NECare.
Read the NECare overview for more information on the services available. |
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| Q. |
Will my IP handset work from home? |
| Ans. |
Your handset will work using any data connection to your core
telephony system, provided the network equipment supports the QoS
features and bandwidth necessary for quality voice transmission. |
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| Q. |
What is included in an IPS purchase? |
| Ans. |
Your system is available in two distinct formats. You can either
purchase the system so that it is IP ready and includes software
and hardware to provide an IPS platform to deploy new features
as they become available. Alternatively, you can purchase a platform
with IP telephony provided, with all software and hardware required
to enable the IPS platform to provide IP Telephony up (4 licenses
for IP telephony). Terminals and data equipment are not included. |
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| Q. |
Our current system is nearing capacity. Will the
IPS do anything to help? |
| Ans. |
The IPS system can provide you with greater capacity than your
existing system. Small systems can currently grow to maximum of
100 to 250 stations. This is brand and system-dependent, while
the IPS can grow from 100 stations to 650 stations or more dependent
on configuration. The IPS also offers the ability to grow via virtual
(software only expansion) PIMS, requiring minimal hardware and
therefore a significant cost saving. |
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| Q. |
How long will the upgrade last? |
| Ans. |
Despite technology’s rapid advancements the system will
support the new features and applications and terminals for three
to five years. Upgrades to software and hardware are available
and might be required to support the systems features and functionality
enhancements. |
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