Voip

[Werewolfdaddy]

VOIP phone companies are popping up all over the place. Does anyone here have experience with one of these companies, like lingo? Can you tell me your thoughts on the companies, rates, voip in general. Feel free to share your experiences and or expertise. I'm a newcomer to voip.

[mbossman2]

I use Time Warner's VoIP solution, there are some upsides and downsides to it:

Upsides: Cost, especially as it relates to long distance (its free...unlimited)
I was able to keep my existing phone number. Easy installation and (relatively) seamless integration with my PC's and existing phones (see downsides for the 1 problem). Call quality is pretty good (acceptable for home use).

Downsides:
Lose power = lost phone (unlike regular phones, VoIP systems, as they use broadband and AC powered devices rely 100% on the existing power grid, the phone company OTOH can be powered, for a short time - - about 12 hours or so, on their own DC backups).
Had an issue with my alarm company, had to buy and additional piece to allow my alarm to call out on a VoIP solution.
Sometimes, when internet traffic is really high, the calls get a little jittery (not often but enuf to be noticed)

BTW, VoIP has been in place on the telco's backbones for a few years (it is more effective use of bandwidth than traditional voice as you can compress a 64k voice call down to, depending on compression technology, down to 8-12k packet sizes, which equals more calls per line than traditional voice).

VoIP is the future of telephones, it is cheaper, easier & fast to config and reconfig than traditional TDM systems...the cost is the CPE gear is the key...once that drops into the sub $75 range or so and penetration of high speed lines reaches a critical mass, you will see your phone company change over to that.

[Cheryl]

I've been using vonage for about 6 months - I pay @$27.00 unlimited calls across U.S. & Canada, all the features (voicemail, 3 way calling, *69, caller id, call waiting, etc) included. The call quality is usually just like a regular phone, sometimes you can hear hissing in the background after a person speaks. Like mbossman2 said, downside is if you lose power or cable you lose phone service. With vonage, you can have it set up so if you lose power your phone is forwarded to another number (I use my cell phone). I would recommend having a cell phone backup, especially if you have kids. Vonage also offers 911 calling but you have to set it up.

[nubbler]

See here for a bit more http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=114572&

Originally Posted by mbossman2 Downsides: Lose power = lost phone (unlike regular phones, VoIP systems, as they use broadband and AC powered devices rely 100% on the existing power grid, the phone company OTOH can be powered, for a short time - - about 12 hours or so, on their own DC backups).

Get a UPS if you have a power problem.

[Werewolfdaddy]

Thanks guys, this has been helpful. I was and am still interested in it. Now if i can convince the little lady to think about it, she might let me get it.

[mbossman2]

Originally Posted by nubbler See here for a bit more http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=114572& Get a UPS if you have a power problem.

a UPS does nothing for you as many cable providers power their DSLAMs and "local" cable head-ends via grid power, so while you will have power, the "CO" of your broadband SP does not. Power lost = no cable = no broadband = no phone. Altho some of the more enlightened cable providers are shifting over to the telco model of 99.999% up time regardless of local power situations.

Telco equipment is mostly DC powered and they have massive battery and secorndary power sources (diesel generators and the like) backups to keep CO's up and running in case of a grid power failure (their equipment is also "special" as it has the ability to continue to operate under extreme conditions like cold, heat, electrical discharges, water soakings, etc...It's called NEBS complaince...meet it or your gear doesn't go in the CO).

[ffish]

You can get many useful info at http://www.iphone.oxfordwebhosting.com/index.htm on internet telephones, such as PC-PC, PC-PHONE AND PHONE-PHONE types.

[glc]

ffish, if this is your site or you are affiliated with it, please read the forum rules. Advertising your own site here is strictly prohibited.

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[mikeL]

You can find alot of useful information, at http://voxilla.com/