1. Computing & Technology

Voice Over IP: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
BlackBerry VoIP Solutions
VoIP on BlackBerry - VoIP allows you to power up your BlackBerry device to make cheap or free calls, both local and international. Plus it gives you lots of features that you wouldn't get with your cellular provider.
3G Wireless Technology Defined
3G is a popular wireless network technology used mainly with mobile phones for mobile connectivity. In this article, 3G is defined and presented in both technical and practical ways. 3G has become very popular, especially with multimedia transfer to and from mobile phones and handsets. 3G also allows mobile users to make cheap and free calls using VoIP technology.
Understanding switching
Difference between circuit switching and packet switching. What are switching and routing, and what are packets? Learn how packet switching makes VoIP better.
Skype on BlackBerry
Skype on BlackBerry - Blackberry devices are good candidates for making the most of wireless/mobile VoIP, in view of saving on cost and enhancing communications with additional features. BlackBerry users haven’t been happy with Skype so far; there is no full-fledged Skype client for BlackBerry. So here are a few other ways you can use the service on your BlackBerry machine.
TringMe Review
TringMe VoIP Service Review - TringMe is a complete VoIP service suite that comprises of the traditional and very popular PC-to-PC calling feature through a softphone, with its PC-to-phone calling option for calls to landline and mobile phones worldwide.
VoIP Explained
VoIP - Also called Internet Telephony, VoIP (short for voice over IP) uses the Internet and other IP networks to make phone calls. VoIP allows you to make calls locally and internationally for very cheap and often for free. Besides the cost benefits, VoIP also offers a wide range of additional features that spice up your communication experience.
Top VoIP Service Providers
VoIP Service Providers - Most households and small businesses wanting to replace their existing phone lines with VoIP choose among the residential subscription-based service providers. Here is a list of the top service providers of this type.
FAQ: Free Mobile Skype Calls
Free Skype Mobile Calls - Here are ways in which you can make completely free calls on your mobile phone using Skype, to call people locally or internationally. Skype is not that much enhanced for mobile calling, but its popularity requires it to be mobile for so many people.
Protocols
What is a protocol? Examples of protocols.
Free Calls To Any Phone
How To Make Completely Free Phone Calls To Any Phone Worldwide - Here is a list of things you can do to make calls to any phone, be it mobile or fixed, anywhere in the world for free, without paying a dime, and without being limited by accessibility.
Anonymous Phone Numbers
Annonymous Phone Numbers - Virtual Phone Numbers - Freaked to give out your real phone number? Here is a list of free and paid services that allow you to make and receive phone calls without giving out your real phone number. These services will give you a fake phone number that you could give here and there and even publish on the net, and never fear spamming again.
What is an IP Address?
IP Addresses - What is an IP address and how does it work? An IP address is a unique address used to locate and identify a device over a network. That device can be an electronic device, a computer, a server, a router or even an IP phone. It is the addressing used for the transmission of data packets over a network working with the IP protocol.
Fring - Free Mobile VoIP
Fring is a VoIP application and service that allows free mobile phone calls, chat and instant messaging. It is a softphone that can be directly installed on a smart phone and works on 3G, GPRS or Wi-Fi network.
Definition
A router is a device in computer networking that forwards data packets to their destinations, based on their addresses. A router can also be said to do switching, but a router is different from a switch. The latter is simply a device to connect machines to form a LAN.
Google Voice Review
Google Voice Review - Google Voice is a phone service that gives you a number to call all your phones. It also gives you voicemail transcription into text, plus many other features. Local incoming and outgoing calls are free, and international calls are very cheap. Here is a review of the service.
Mean Opinion Score (MOS)
Mean Opinion Score (MOS) - Mean Opinion Score (MOS) gives a numerical indication of the perceived quality of the media received after being transmitted and eventually compressed using codecs. MOS is expressed in one number, from 1 to 5, 1 being the worst and 5 the best.
Why Switch to VoIP?
VoIP Pros - Why should you use VoIP? What are its advantages and how does it make voice communication better than regular PSTN phone? Here is a list of advantages and benefits of using Voice over IP.
Truphone Review
Truphone review - Truphone is a mobile VoIP service that, through a free application that is installed on a mobile phone, allows users to make free or cheap local and international calls from their mobile phones. The main target users of Truphone are iPhone and BlackBerry users, while it also aims at those using high-end business phones or smart phones.
Top 5 VoIP Wireless Routers
Top 5 VoIP Wireless Routers - VoIP wireless routers are used for linking wireless LANs to the Internet. They are also called gateways, and they enclose a lot of functionalities. Once you have it working, you can connect any wireless device like IP Phones or even computers to it through Wi-Fi connections. The routers in this list have been chose based on their popularity, performance, ease of use, features and scalability.
How Much Bandwidth for VoIP?
Bandwidth determines connection speed. It is one of the most important, and in some cases, the most expensive requirements for using VoIP. There are different types of Internet connections giving VoIP bandwidth; which one should you use?
Top 5 Wireless IP Phones
Top 5 Wireless IP Phones - Wireless IP phones are becoming very popular within VoIP networks due to the fact that they allow mobility and scalibility. Here is my top list.
VoIPStunt
VoipStunt is an international VoIP service based in Germany. It works in a manner similar to Skype, in that it has a softphone application installable on a computer, and a service which can be obtained online. VoIPStunt has gained some popularity lately among softphone users due to its free calls to PSTN (landline) phones over some common destinations. There is a list of countries to which you can call free, according to www.voipstunt.com, but how free is free? Can it be better than Skype?
Ooma Review
ooma Review - Ooma is a VOiP service that allows completely free calls to all users, landline and mobile, to the US and Canada, and very cheap international calls. ooma rids you of monthly bills. You just have to buy the device once off and you never pay after that for making calls.
Making Free Calls on The iPad
Making Free Calls on The iPad - If you are one of the users of Apple's iPad, then you want to make the most of the investments you have made on your iPad. Using VoIP on your iPad can make you save a lot of money and save you from using your expensive GSM minutes to make calls. You can use the iPad to make free local and international calls just like you would using a simple computer with an Internet connection, because the iPad has something of both a computer and a phone.
A Serious Skype Alternative
Gizmo allows you to make free calls to landline and mobiles phones to 60 countries, and offers free voicemail service. It presents itself as a serious competitor to Skype.
VoIP For Mobile Phones
VoIP for Mobile Phones - If you intend to considerably cut down the cost of your mobile calls, here is a list of VoIP services that can allow you to save up to 95% on mobile communication. Part of some services are even free.
3 Ways of Using VoIP
There are three ways in which you can make a VoIP connection: Computer to computer, phone to phone and computer to phone or vice-versa. Let's see these in more details.
VoIP Voice Quality Factors
Voice Quality in VoIP - There are a number of factors that directly affect VoIP voice quality, namely bandwidth, your equipment, the location of your hardware, weather conditions and compression algorithms. Here is how you can try and get decent VoIP voice quality.
Ethernet
What is Ethernet? Ethernet is the protocol that controls data transmission over a Local Area Network. It is by far the most popular and most commonly used protocol for LANs.
MO-Call Review
MO-Call Mobile VoIP Service Review - MO-Call is a VoIP service that allows you to use your mobile phone to make cheap or free international calls using your GSM network. You can use MO-Call VoIP service on over 2000 mobile models, including the popular iPhone 4, iPhones upgraded to the iOS 4, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Symbian platforms.
Most Popular VoIP Softphones
VoIP Software - Software-based VoIP providers often provide softphones, which are applications software that act as a phone on your computer, along with their service. Skype is an example. Here is a list of the common softphones and services, with lots of alternative to Skype
Quality of Service - QoS and V
QoS and VoIP - Quality of Service is an important issue in VoIP service provision. QoS is the differentiation between different types of traffic and classes of service such that one is favored over the other in terms of bandwidth utilization. In VoIP, QoS considerations favor voice traffic.
ATA
What is an ATA? Learn about Analog Telephone Adapters and their functions and features, and how they are used to make VoIP connections.
VoIP Problems
VoIP Cons are an issue, although VoIP has great pros. While VoIP's benefits outnumber its disadvantages, you should be aware of the VoIP pitfalls as a user, so that you have a better VoIP experience.
Introduction to Skype
What is Skype? With more than 340 million registered users, Skype is the most popular voice communication service in the world. Skype can be used on a computer to communicate (call) with a person locally or abroad for free.
VoIP for the iPhone
VoIP for the iPhone - VoIP Services And Applications for the iPhone - Here are ways for iPhone users to make free or cheap phones calls to any place around the world using their iPhones. The listed VoIP applications and services are compatible with and specifically designed for the iPhone.
VoIP Call-Recording
Thanks to VoIP call-recording tools, you record your phone calls and conversations and save them for later use. While this can be trivial for personal use, it does have great managerial value for businesses.
Free SIP Providers
Free SIP Providers - Having a free SIP account is a great way of making free calls on the Internet. You only need to choose a SIP provider that gives you a SIP account for free. There are many of these. Here is my list.
List of Codecs for VoIP
Here is a list of the most common codecs used in VoIP for voice encoding and compression, with comments.
The Internet Protocol (IP)
IP Protocol - What is the Internet Protocol (IP) and how it works. This article talks about the protocol, IP routing, voice and IP, the TCP/IP protocol suite, IP packets and IP addresses.
Skype Mobile Service Review
Your mobile communication cost can be cut down using Skype's new mobile phone service. You can just download and install the softphone application on your 3G or WiFi mobile phone or handset and register for free. You can communicate for free with other Skype users or pay cheap international rates for users of landline or mobile phone networks.
VoIP on Android
VoIP on Android - Android is an operating system specially adapted for mobile phones and handsets launched by Google. If you are using a phone running Android, like the Nexus One, the HTC Hero, the Samsung Galaxy, to name but a few, you can take advantage of the power of VoIP to make free or cheap calls on your mobile. Here are the services and applications you can choose from.
Common VoIP Hardware Devices
VoIP Hardware Equipment - Here is a list of the most common hardware equipment you will use for VoIP: Phone Adapters (ATA), Routers, IP Phones, Headsets and Handsets.
Magic Jack Review
MagicJack is a small device that allows you to make unlimited free calls, without paying monthly bills. You can just plug it to your computer on one side and your regular home phone on the other side and start making and receiving phone calls.
Turn iPod Touch Into A Phone
Here is how you can turn your Apple iPod Touch into a mobile phone and make free or cheap local and international calls on it.
PBX - Private Branch Exchange
What is PBX? PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange. It is a PSTN telephone network used within a private enterprise. Users inside a PBX share outside lines which they use to make phone calls external to the PBX. A PBX specifically made for VoIP is called an IP-PBX. Asterisk is a good open-source PBX software.
MiFi Definition
What is MiFi? MiFi definition with its advantages and disadvantages. MiFi is a small device that allows you to carry a Wi-Fi hotspot along with you and remain connected anywhere you go.
What is SkypeOut?
If you want to phone someone from your Skype softphone using your computer, you can do so using SkypeOut, which allows you to make phone calls to just anyone with a PSTN phone or cell phone, and not just a Skype softphone user.
Tools For Video Calls
video conferencing - Video calls and video conferencing considerably enhance your communication experience. Video conferencing is now affordable for everyone, with very little investment on hardware. It requires only a webcam and headset. Many applications and services are free.
How to Download Skype
download skype, how to download skype, skype for mac, skype for mobile
What Does a PBX Do?
PBX - A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a switch station for telephone systems. It consists mainly of several branches of telephone systems and it switches connections to and from them, thereby linking phone lines.

The main technical roles of a PBX are: To switch between telephone users thereby creating connections; To make sure the connection remains in place properly by keeping its resources; To record the quantities, statistics and metering related to the calls

Getting Started With VoIP
Getting a VoIP Phone Number - You need a phone number to be able to make and receive calls to and from a fixed or mobile phone. Most people switching to VoIP want to keep their existing numbers, thus raising the issue or phone number portability.
Wide Area Network
What is a WAN? A wide area network is a large network covering cities, countries and continents. A WAN is also called an internetwork, and is made up of many LANs connected together. The Internet is the largest WAN we have.
The Wi-Fi Protocol
Wi-Fi is a very common wireless technology that was developed in the 1990s. It is used to connect machines in a LAN. So, Wi-Fi is like a wireless version of Ethernet.
Yeigo Profile
Yeigo is a free VoIP application for mobile phones, allowing voice calls, chat, instant message and SMS using your mobile phone, while cutting down the usual cost down to as low as 20 %. No need for complex, expensive and bulky hardware. With this, it sets a new paradigm that can revolutionize the communications world. One of the strong points of Yeigo is that it can be installed on a vast range of mobile phones. It also comes with many new features.
Personal Call-Recording Tools
VoIP Call Recording - Here is a list of some of the most common software tools you can use to record your VoIP calls for your individual use.
Vopium Review
Vopium Review - Vopium offers very cheap international calls over a mobile phone through VoIP. It has the advantage of not requiring an Internet connection through a data plan or Wi-Fi, as it uses the GSM network primarily to route calls through IP networks. Vopium also offers 30 minutes of free calling for trial.
Factors Affecting Results
How Accurate Are Speed Tests - There are a number of factors that affect the accuracy of the results of a connection speed test. They are explained here.
Measuring Your Bandwidth
Online Connection Speed Tests - Bandwidth meters give you an idea of how suitable your connection is for a certain task online, e.g. voice over IP. Let us see how they work, whether they are accurate, how to interpret their results, what factors affect these, and which speed tests to use.
Top Connection Speed Tests
Online Speed Tests - Not all online bandwidth speed tests are good and accurate, but there are some that stand out. Here is my list of preferred online connection speed tests.
3 Ways of Faxing over IP
How To Send Fax over IP - Here are ways you can send and receive fax messages over an IP network and the Internet. IP faxing allows you to send fax messages locally and internationally for cheap and at times for free, and has many other advantages.
Latency
What is latency and how can it affect voice quality in VoIP? Latency is the time between the moment a voice packet is transmitted and the moment it reaches its destination. It of course leads to delay and finally to echo. It is caused by slow network links. This is what leads to echo.
Nymgo Review
Nymgo Review - Nymgo is a good VoIP service whose main strength is its low price. Nymgo charges some of the cheapest rates on the market, much cheaper than Skype. Some destinations are charged at less than half a cent per minute. Nymgo offers good quality calls with a simple application and web interface, and your remaining credit is always shown. You require a computer and a handset to make calls, but can also install the application and make calls over SIP-supporting mobile phones.
Local Area Network
What is a LAN? A Local Area Network is a relatively small network compared to a WAN. It covers areas like rooms, offices, campuses, buildings etc. Most LANs today run under Ethernet protocol.
Use PSTN Phones With VoIP
Want to make use of your conventional phone sets while using VoIP service? Here is how to connect all your home (or office) phones to you VoIP service.
VoIP On Mobile Phones
It is great to bring the benefits of VoIP to your mobile phone. It allows you to considerably cut down your mobile communication costs. You can also, in certain cases, make calls for free, even international calls. But there are certain prerequisites that you already need to have, like a phone compatible with the service and a data connection plan.
Top 4 ATAs
Top 4 Phone Adapters (ATAs) - An ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) is a device which makes the link between a PSTN phone line and your VoIP network. You should have one if you don't want to buy expensive IP phones. ATAs are connected to the ADSL router on one side and to your phone on the other. Here is my top list of ATAs.
What is POTS?
What is PSTN? Public Switched Telephone Network
How Google Voice Works?
How Google Voice Works? Is it a VoIP service like Skype? Google Voice is not a VoIP application or service, but leverages on VoIP technology to make calls cheap. It also aims at unifying communications.
Tuitalk Review
Tuitalk is a voice service that allows users to make completely free international calls to any phone,
Server
Short definition of a server
Can You Keep Your Number?
VoIP Phone Number Portability - One of the main questions you have to ask yourself before deciding whether to port your number or not is whether the number is actually portable.
Phone Number Portability
Phone Number Portability With VoIP - Will My VoIP Service Provider Allow Me to Keep my Existing Phone Number? Yes, and in some cases, No. It depends on the company.
VoIP vs. IP Telephony
VoIP vs. IP Telephony - Most people use the terms ‘Voice over IP’ (VoIP) and ‘IP Telephony’ interchangeably, equating one to the other. What’s the difference between the two, if there is any?
List of VoIP Features
VoIP offers an abundant amount of interesting, useful and enhanced features, many of which come free with service packages from VoIP service providers. Which feature you want to include in your VoIP service package will depend on your communication needs. Here is a list of VoIP features you can get with your service provider.
VoIP Security Issues
Security Issues in VoIP. While VoIP has become one of the mainstream communication technologies, VoIP users face a series of security threats. Let us see these security issues.
Minimum Parameter Values
Bandwidth Meters - Online connection speed test results are shown in terms of certain parameters that give an indication of several measurements or your bandwidth. Not all speed tests give you the same parameters in the results, but all of them gives the download and upload speed. Other factors are QoS, RTT and Maximum Pause, among others.
Using VoIP on the Samsung Galaxy Tab
Using VoIP on the Samsung Galaxy Tab to make free calls or cheap calls. A list of VoIP applications and services that support the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Integrating Skype Into Outlook
Integrating Skype in MS Outlook - It is very convenient to just click on a contact's name or any personal information about them in their email messages or contact details to call them. And the call can be free. This can be achieved by integrating a VoIP softphone service like Skype into your MS Outlook email client. Here are ways in which you can achieve that.
Softphone defined
Softphone is software that allows you to make phone calls using a computer. It is a term used in contrast with hardware-based phone calling where dedicated hardware is used for making calls.
Free SIP Softphone Apps
Free SIP Softphone Apps - Having a SIP account gives you a lot of freedom to communicate through VoIP. Among the benefits is the ability to make and receive free phone calls to other SIP users worldwide, and to be able to use a softphone software of your choice, without being tied to what one VoIP service provider offers. But which are the best free SIP softphone apps and where to get them from? Here is my list
Special Phones Used for VoIP
IP Phones - There exist a number of phones which are designed specially to be used for VoIP. We normally call them VoIP Phones, IP Phones or SIP phones. These phones very much resemble a normal POTS phone, but they are equipped with an internal ATA.
IP Routing
IP Routing - Routing is the process during which data packets are forwarded from one machine or device (technically referred to as a node) to another on a network until they reach their destinations.
Hotspot – What is a Hotspot?
Hotspot - A hotspot is a small area that gives wireless Internet access through WiFi. WiFi (also written Wi-Fi) is a wireless technology that allows LANs to be set up without wires between devices. So to have a hotspot, you only need to have a wireless router connected to a broadband Internet line. The router will generate the WiFi signals in a sphere and any WiFi-enabled computer or device in that sphere, which is finally the region of the hotspot, can connect while being inside it.
Phonebooth Free Review
Phonebooth Free Review - Phonebooth Free service offers a free phone number for your area that you channel incoming calls to different phones, fixed and mobile. It poses as a serious alternative to Google Voice, and also offers a paid upgrade for outgoing calls. The Phonebooth Free service is offered by Bandwidth.com, which is a major player on the VoIP market. The features offered for free is comparable to Google Voice and its paid rates are around the market’s average.
Vonage Mobile Review
Vonage Mobile Review - Vonage Mobile is a very interesting service that can make you save a lot of money on international calls and provide you convenience in communication if you live in the US, you use an iPhone, iPod or a BlackBerry machine, and better still if you are already a Vonage customer.
What is SkypeIn?
Skype In is the service you should have if you want to receive a call from a PSTN or cell phone on your computer using Skype. This is a very interesting option, especially if you want to be reachable from anywhere locally as well as internationally while on the move.
Skype After 5 Years
Skype - Is It Still The Best VoIP Tool? Skype is 5 years old and 340 million users strong. How does it compare with other VoIP applications of its like?
Skype Requirements
Skype Requirements - What are the basic requirements for being able to communicate using Skype? Using Skype is a good first step to experiencing the some of the great advantanges of Voice over IP. Before being able to make and receive calls on Skype, you will need the following:
Gmail Calling Review – Google International Calling
Gmail Calling Review – Google now offers the possibility of making and receiving international calls for cheap and free. Standing as a competitor for Skype by offering similar services, Google Calling allows people to make free PC-to-PC calls and cheap calls (as low as 2 cents per minute for some destinations) to and from mobile and landline phones. 2 cents per minute is not the cheapest on the market, but is among the cheapest, and it definitely cheaper than Skype.
WiFi – WiFi Explained
WiFi Explained - WiFi (also written Wi-Fi) stands for Wireless Fidelity. WiFi is a wireless network technology that allows computers and other devices to be connected to each other into a LAN and to the Internet without wires and cables. WiFi is also referred to as WLAN, which stands for wireless LAN, and 802.11, which is the technical code for the protocol.
Using WiMAX Technology
Using WiMAX Technology - WiMAX is a wireless technology for wide area networks that offers Internet connectivity for large areas. In this article, we explore WiMAX considering its requirements, performance and cost.
fg microtec SIP Apps Review
fg microtec’s BlackBerry SIP Software - The VoIP client applications are designed for BlackBerry and Nokia business users who want to save money on VoIP calls and take maximum advantage of the fixed-mobile convergence. The application requires SIP configuration with an IP PBX or a Wi-Fi connection.
VoIP / PSTN: How Do They Pair?
How Does VoIP Allow Calls Between IP Networks And PSTN? VoIP works on IP networks and the PSTN uses landline networks with phone numbers. How can these two different technologies cohabit so well to make voice conversations from your phone or IP phone to any landline PSTN or mobile phone. It is all the work of address translation.
How Much of My Mobile Data Plan Does VoIP Consume?
How much data do I need to count for my voice calls through VoIP while estimating my mobile data usage?
Voxofon Review
Voxofon is one of the many phone services that offer the possibility of making international calls using mobile phones for very cheap, compared to the high rates of pure GSM and other traditional services. Calls are initiated using GSM network and the rest is handed over to VoIP.
VoIP Service - Which Type?
VoIP Service - Before choosing a VoIP service, you have to decide which type suits you best. Choosing the right VoIP service allows you to derive the maximum benefits. The type of VoIP service you choose will depend on how you will communicate - at home, in the office, with your mobile or on your computer.
911 -Emergency Calls with VoIP
911 - Does your VoIP service allow you to make emergency calls like the 911? Here is what you can do to make sure you can make these calls any time.
How To Save Money On Calls
Here are ways you can save a lot of money by cutting down your communication costs with VoIP. This article shows you ways to make free or very cheap local and international phone calls with IP telephony.
What is IPv6?
IPv6/IPng - IPv6 is a new and improved version of the IP protocol. In this article, you will learn what IP is, what its limitation is, and how this has led to the creation of IPv6, of which there is also a brief description.
How to Get a Free Phone Number
How to Get a Free Phone Number? Normally, you get a phone number only when you pay for a phone or VoIP service. The number comes with the service. There are a bunch of services out there that give you a free phone number, often in a package with a lot on interesting features. Here are some ways you can get a free phone number
Yackie Mobile VoIP Review
Mobile VoIP - Making and receiving cheap mobile calls is possible today, but the requirements are still obstacle. Yackie Mobile puts VoIP on a SIM card, thus making cheap mobile telephony more practical and convenient.
Wireless VoIP
Wireless VoIP is the deployment of VoIP over a wireless LAN, using the Wi-Fi technology. It has got the great advantage of mobility, but suffers form someo shortcomings as well.
Yahoo Voice Review
Yahoo Voice Review - Yahoo Voice is part of the very popular Yahoo Messenger IM application and service, and as its name implies, it allows you to phone people worldwide either through PC-to-PC calls or PC-to-phone calls. Yahoo Voice uses VoIP technology and the outward calling part is handled by its partner Jajah. Its strong points are its great popularity, openness with community chatting and its cheap rates for PC-to-Phone calling.
Using a Fax Modem for Faxing
If you have a fax modem, you can use it to send and receive fax messages without having a fax machine. The fax modem works on your phone line for faxing. Here is how you can use your fax modem to send and receive fax on Windows.
IP Faxing Explained
Learn how to send fax messages over IP networks and over a VoIP line. That allows you to save money on faxing, and benefit from other features. IP Faxing, also called Faxing over IP or FoIP, can allow you to send fax messages for very cheap and even for free, both locally and internationally.
What are Smartphones?
What are smartphones? Smartphones are mobile phones with added features that make them ‘smarter’. This means that apart from being able to make calls using the phone, you have features that a PDA or a computer can offer, like multimedia, productivity tools, connectivity, etc.
Things to Clarify
What should you know before registering with a VoIP service provider? Here are top 8 issues to consider before signing up for a VoIP service, in order to enjoy a hassle-free VoIP service.
UMA Explained
UMA stands for Unlicensed Mobile Access. It is a wireless technology that allows seamless transition between wireless WANS (e.g. GSM, 3G, EDGE, GPRS, etc.) and wireless LAN (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). This means that a user can initiate a call over GSM, for example, and the calls switches from the GSM network to the office’s Wi-Fi network once the user walks into range. And vice-versa.
Codecs Demistyfied
VoIP Codecs - A codec is al algorithm used to encode and compress voice signals into digital data, thus making it lighter for transmission over the Internet. VoIP uses codecs for voice transmission.
What is SIP?
SIP allows people around the world to communicate using their computers and mobile devices over the Internet. It is an important part of Internet Telephony and allows you to harness the benefits of VoIP (voice over IP) and have a rich communication experience. But the most interesting benefit we derive from SIP is the cutting down of communication costs. Calls (voice or video) between SIP users are free, worldwide
Unified Communications
Unified Communications - Unified communications (UC) is a new technological architecture whereby communication tools are integrated so that both businesses and individuals can manage all their communications in one entity instead of separately. In short, unified communications bridges the gap between VoIP and other computer related communication technologies.
What is BlackBerry?
BlackBerry - Learn more about BlackBerry, the handheld device primarily designed for email, with many other functions.
What is an IP Packet?
IP Packets - IP (Internet Protocol) Packets are structure that carry data along over an IP network like the Internet. An IP packet consists of a header, a data payload and a trailer.
Yahoo Voice vs. Skype
Yahoo Voice vs. Skype - A comparison between two of the most popular Internet-based telephony services. Yahoo is basically an instant messenger and social networking service to which voice and video service has been added, while Skype is firstly a voice over IP service with basic chat and socialization features.
Delay
Delay in VoIP is caused when packets of data (voice) take more time than expected to reach their destination. This causes some disruption is the voice quality. However, if it is dealt with properly, its effects can be minimized.
Business Call Recording Tools
VoIP Call Recording - Here is a list of some of the most common tools your organization can use for VoIP call recording. These tools are mainly for those companies that use an IP PBX, and most of them do more than recording VoIP phone calls.
Glossary - What is LTE?
LTE Glossary - What is LTE? LTE stands for Long Term Evolution and is a new 4G wireless broadband standard. LTE is still in its early days, but the advantages it proposes over existing wireless mobile standards like 3G, WiMAX and GSM making an interesting enhancement if not replacement for these.
Ooma - No-Monthly Bill Phone
ooma - ooma allows you to make free unlimited free nationwide calls for free. ooma is one of the no-monthly bill companies, with which you only buy a device once and use it to make free phone calls ever after. Read more on the ooma device and the ooma service here.
How to Install Skype on Android
Installing Skype on Android is notmally easy and straightforward if you have a listed device, but it can be a challenge otherwise. Here are three ways which you can download and install the app.
How to Connect a Bluetooth Headset to Your Mobile Phone
Here is a walkthrough of how to connect a Bluetooth headset to a mobile phone. I will be using a Jabra BT2035 as Bluetooth headset and a Samsung Galaxy Ace Android phone for the process. Don’t worry if you have different makes and models of the headset or of the phone, or if you have earlier or cheaper models, the functionalities are more or less the same, and some minor improvisations and inferences will get the job done. What you need is simple a Bluetooth headset and a mobile phone that has Bluetooth support.
Data Usage Monitor Apps for Your iPhone and iPad
Here are ways in which you can monitor your 3G and Wi-Fi data usage on your iPhone, iPad and iPod. There are apps that you can download from the Apple App Store or use simpler ways. This finally allows you to better use your data plan and avoid costs above what you expected.
SIP Profile
The Session Initiation Protocol is complementary with VoIP since it provides signaling functions to it. Apart from VoIP, it is used in other multimedia technologies as well, like online games, video and other services. SIP provides the necessary signaling for creating, modifying and terminating sessions with one or more communicating participants.
Voicemail
Voicemail - What is voicemail? Voicemail defined and explained
Free and Cheap 3G Mobile Calls
Free and Cheap 3G Mobile Calls - You have a 3G mobile phone or portable device and you have a 3G mobile broadband connection, which you use to check your email, surf the web, download music and other media etc. You can use your 3G mobile phone to make free or very cheap phone calls using VoIP (Voice over IP) applications and services, and to any destination worldwide.
Device-Based Services Compared
Device-Based VoIP - Here is a comparison between ooma, Phonegnome and MagicJack, the three main device-based VoIP services, those that rid you of monthly bills.
IP Phone Features
IP Phone Features - The features that come along with an IP phone are varied depending on their manufacturers, functionalities, and the solutions they are supposed to bring. They include LCD screen, feature keys, network ports, speaker phone, headset jacks, etc.
Be Reached Wherever You Are
iNum - iNum is a service that provides a global phone number that can be used to ring on your phone anywhere you are in the world. In other words, it transcends boundaries and distances, thereby eliminating the worries of area codes and expensive rates.
Which to Choose?
Many people considering VoIP as a communication solution get confused about whether to use an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) or a router for deploying VoIP at home or their office. Let us see where to use what.
Linksys SPA942 IP Phone Review
Linksys SPA 942 IP Phone Review - The LinkSys SPA942/SPA941 phone is very attractive and perfectly designed for a nice look and feel. It is the phone to buy if you want to communicate professionally and in beauty. It is also quite easy to use. The phone gives a good performance. There is nothing much to complain about it, save its high price.
Vonage Review
Vonage Review - Vonage is a leading VoIP service provider company with more than two million subscribers. Read its review with pros and cons.
Data Usage Monitor Apps for Android
Apps for Monitoring Data Usage on Android Devices. Statistics for bandwidth consumed by each application and information on the percentage of bandwidth consumed for the month.
Tribair Mobile VoIP Service Review
Tribair Review – Free International Calls on Your Mobile. Tribair is a mobile VoIP service that allows you to make free and cheap calls using your iPhone, BlackBerry, Android or Nokia smartphone. Free international and local calls can be made if you call other Tribair users, and calls to landline and other mobile phones are cheap. You can use your Wi-Fi or 3G connection for the calls. Tribair also allows you to share your Wi-Fi router and earn cash for routed calls.
IPvaani Review
IPvaani VoIP Service Review - IPvaani is a VoIP service that allows users to communicate for free at any time for any duration. There are no monthly bills. Users only have to acquire once off the necessary hardware and use it to make unlimited local and international phone calls for free. It does not depend on a computer, unlike Skype and other service like it, but also has the drawback of allowing communication only to contacts using IPvaani as well.
Microsoft OCS 2007
Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS) 2007 is the battle horse of Microsoft in the VoIP arena. It is an enterprise communications tool that provides a series of integrated tools for unified communications. Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 focuses mainly on instant messaging, presence monitoring, application sharing, file transfer, and voice and video communication; aiming at enhancing collaboration with enterprises.
MiFi Review
MiFi Intelligent Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot 2200 and 2352 Review – MiFi is a small and portable wireless device that gives its carrier a permanent Wi-Fi hotspot wherever he/she goes, thereby remaining connected to the Internet. Developed by Novatel, the MiFi is also called ‘intelligent mobile hotspot’. With a MiFi in a person’s pocket or bag, that cloud remains present everywhere the person goes. Moreover the Wi-Fi cloud allows up to 5 persons to get connected.
4G Definition
4G Definition - What is 4G?
Do I Have Enough Bandwidth?
Here, we try to figure out whether your bandwidth is sufficient for your VoIP needs, and how you can know whether it is so. Bandwidth, or connection speed, is one of the main factors affecting VoIP call quality.
Making Calls Through PCs
Software Based VoIP Services allow users to make free calls to other people using the same service on their computers to any destination in the world. The calls are make through an application called a softphone installed on a computer or portable device. Read more here on this kind of VoIP service.
Telephony Defined
What is telephony? Telephony is a term denoting the technology that allows people to have long distance voice communication. The term’s scope has been broadened with the advent of the different new communication technologies. In its broadest sense, the terms encompasses phone communication, Internet calling, mobile communication, faxing, voicemail and even video conferencing.
The FCC and its Functions
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is an independent body which operates in the United States, and directly responsible to the US Congress. The role of the FCC is to regulate radio, television, wires, satellite and cable communicate within and between states of the US.
Making Data Lighter
Voice signals in VoIP calls are encoded into digital data, which are compressed so as to make it less bulkier for transmission over the Internet. The software used for compression are called codecs.
Number Portability Obstacles
Number Portability - What could prevent you from using your existing old phone number with VoIP? The main factors are discussed in this article.
WiMAX Definition
What is WiMAX - WiMAX stands for WorldWide Interoperability for Microwave Access and is technically referred to by the IEEE as 802.16. WiMAX is a wireless wide area network (WAN) that can cover what DSL lines can cover, but without wires. It can give Internet connectivity to computers in the way GSM has given phone connectivity to mobile phones and made them replace fixed landline phones.
Groove IP - Free Calls Within US and Canada on Your Android
Use Groove IP to make your Android device a free communication center. Use Google Voice and GMail calling to make and receive free calls on your Android device using Grove IP, over a Wi-Fi connection.
Number That Rings Many Phones
How to Obtain a Phone Number that Rings Multiple Phones - Here is a list of services that give you a phone number that rings multiple phones on incoming calls.
What is TCP?
TCP - Transmission Control Control. TCP is one of the most important protocols on the Internet and it works in pair with IP (Internet Protocol) to make the TCP/IP suite, which is responsible for providing reliable data transmission over the Internet.
Device Based VoIP Services
Device Based VoIP services are good for people who don't want to get bothered with monthly bills. You buy a piece of hardware and you make free calls ever after.
Do VoIP Users Still Need PSTN?
Should You Drop Your Traditional PSTN Landline Phone? Does switching to VoIP necessarily mean eliminating your traditional PSTN (landline) phone service? Should you dump it or keep the line? The answer cannot be a clear yes or no, although it's already is so clear-cut for many people. It is sometimes wiser to keep a basic PSTN line just in case.
Jitsi SIP Softphone Review
Jitsi is a Java-based communication tool that offers a lot of features and allows SIP-based calls. Jitsi supports voice and video calls and gives all the functionalities of an Instant Messaging software. It offers a nice interface and runs on many platforms. It also offers conference calls over SIP and allows you to connect to many other networks including Facebook, Google Talk, Windows Live, Yahoo!, AIM and ICQ. Jitsi is a nice tool for integrating all your communication needs into one application. Jitsi is open source and is therefore free

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