VoIP Basics

This section deals with some of the Basic Concepts of VoIP. A brief overview is provided as well as links to relevant pages if you want a more indepth description.

What is VoIP?

Simply put, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an innovative way to make and receive telephone calls using your Broadband Internet connection. See What is Voip for a more detailed description along with other related information.

What is so GREAT about VoIP?

The answer to this question is simple:

It saves you Heaps of Money!

In fact, we are talking to family, friends and clients nationally and around the Globe more often, for longer and in many cases for FREE. You can too today! Be sure to check out our VoIP Benefits and Features topics.

Save Money on Phone Calls

It costs less to make a telephone call using VoIP than it does using conventional landline services. Particularly when making Local, National/STD and International calls. Calls from one VoIP phone to another on the same network are FREE of call charges. Remember, there is no need for your computer to be on when making a call.

Save Money on Line Rental

Connecting a VoIP service effectively gives you an additional telephone line. Your existing landline service will still work, but now you can make calls on your VoIP service at the same time. Therefore, you can replace any additional telephone lines with a VoIP service.

Average savings from VoIP
Typical Savings from VoIP

Save Money for Your Business

VoIP can be integrated with many popular phone systems; Business users do not need to spend money on a new VoIP phone system and training staff on how to use it. Nominating the VoIP line as the primary outgoing line ensures maximum cost savings and helps make existing lines available for incoming calls.

VoIP benefits Summary.

See the Voip Benefits and Features section for a complete list of benefits and features

  • Your Interstate Clients call you for the cost of a local call; they will love you for that!
  • Answer more than one call on the same phone number at the same time.
  • Make multiple phone calls at the same time.
  • Free up your PSTN line… No more busy signals when clients call.
  • Programmed - Least Cost Routing (LCR) for maximum savings.
  • Home/Office - provide your children with their own line and phone number - Yippee!!
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Show me how VoIP works

Early on it was determined that it was possible to send a voice signal to a remote destination digitally, as well as via an analog signal (ie normal telephone call). To do that, we have to digitise it with an ADC (analog to digital converter), transmit it, and at the other end transform it again into analog format with DAC (digital to analog converter).

This is basically the way VoIP works, sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The following diagram illustrate how calls are routed in a typical VoIP Hardware (ATA) scenarios.

How VoIP works diagram

In this scenario the Phone Adapter converts the analog signals from the Telephone and transmits it, via the Broadband Modem, over the Internet to your VSP. The VSP then forward the digital data to a DAC device located at a Telephone Exchange in the same charging zone as the destination number you are calling. The data is then converted back to an analog signal and transmitted over the PSTN to the phone you are calling. By using this method the costs associated with National (STD) calls are avoided because it only passes through one telephone exchange and is therefore treated as a Local call.

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What your need to consider

There are a number of things you need to consider when looking to implement a VoIP solution. These include:

  • It is important that you select a premium Internet Service Provider (ISP). The single biggest influence on the quality of your VoIP service is your broadband connection!
  • If you loose power, you broadband connection will not work. If your communications are essential then I highly recommend that you will invest in a UPS.
  • Why do you want a VoIP service? Are you looking for just cost savings? Do you need more Lines or are you interested in more telephone features?
  • How do you want it to intergrate into your existing system? Do you want/need extra lines or handsets? Is it time to replace you existing phone system?
  • Is the 000 Emergency services supported? (Because of the Nature of VoIP (ie being portable) the 000 emergency number is generally not gaurenteed to work). Do you have a back phone service available. (With ADSL1 you will still have your PSTN line available). Do you have reliable Mobile phone coverage?
  • Some VoIP Providers lock the equipment they supply and will charge you to unlock this equipment. The VoIP Store.net only recommends suppliers that provide unlocked equipment.
  • Are you capable of connecting up the equipment yourself? Do you need someone to supply a Plug 'n' Play type solution or just the hardware which you intend on configuring it yourself?
  • Read the Terms and Conditions of the Service Provider. Rest assured, The VoIP Store.net has spent considerable time reviewing the T&C's for it's recommended services to ensure there are no nasty surprises.
  • For the most part, using the service is just like using your current Telephone service. If you want to use advanced features, you may need to learn a few more Feature codes.
  • If you are using an ADSL service that uses Line Sharing Technology you will not be able to utilise the lowest Line rental but this only applies to ADSL2+ connections which are not widely available outside he major centers.
  • Do you have a Back-to-base Alarm fitted? If you have installed an alarm system that features a back to base call back system then you will need to have a central ADSL filter installed if you intend on using ADSL as your broadband connection. Central Filters must be installed by a licenced cabler. Also note, the calls back to the monitor site will still be made using your normal landline.
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What do I need?

To connect to VoIP you will need the following. For a more comprehensive explaination, see the VoIP Requirements topic.

  • A Broadband Internet connection such as ADSL, Cable or Wireless, with a minimum connection speed of 512/128 kbps. Customers without a 512/128kbps connection or those wanting to upgrade to a premium ISP can arrange this service through The VoIP Store.net.
  • Broadband Voice Adapter - we can recommend a suitable model for your needs.
  • Standard (analogue) touchtone telephone or compatible telephone system. (you may need an additional telephone handset depending on your needs)
  • Credit card or Bank Account for payment.

How much will a basic setup cost?

If you only wanted to talk to other people using the same VoIP technology, then it would not cost you anything. However, you won't save anything on your normal calls either.

If you already have a suitable connection and compatible modem or Router, you can simply order an ATA. The price range is between $100 and $175 depending on whether you want support for 1 or 2 phone lines. VoIP plans start from $0 a month for a pre-paid account or $9.95 which includes your additional phone number.

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