VoIP Basics - Review Edition

Posted by: Jen Robinson

In the spirit of the new year, and to get everyone off to a great start, here's a top 10 recap of the most important VoIP Basics shared in 2010:

1.  What is Business VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. With VoIP, phone service is delivered via the Internet, meaning that users have the ability to make phone calls over their Internet connection instead of going over traditional phone lines. Any business with a quality broadband connection can take advantage of a VoIP phone solution.

2.  What are some of the benefits of VoIP?

VoIP is useful to any size business, but it's particularly valuable to small companies that do not have tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest in receptionists, information or telecommunication systems, and dedicated technology staffs. It also provides businesses with flexibility and mobility, while still providing basic phone service features such as extension dialing, choice of area code, voicemail, caller ID and more.

3.  What do I need to use a hosted VoIP service?

You need just two things:

1. Broadband Connection - A broadband (high speed internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, a high speed service such as DSL or a local area network. You manage your account settings through your web browser.
2. IP Phone or Personal Computer - IP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate like a traditional phone. Aptela sells a range of business-grade handsets that are certified and pre-configured-so you can take advantage of our "plug and play" solution.

If you use your computer, you will need a Softphone, software for making telephone calls over the Internet, and a headset with a microphone.

4.  Can you keep your existing phone number when switching to a VoIP Provider?

Yes. Thanks to Local Number Portability, you can keep your existing phone numbers or range of numbers. Generally, it takes 2 to 6 weeks for your numbers to be released by your current phone company. Typically temporary numbers, which will forward calls made to your original numbers to the temporary numbers, are assigned to customers during the porting process, to avoid downtime or loss of service.

5.  Will I be able to dial 911?

You should check with the different providers to ensure that they do provide this functionality. However, in May 2005, the U.S. Government ordered all interconnected VoIP Providers to provide 911 functionality to their subscribers.

6.  Can VoIP handle faxing?

Yes. All VoIP companies handle faxing differently. Aptela, for example, offers virtual faxing services- Faxes are received in PDF format and can be automatically sent to your email. You can also log into the Aptela web interface and retrieve and send faxes. Aptela also supports physical fax machines with the use of an ATA (analog telephone adapter).

7. Is there a limit to the number of phone lines I can get?

Some providers may limit the number of phone lines their customers can have. Aptela does not have a limit on the number of inbound or outbound calls your system can receive. Your inbound callers will never get a busy signal. However, the number of calls a single user can be on at any one time depends on the phone. If the call can't be answered, it is forwarded to voicemail.

8. Will I need to install any software?

It is possible that some providers may require you to install software. In Aptela's case, no software installation is required because Aptela's VoIP is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application. The application is "hosted" on our computer system - all you need is internet access.

9. What is the difference between analog and VoIP phones?

Analog phones- Send transmissions and perform switching that are not digitally generated. Transmissions are sent and received over standard telephone lines.

• Use circuit switching network
• Are the traditional phones found in stores
• Offer simple features for basic needs
• Do not usually have specific buttons for call functions

IP phones- Allows telephone calls to be made over a data network using IP protocol

• Use a single network that is not phone-specific to transmit voice and data
• Are portable and can be used locally or remotely
• Retain custom settings
• Offer advanced features

10.  Who can I call while using a VoIP service?

It depends on your service provider and your calling plan. With Aptela, you can make calls to any local telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any international number. You may even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time, such as conference calling or three-way calling. The person receiving your calls doesn't need any special equipment to receive your call- just a regular desk phone or cell phone.