Voice over IP - Frequently Asked Questions

VoIP stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol." VoIP employs an IP network (hot link to what is an IP network) to carry conversations between participants. The Internet is an IP network and so are most LANs and WANs today, so VoIP can work on almost any computer network you use.

2) Are VoIP Phone Systems more expensive than traditional analog or digital phones systems?

Today’s Voice Over IP phone system offerings give you greater flexibility, more features, and access to future technology at similar cost to traditional systems.

3) Are special phone lines needed to install a VoIP system?

Interfacing your telephone system to the outside world can be accomplished by plain old telephone circuits (this is the traditional analog phone line), a T1 line, or a SIP connection (this is pure VoIP).

4) What is SIP?

SIP is the standard protocol that runs over the IP protocol and makes voice communication possible

5) Are IP phones complicated to use?

You can use an IP based phone much like you would use a traditional telephone handset. It connects to your network just like a computer does. IP phones that we recommend have the same familiar function buttons that traditional handsets have.

6) Can my employees use the VoIP phone system from home or remote locations?

As long as you can connect to your IP PBX (via DSL , T1 / or Cable connection), you can use a softphone or IP Phone no matter where you are. This makes seamless communication with telecommuters and remote offices much simpler than traditional phone systems.

Using a SIP Phone (software or hardware based) you simply log on to your IP PBX and, no matter where you are, the PBX will route calls to you based on the rules that you set up. You can be in your office, at home, or in a hotel.

7) Can I use a WiFi SIP phone to connect to the phone system?

Using a wireless access point, you can use a WiFi SIP phone for mobility within your office or house. This works similarly to a standard cordless phone.

8) Can I make a call while I surf the Web?

Yes. Your VoIP phone call shares IP resources with the other computers on your network.

9) Does my computer have to be turned on?

If you have an IP phone handset, your computer does not need to be turned on. If you have a soft phone running on your computer, your computer will need to be turned on.