Reducing Telephone Costs
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VoIP (Voice over IP) technology provides a way of sending voice calls over the Internet using either software or a hardware telephone. The way the technology works is that the voice is converted into a digital signal, compressed to take up less bandwidth and then separated into chunks called packets which are sent over an Internet connection. When the data reaches the destination the packets are reassembled and then played back to the recipient. Speed of operation is such that any time delay is hardly noticeable.
While VoIP technology has been around for a number of years, it has recently seen a surge in interest as a method of reducing telephony costs. Skype is currently leading the way with regards to offering a software solution and a number of companies are offering a hardware equivalent. One such offering is NETGEARs TA612V Broadband Voice Adapter.
Following its standard design pattern, the TA612V is coloured white. Measuring 175 x 119 x 28mm (W x D x H), this device has a clear, transparent collar running around three sides with decorative perforations circling the top and bottom of the unit. This product sits between the computer and modem in order to provide VoIP capabilities. Sockets along the back of the unit include two RJ-11 ports for telephone and fax devices; two RJ-45 (Ethernet) connections for Internet and home network use; and a power connection.
Also provided in the box are an Ethernet cable, power adapter and a couple of RJ-11 to BT431A converter adapters for use with the phone and fax device that you intend attaching to the system. The TA621V can be laid flat or positioned upright using two supplied detachable support clips.
While there are several providers of VoIP services, NETGEAR has chosen to partner with sipgate, Europes first multinational Internet telephone service provider. As a result of this agreement, TA612V users will be given 555 minutes of free calls to fixed line numbers within the UK. These free minutes are on top of the normal sipgate service that includes a free phone number; free voice mail; and free calls to other sipgate subscribers. Charges for all types of calls outside the initial free minutes are competitive (1.19 p/m for UK fixed lines and 14.90 p/m for mobile numbers).
To take advantage of the services offered by sipgate, you will need to sign up with the company and create an account. When the basic process has been completed an email will be sent to you with the URL of a site that will activate the account. Your system and phone set up will be checked and configured accordingly.
The advantage of using a hardware solution for VoIP is that you do not need your computer to be switched on when making and receiving calls. The computer only comes into play during the set-up process and in provided information regarding your telephony activity and ancillary services. By logging on to your password protected account you can check out various aspects relating to your account. These will include a log of recent calls; phone book; current balance status; and details of call tariffs.
When making calls using VoIP, you will notice a delay before a connection is made. This does take a little getting use to initially but hopefully this will be more than counter-balanced by the convenience and possible financial benefits of the system.
One immediate benefit I noticed, at least to my tired old ears, was the increased volume of the incoming communication. On one occasion I did notice that there was a slight chopping off of some words from the caller but as this only happened once it could be put down to a temporary glitch. Other than this I was impressed with the quality of service provided by the NETGEAR Broadband Voice Adapter and the sipgate service. I quickly found myself using this device is preference to my normal landline handset.
NETGEARs Broadband Voice Adapter requires a Broadband connection with either Inter Explorer 6.0 or Netscape 4.7 and later. While sipgate are offering the Broadband Voice Adapter for £79, I have seen it advertised for around £60 so some shopping around might be beneficial.
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