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If your workforce uses mobile phones for communications, there’s a good chance that you can save money by avoiding your cell carrier’s airtime and long distance charges. This can be done using an IP PBX in conjunction with your cell phone carrier’s friends and family plan or by using an inexpensive device called a GSM gateway.

The key to this approach is to make it possible for your workers to call back into your office PBX for free. Once they are able to do this, then you can redirect their calls back to the PSTN using an inexpensive wholesale VoIP service. Even if you do not have an IP PBX, you can still make use of this technique by using a free multi-stage calling service (or even a prepaid calling card). Most wholesale VoIP providers charge less than $0.01 per minute for calls to the USA and just pennies for most other countries. When compared to the high international calling rates and over-plan airtime charges imposed by most cell carriers, the savings can add up quickly.

If your workplace cell phone service offers a friends and family option, then setup couldn’t be simpler. Just have your workers add the number of your office PBX or multi-stage dialing platform to their friends and family list. Once calls arrive at your PBX, forward a specific extension to a multi-stage calling service that will provide a dial tone and the ability to place a call to any other destination. If you can not use a friends and family plan for any reason, you can purchase a device known as a GSM gateway which will connect to your PBX just like a regular phone. The GSM gateway will also connect to a spare cell phone. Your workers can then call the cell phone (using the in-network free minutes allowed by almost all cell carriers) and get access to your PBX at no charge.

If your PBX does not provide a second dial tone feature, or if this feature is disabled for security reasons, then you can forward mobile-originated calls to a service that provides multi-stage dialing or even a calling card access number. Most multi-stage dialing platforms will prompt you for a PIN or access code after connection. Once a valid PIN or access code is entered, the system will allow you make call to any other number. Many services also provide extra features such as call recording and call conferencing at a small extra charge.

Many of the ‘present day’ corporates are trying their hand at selling VoIP. While a few among them are trying very hard to bring about a change in the means of communication within their organisational context. A comprehensive communication infrastructure that can be seamlessly integrated with the other processes and production related activities is more than welcome. Their search for such a system brings them face to face with special routes facilitating a to z termination services offered by providers of repute.

Buying and selling of VoIP minutes is possible with many of the deals offered by any of these service providers. Corporate establishments can buy VoIP minutes at affordable costs to resell the same within their geographical domains. In addition, they can also buy these minutes for efficient and cost effective management of intra-organisational calls through a process that is known as “call termination.”

Buying and selling of VoIP minutes has become the new ‘mantra’ of the season. From well known brands in different sectors to little known entrepreneurial initiatives, almost anybody wanting to be somebody are taking recourse to this innovative means for facilitating their on-site and off-site communication. These entities are going in for the best service providers to cater to their individual needs. A lot of research is being done before the VoIP calling plans & routes are being finalized. The increasing importance being assigned to Voice over IP at different levels is now an established fact. Moreover, the process of call termination, wherein the voice data is transferred over the medium of the Internet to recipients located in another part of the world, is being recognized as the next big thing in communication.

To fulfill the rising demand, a lot of activity is happening at the supply side as well. Providers – at quite a few levels – are catering to the rising demand. Tier 1 providers, Tier 2 providers, resellers – as of now, the opportunities available in VoIP are quite diverse. The first level providers, having their own VoIP routes, are the most self sufficient. They have the infrastructure to offer a to z call termination at industry leading costs. At the second rung, there are the second level providers who take the routes from the Tier 1 providers and offer services under their own names.

The point is that a lot of buoyancy can be noticed in the market. A rising demand with more than adequate supply go a long way in ensuring the same. And so the competitive prices of A to Z VoIP termination routes should not raise any eyebrows.

It can be said that the buying and selling of VoIP minutes has become both a profitable enterprise as well as a facilitating tool for ensuring the success of any business venture. Many corporate users are therefore, rushing in for making the most of the volatile market situations. Certain factors that are proving to be decisive and swaying the decision in favor of any one provider over the next are mentioned below:

1.The cost at which VoIP calling plans and routes are available.

2.The clarity and the overall quality of the calls.

3.The steadfastness of the networks being used.

4.The availability of special services and technical support.

The Problems of Firewall/NAT Traversal: The purpose of a firewall is to ensure that only authorized users are allowed Access. Today, most homes possess a firewall-protected connection through cable or ADSL.

Enterprise or home users who are protected behind their own firewall are Communicating from what we call an internal network. The user’s endpoint communicates with a gatekeeper via the Internet through a firewall or a NAT (usually both) to another endpoint. The gatekeeper and the other endpoint are on what we call an external network. When the other endpoint is on a different internal network, it should also use a similar solution to traverse through its own firewall/NAT.

For that video communication we are going to user RTP,RTSP etc Protocols. These protocol are used to transmit the audio, video for A to B.

RTP is unidirectional

-A indicates IP/port to receive from B

- B indicates IP/port to receive from A

- If either is behind NAT, media won’t flow to them.

So we have only achieved the point to point Audio, Video transmission using RTP Streaming Protocol. In the case If we want to send behind NAT, Solution: make RTP look like client-server protocol

- A indicates IP/port to receive from B

- B sends to A, A sends back to B using source IP/port of RTP

- Basically, only need IP address from ONE of the participants – the “server”

For our web based application, some time the presenter (A) or Client (B) may be use the Proxy server setting to access the Internet. So we need the solution for Transmitting Audio, Video – (using of Streaming Protocol) and Data – (TCP, UDP protocol) over NAT, Firewall.

To achieve the NAT Traversal there has a two simple algorithm, which are popular

1) STUN – Simple Traversal of UDP (User Datagram Protocol) through NATs (Network Address Translators)

2) TURN – Traversal using Relay NAT

3) Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

4) Application Layer Gateway

5) Tunnel Techniques

6) Automatic Channel Mapping(TM) (ACM)

7) Manual Configuration

In the Above methods the STUN is the best method of solving NAT. The is a API called STUN in JAVA.This will help us to Solving of NAT Traversal Problem. STUN is a client-server protocol. A VoIP phone or software package may include a STUN client, which will send a request to a STUN server. The server then reports back to the STUN client what the public IP address of the NAT router is, and what port was opened by the NAT to allow incoming traffic back in to the network. The STUN algorithm as follows,

For that Video, Audio Transmission we need the streaming Server like Microsoft, Real Media, Apple Quick Time, Flash Media server, etc. The main reason for using Steaming server is Transmitting and receiving for RTP Stream Data. For Transmission of Data we use the TCP or UDP Sockets.

The IP based voice and multimedia services as major part in the Internet traffic. Unfortunately, a number of technical problems are having. The most significant of these is to provide secure connection to subscribers behind NAT (Network Address Translation) devices and Firewalls.

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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony is growing rapidly worldwide, usually within the double-play business model, i.e the provision of broadband internet and telephony together. The benefits of the new technology have literally revolutionized the world of fixed-line telephony and now VoIP is directly threatening all the major traditional telecommunications companies. As the VoIP service integration with data traffic is achieved (ie Internet access and telephony over a single network), the result is – especially for long distance calls – the Internet charges are very low and often below those of local calls. Have you understood how important the benefits are for SMEs which are seeking to cut costs in highly competitive environments? (Particularly for companies that trade overseas). Even in Britain the VoIP phone service has taken its own area code and a program that offers free phones among Internet users has already passed the 50 million users.

Often there is a misconception that Voice over IP means only low rates. In fact, Internet telephony has more to offer. It is here to integrate voice services with the world of IP, the Internet. The potential of businesses and professionals are truly limitless. An example of VoIP services is for example an automated call assistant operator where messages are answered and the message left can be sent to you on email. Also, personal list of phone contacts online and more. For example, the user of VoIP can configure the house phone to ring on his/her mobile. The possibilities are endless and offer unprecedented flexibility in communication.

VoIP telephony is growing rapidly and already many businesses choose it for their communication. Small and medium enterprises, for which both the flexibility and low telecommunication costs are critical factors for survival and effective response to competition, have much to benefit.

First a quick recap of how we got here, with this deep down feeling that not having a regular telephone is unthinkable. We need to make and receive calls. In the old days regular telephone was all there was. Then came cell phones, but in the beginning the minuets were very expensive. Unless you were on an unlimited plan for other unavoidable reasons like business, it was still cheaper to have a regular phone to yack on.

Cell minuets have gotten cheaper and cheaper, and so have the phones themselves. Now most people have cell phones and in many cases so do all the children. If everyone in the house has there own cell phone with unlimited minuets, why pay for a regular house phone? Cells have the added benefit of being personalized to the desired recipient of the call.

OK here is the BIG News. If there are any members of the family that do not have a cell or do not have unlimited minuets you may still have a reason to have a regular phone but now you don’t have to pay 25 To 40 dollars a month to have it.

If you have high speed internet replace your land-line with a netTALK Duo. Let me first say that in days gone by Instead of a land-line I had Vonage VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) I had the limited plan (don’t know if they still offer this) It was unlimited incoming, and 8 hours of outgoing per month, for $18. It worked very well and I was satisfied with it. By the way the price for unlimited calls in and out is about $26 + tax/ mo. Since I did not make or receive many calls on it in a month. (And since I don’t have a lot of money) I switched to Magic Jack. Again I was satisfied considering how much it cost. It’s $40 to buy the device with one year of service and then $20 a year, or $60 for 5 years for service. There were some problems with dropped calls, mostly if connecting to the internet through WiFi. It seems to work almost perfectly if the computer it is plugged into is connected to the internet with an Ethernet cord. Again since I only made a few calls a month when I wanted to yack with a friend for hours I was quite satisfied considering the price, and that it was saving me hundreds of dollars a year. But there is one major detriment with MJ, It must be plugged into a computer that is on and not sleeping. Not so bad if your calling out, but if you want to be able to receive a call anytime it means having your computer fully on (not sleeping) all the time. In my case it was doable. I just used it to make calls out, and when I was expecting a call in I would keep the computer on. Normally I just let the occasional incoming call go to Voice-mail (which is included). For $16 a year it has been great, but now it has to go!

Enter netTALK Duo; It works similarly to Magic Jack but with one major benefit… it can be plugged straight into your internet modem or router eliminating the need for a computer completely. So then it is equivalent to Vonage or other stand alone VOIP system but for a small fraction of the price. The device is $69.95 including the first year of service. Subsequent years of service are currently $29.95. So then the device is $10 more than MJ and a year of service is $10 more than MJ. This money would be just about made up in power savings, since it does not require a computer. By the way, if you want to plug the Duo into a USB in order to make use of WiFi it works that way also.

All the reviews I have read written by everyone, except the founder of the Magic Jack say that the sound quality and reliability of the Duo are equal or slightly better than the MJ but with both there are occasional problems with dropped or “frozen” calls mostly if connected to the internet with WiFi instead of a wire. I believe this to be due to inconsistency of the internet service. They might work flawlessly with DSL since it is much more consistent on a second by second basis than is cable internet. This is why it is the cable service of choice for internet gamers. One more note: The duo does not have a voice-mail mailbox you can call like MJ instead it only has audio clips of your massages sent to email, (I like this method better anyway and use it with MJ). Don’t forget to email a link to this article to your friends.

VOIP’s First Hurdle

With all the advantages of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), there is still 1 drawback — it cannot give you total wireless phone communication like a cell phone. Cell phones and VOIP seem to be 2 different animals. True, you can have a wireless internet connection (including VOIP) with Wi-Fi hot spots, but they are of no use to your cell phone. Or are they?

In fact, dual mode phones are already reaching the market. A few companies (including Motorola) have introduced cell phones that can automatically switch to VOIP when they detect a WiFi hotspot. This is sure to be popular with consumers who want the reduced costs of VOIP. Yet it is likely to be grudgingly adopted by cellular phone companies, who stand to lose considerable profits.

Industry analysts, however, predict this kind of service will be widespread within the next 5 years. Cellular phone companies will have no choice but to offer plans which combine VOIP and cellular, otherwise they will lose business to companies that step in to fill the void.

And Then

The next step after cell/VOIP integration is the replacement of cell networks with wireless VOIP. A new wireless technology called WiMax is in the works: city-wide wireless networks that operate at much faster speeds than what is available today. Such a network would allow anyone in range to use a VOIP wireless phone. This technology could also be used to transmit video and audio, possibly replacing services like video rentals and radio.

WiMax is currently in the testing stage around the world. While it is a great idea, it may cause disruptions within several industries, such as movie theatres, DVD distributors and traditional phone companies — all of which may lose if this technology becomes common.

Fortunately, it’s difficult to hold back technological innovation. New technology usually presents challenges and opportunities to existing industries. The phone companies and entertainment industries will be challenged, but could potentially thrive in the new WiMax environment if they find the proper niche. For example, faster broadband will likely make VOIP video phones a common item. There will undoubtedly be many unforeseen applications to this new technology.

Did You Say FREE?

Another future trend to watch for is the possibility of free internet telephony. After all, we do not pay for regular data transmission over the internet, so why pay VOIP service providers $15 or so per month? Voice data is the same as any other data that travels over the Internet. Some observers predict that as VOIP is more universally adopted, monthly fees for telephone service will disappear.

Of course, there would still be a charge for the basic Internet connection, but as bandwidth continues to grow, a single internet connection could be used for telephone, television, e-mail — and surfing the net.

Soon ET can not only phone home — it’ll be a free call.

With the advent of the internet and the VoIP technology the lives of people have been changed. Now people all over the world are making free calls to their friends and family who live abroad in foreign countries. The VoIP technology allows you to make free and cheap calls from your PC to PC and phone all across the globe.

With the VoIP technology you do not have to worry about any distortions or interruptions. With this service you can also make video calls, audio conference calls and much more. While you are talking you can also send mails and messages or even attach files. The VoIP service is really good for the people who want to make calls both free and cheap. So if you have relatives, friends and family outside the country no need to pay heavy phone bills all you need is a good internet connection and a VoIP provider. There are many VoIP providers you can choose any of them. All of the services providers will give you the cheapest calling rates.

One of the interesting features of the VoIP is that you can send files during the communication, you can share images, videos, files, there will be no interruption in doing do. So along with the voice signals you can share content also. This makes VoIP even more sought after technology.

VoIP is now becoming more and more popular all over the world. People are now having internet connections and opting for VoIP providers to contact with people they know. VoIP offers free calls all over the world, if you are using certain software that the other is also using then you can easily make free calls any place around the world. There is no difficulty in availing this facility all you need is a computer, an internet connection and software from your VoIP provider.

Making free calls from your PC to any place around the world is not a difficulty at all. There are many multinational companies that use this technology to make free calls all over the world to their clients and business partners. The companies now take advantage of the voice conference calls facility provided by the VoIP providers and arrange meetings over the internet. This has made communication possible with less effort.

So if you want to use VoIP services then download the software of a certain VoIP provider and start talking with your friends and family all over the world for free. You will not be charged if you are calling PC to PC.

With business VoIP becoming the tried and true, cost efficient, highly effective option of choice for small and large businesses, the advantages of being able to contact employees through the same network are many and impressive. With the need for on the go contact at any given time, many employers provide employees with company owned phones. This can be problematic with a regular mobile plan, however, with skyrocketing charges for roaming and spotty coverage.

Mobile VoIP could change all of that. The ability of business VoIP to allow employers, employers and team members to quickly and securely share information and data across networks is now hitting the mobile market. VoIP had previously been able to integrate VoIP with mobile to the extent that a mobile number could be set as part of a ‘find me – follow me’ sequence, and emails sent from mobile phones with that capability could be uploaded to a desktop, read and forwarded or deleted.

Now, with VoIP being an actual option for mobile, the possibilities are endless for true unified communications. Imagine being able to join an in progress conference call from the road, or talk internationally without outrageous charges accruing on your mobile bill.

Employers can now make mobile service available to employees for a fraction of the cost that used to be the norm, and employees don’t have to worry about requisitioning reimbursement for charges to their personal accounts for business related calls and internet access.

The mobile apps for different networks vary in terms of capability, range and availability. Mobile VoIP is still in its infancy, but the rapid spread of 3G and now 4G coverage along with WifFi being a standard in many areas makes it likely that VoIP will continue to expand.

Mobile carriers such as AT&T offer free WiFi in Starbucks restaurants, and T-Mobile is bringing home VoIP to their mobile customers for under 50 cents a day. The government is increasing VoIP capability daily, and is expected to branch into mobile applications of VoIP shortly as the military shifts to broadband.

Mobile VoIP is the future mode of communication and data sharing for major corporations. As telecommunication and the internet become more closely entwined with mobile technology, mobile VoIP is expected to set the standard for interoffice communications.

A PBX phone system is more powerful than a conventional one, and yet a very affordable communication option for small and medium businesses. It facilitates effective business telecommunication in a very cost-effective manner.

PBX Phone System with Simplified Infrastructure

The PBX system is a low-cost alternative to the traditional phone system. There is no need to install additional hardware in the business establishment to set up this telephone system, which functions through an IP-based telephone network. Its web interface facilitates the addition of any number of lines through a single phone connection. A small business office can therefore save on the expenses of installing additional phone lines.

High-Tech Functionalities at Reduced Expenses

A conventional phone system with good functionalities is quite expensive and unaffordable for small and medium businesses. In contrast, this is a low cost system that comes with sophisticated call management features. It saves them the expense of employing call management personnel. The auto attendant or the virtual receptionist facility is designed to take calls efficiently. Callers are welcomed professionally, and presented with a range of options to help them connect to the right extensions.

In case extensions busy, calls are redirected to the voicemail box, where callers can leave messages. In addition, this system comes with a range of features to enhance the image of a small office. These include:

• Call forwarding
• Call transfer
• Caller ID
• Voice mail
• Dial by name
• Dial-by-extension
• Group dialing
• Zero out to live operator

Establish a Business Presence at Reduced Expense

As the hosted PBX system can be easily integrated with your existing business phone number, it does not involve any additional installation expenses. Many service providers offer toll free numbers and local phone numbers that help cut call rates, and help a business easily establish a virtual business anywhere it wants to.

VOIP international phone calls are one of the most preferred ways of reaching and contacting people outside of the country. Not only is this cheap, but the use of such technology is very simple. VOIP stands for voice over internet protocol, it provides us ways of contacting and calling people through the use of internet technology. More and more people are using this technology and while there are many advantages that you can get by using this type of technology, there are also some disadvantages that you should first be aware of.

VOIP or Voice over internet protocol cannot work with our internet connection.

Since this technology is based on the reach and scope of the internet, it goes without saying that you can not make this technology work unless you have your internet connection with you. Also, the quality of the sound and reception of your calls will be dependent on how fast your internet connection is. The faster the internet connection is the clearer and more audible the sound that you receive and transmit will become.

VOIP or Voice over internet protocol can not work if there is a power failure.

Not only is VOIP reliant on the internet connection, but it is also reliant to computers when you want to call other people. For example, there is a power shortage and you cannot turn your computer on, you cannot have access to VOIP services. This is unless you have a laptop or a back up generator that you can use.

VOIP or Voice over internet protocol tends to slow down when you are using it along with another application.

More so than other applications in your computer, VOIP software tends to slow down when you use it in conjunction with many applications. Uploading videos for example, will not only eat up all your network bandwidth but it will also eat up your computer’s memory making your calls choppy and prone to breaking up. This can be a hazard when doing VOIP international calls. Remember that for best results, you need to run the application in itself.

Seeing as these disadvantages are very much minor in detail and can be easily worked around, these weaknesses is over shadowed by its main advantage which is the cost of international calls.

VOIP or Voice over internet protocol is the cheapest option that you can get in the market.

The cost of international calls when you are using VOIP international phone calls is very much lower than the cost of international calls when you are using your telephone or your cellular phone. Much lower in fact that that you can have unlimited local and international phone calls while paying only a fraction of what you pay for your cell phone bills. Through the use of internet technology, VOIP phone calls are the best telecom option for you and your company.