VoIP Possibilities
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – is a technology that enables to send sounds over the internet communication lines or dedicated networks that use IP protocol, commonly known as internet telephony. There is no such a traditional telephony function that cannot be performed with the use of VoIP. When using VoIP you can make phone calls just like when using a traditional telephone. VoIP allows to choose any telephone operator, which results in optimizing phone calls costs. It also makes you independent of the local operator and enables to use services of any operator, even from another continent.
VoIP - Benefits, advantages, prices
Voice and data are transmitted in the same IP technology and within the same infrastructure, what eliminates the need of maintaining two separate networks. Having an appropriate Internet communication line allows to resign from traditional telephony.
A telephone/ telephone number is not any longer attached to a place. In order to move the telephone and its number it is enough to connect it in another place to the network.
The phone call connections between telephone numbers within the same network are totally free of charge. For example, if two telephones are connected to the same network (e.g. the Internet), the phone calls are totally free of charge, independently of the geographical location.
VoIP is easy to install. Launching the traditional telephony in a new office is connected with the location of the telecommunication infrastructure. When VoIP is implemented, it uses the same infrastructure as computers do. You do not have to create two, separate networks.
VoIP switchboards have more functions, are easy to expand and cheaper.
When there are many branches of a company, you do not need to have a separate switchboard in each of them. One switchboard allows to connect telephones from all the branches. Apart from cost reduction, that solution makes administration and managing easy.
Phone call connections with the traditional telephony or mobiles with use of VoIP networks are much cheaper.
VoIP - limitations, risk, requirements
Making phone calls by means of VoIP requires IP Telephones, or adapters (gateways), which allow to connect a traditional, analogue telephone set. In order to make a phone call to telephones connected to traditional telephone network, it is necessary to use services of one of the VoIP operators. Making phone calls with the use of VoIP requires a good connection. When we use the Internet to talk on the phone, we need to have a stable Internet communication line. Therefore, due to the fact that data and voice are transmitted by means of the same medium it is vital to ensure proper priorities for voice.
Asteirsk Switchboard
Telephone switchboard Asterisk is a VoIP server with Linux system and Asterisk application created by Mark Spencer provided by Digium.
Asterisk Switchboard – possibilities
Asterisk switchboard enables to connect company IP telephones/ gates with the traditional telephony and VoIP operators. It allows to configure freely outgoing and incoming connections. Asterisk switchboard ensures standard functions of the traditional telephone switchboards, however, the cost of Asterisk solution is much lower. Asterisk switchboard provides such functions as:
- conferences
- IVR (an automated voice system that allows callers to navigate a phone system and be directed to the correct extension number)
- servicing incoming faxes with a possibility to re-direct them on a given email address
- recording and monitoring phone calls
- blocking chosen outgoing and incoming telephone numbers
- free configuration of directing incoming calls
- queuing phone call connections – an unlimited number of queues
- calling groups
- re-directing phone calls
- pending phone calls
- calling back
- DISA; a function that allows to call a switchboard number and to make a call back connection from the switchboard (e.g. a reverse charge call)
- free configuring of sounds that accompany pending calls
- VoiceMail; a voice mail with a possibility to send records to an email address
- parking phone calls
- making additional copies of recorded phone calls, voice mail and system
- reports of phone call connections available via a website
Asterisk Switchboard – benefits, advantages, price
When you decide upon the Asterisk switchboard, you gain a fully functional, modern switchboard for a much lower price (as the software is a freeware, the only costs include the cost of a computer on which the software is installed, and the implementation services costs). The switchboard is entirely an application, what allows to implement any configuration. Introducing changes into the switchboard is usually connected with a proper re-configuration.
- enables to make entirely free of charge phone calls between the branches of the company independently of the geographical location;
- a single administrator manages telephone and computer network;
- allows to implement telework solutions;
- employees can use the same telephone number for remote work (e.g. working at home);
- maximal number of phone calls is not limited by a number of expensive extension cards for the switchboard; here the maximal number of phone calls is limited only by efficiency of the server on which the switchboard is installed; it is worth mentioning that it is a few dozens of parallel phone call connections;
- when there is a LAN or Wi-Fi infrastructure, the implementation of the VoIP switchboard does not require creating a new network for telephones;
- allows to choose freely any VoIP operator; a traditional switchboard is attached to a stationary line, where the modules enabling VoIP phone call connections are limited and expensive; Asterisk switchboard allows to have any number of operators and choose the cheapest ones according to the established rules;
- ensures functions available in expensive models of traditional switchboards;
- due to the architecture of the PC computer it allows to expand it fast and inexpensively.
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Implementation process
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Owing to flexibility of the system, the implementation process looks differently for each client and it depends on individual requirements. There are, however, elements that occur every time, such as:
- analysis of the client’s needs, including audit of the existing infrastructure and environment
- project of the solution
- installation, configuration and tests of the switchboard
- launching the system in your company
- training employees
- enhancements and system service
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