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readingConnect
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Voice over IP Technology in readingConnect
1. Basic Priciples
The basic idea of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is that
computers on an IP network (which might include the whole Internet) which are
equipped with a microphone, a loudspeaker and suitable software, can be used for
voice communications to other PCs with compatible software ie they can act as
telephones.
This idea has been extended so that miniature networked computers, dedicated
to this usage, are now available. These are known as IP Telephones and when
plugged into suitable data networks they enable conversations with owners of
compatible IP Telephones.
Note that neither of these options, PCs running special software nor IP
Telephones, enable communication with conventional telephones, landline or
mobile, on public (eg BT) or private (University) telephone networks. In order
to get from a VoIP device to a conventional telephone, the call must pass
through a gateway which connects the data network with the telephone network. As
usage charges apply in telephone networks, the gateway is typically offered by a
commercial supplier of VoIP services. Almost no services have any 999 facility.
2. Compatibility – standard protocols
There are three common protocols used in VoIP communications H.323, SIP and
Skype.
- H.323 is the oldest standard and tends to be used in desktop
videoconferencing and applications such as Microsoft NetMeeting.
- SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a newer standard and is used by MSN
Messenger, several PC telephony clients and IP Telephones are also available
that comply with this standard. SIPGate is a service provider offering a
gateway to conventional telephone networks.
- Skype is a proprietary standard, offered only by that company, based in
Estonia. Skype software is readily downloadable for a range of computer
types. As yet, there are no Skype IP Telephones. Skype offer a service
including a gateway to conventional telephone networks
All of these protocols have been successfully tested in readingConnect.
3. Costs
| |
Setup |
Number |
Monthly |
UK Calls |
US Calls |
Aus Calls |
UK Mbls |
| SIPGate |
Free |
Free |
Free |
1.19p/min |
1.5p/min |
1.8p/min |
14.9p/min |
| Skype |
Free |
€11.75 /3Mth |
|
1.4p/min |
1.4p/min |
1.4p/min |
16p/min |
A widely recommended IP Telephone is the Grandstream BudgeTone 101. £59+VAT.
This can be used with the SIPGate service.
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