What is VoIP?
VoIP refers to voice calls that are routed over online networks using the Internet Protocol--the IP that serves as the backbone of the Internet and is used to ferry e-mails, instant messages and Web pages to millions of PCs or cell phones.
VoIP tends to be relatively inexpensive. Why?
VoIP calls are just another application riding over the Internet. And these calls are unregulated. So at their core, they are no different from e-mails, instant messages or Web pages, which all can be distributed for free between Internet-connected machines. Those include computers and wireless devices, such as cell phones and handhelds, that are set up to receive online information.
Why do some VoIP services cost money, and why are some free?
A VoIP service can connect users not only with other VoIP customers but also with phone services that are offline, such as those that use traditional landline networks and wireless cell phone networks. For those calls, VoIP service providers must pay access fees to the landline and wireless operators. Those charges are passed along to VoIP customers. VoIP services that stay on the Internet--calls that are between personal computers with VoIP service--are free.
What happens when the power goes out?
While traditional telephones continue to operate when the power goes out, your VoIP service goes down. That is because the modem you use to deliver your broadband service requires electricity. While traditional phone systems actually deliver power to your phone, broadband networks can't do that.
What does VoIP cost?
In the United States, it's about $25 a month for unlimited dialing between PCs and to any phone number in North America. Some operators sell VoIP for as little as $15 a month, but that's an exception rather than the rule. VoIP providers also typically give away analog phone adapters and their software. Calls overseas typically cost between 1 and 15 cents a minute, depending on which nation you're calling.
Given growing concern about VoIP customer service, are VoIP users given the same legal guarantees of service as traditional phone customers?
Most VoIP operators don't guarantee any particular level of service, although the trade-off there is that they also don't require customers to sign multiyear service contracts.
The overall quality of Internet phone service still lags behind that of traditional landlines.
How secure are my calls?
Alxtel provides the most recent and advanced security, authentication, and intrusion protection procedures available.
What is Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) ?
A device that converts the analog signals from a conventional phone into a format acceptable for transmission over an internet connection, and vice versa at the receiving end. This device is commonly used for VoIP Phone Services.
what is CPE ?
Terminating equipment (such as terminals, telephones, and modems) supplied by the telephone company, installed at customer sites and connected to the telephone company network. Can also refer to any telephone equipment residing on a customer site.
What is full duplex?
Phone calls are full duplex, meaning both parties can speak at the same time. Not all voice cards can support full-duplex operation so if you are using your PC to talk rather than a telephone with an ATA, you may have a half-duplex voice card
What does the H323 means?
A standard approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1996 to promote compatibility in videoconference transmissions over IP networks.
what is ILEC ?
Traditional telephone company. In the U.S., the Regional Bell Operation Companies (RBOCs) that were formed after the divestiture of AT&T and the Independent Operating Companies (IOCs) that usually are located in more rural areas or single cities are called ILECs.
What is a top-level domain?
A top-level domain is the last part of a domain name. In englishclub.com, ".com" is the top-level domain. In englishclub.org.uk, ".uk" is the top-level domain.
What are the generic top-level domains?
The multi-letter top-level domains (like .COM, .NET, .ORG etc) are called generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Click here for a long list.
What are the country code top-level domains ?
There is a 2-letter top-level domain for each country (for example: .FR for France, or .JP for Japan). These are called country code top-level domains or ccTLDs.