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FAQ: The Basics

FAQ Sections:
The Basics

What is VPN?
Virtual Private Network networking, security(VPN) The use of encryption in the lower protocol layers to provide a secure connection through an otherwise insecure network, typically the Internet. VPNs are generally cheaper than real private networks using private lines but rely on having the same encryption system at both ends. The encryption may be performed by firewall software or possibly by routers.Link-level (layer 2 and 3) encryption provides extra protection by encrypting all of each datagram except the link-level information. This prevents a listener from obtaining information about network structure. While link-level encryption prevents traffic analysis (a form of attack), it must encrypt/decrypt on every hop and every path. Cisco uses this technology on a regular basis to connect its users.
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What is a PBX?
Private Branch Exchange communications (PBX) A telephone exchange local to a particular organization who use, rather than provide, telephone services. The earliest PBXs were manual (Private Manual Branch EXchange, PMBX) but are now more likely to be automatic (Private Automatic Branch eXchange).
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What is a Router?

Router networking - A device which forwards packets between networks. The forwarding decision is based on network layer information and routing tables, often constructed by routing protocols.

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What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol- Any technology providing voice telephony services over IP, including CODECs, streaming protocols and session control. The major advantage of VoIP is lower cost, by avoiding dedicated voice circuits. Currently VoIP is being deployed on internal corporate networks, and, via the Internet, for low cost (and low quality) international calls. It is also used for telephony applications such as voice and fax mail.
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Are There Some Basic Items That I Should Know About VoIP?
Yes, here are a few of the compelling reasons to deploy a solution using VoIP.
VoIP allows you to make telephone calls over an existing Internet connection. VoIP converts a voice signal (analog) from your telephone into a digital signal that then travels over the Internet to the desired location. It then converts the digital signal back to analog so the person on the other end can hear what you are saying.
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How Do I Make a VoIP Phone Call?
The first step of making a VoIP phone call is to subscribe to a service. Once you sign up for service, the VoIP service provider will then send you a broadband phone adapter, which plugs directly into your internet connection. You will then have to plug your existing telephone into the phone adapter. Lastly, all you have to do is pick up the telephone and dial the number.
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What Kind Of Equipment Do I Need to Use VoIP?
You need three things in order to use VoIP:
  • A high-speed Internet connection (either cable or DSL);
  • A broadband phone adapter (provided by the VoIP service provider); and
  • Any standard (analog or digital) telephone.
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What are Some Advantages of Using VoIP?
  • Lower Cost
  • Unlimited calling in the U.S and Canada.
  • All the features are included (voicemail, caller id, call waiting, 3-way, call forwarding and much more)
  • VoIP is portable. You can take the phone adapter anywhere where there is an existing Internet connection, plug it in and make calls as if you were at home.
  • The ability to choose your own area code. You can live in New York and choose to have a California telephone number.
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Do I Need a Computer to Use VoIP
No. Although most VoIP customers do have a computer, one is not needed. The broadband phone adapter simply plugs into a router (or modem) to get a connection.
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Why does a company need Voice over IP?
If you've never heard of VoIP, get ready to change the way you think about long-distance phone calls. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a method for taking analog audio signals, like the kind you hear when you talk on the phone, and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.
How is this useful? VoIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to place free phone calls. The practical upshot of this is that by using some of the free VoIP software that is available to make Internet phone calls, you are bypassing the phone company (and its charges) entirely.
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I have purchased an Inter-Tel system and would like to know more about the phones.
Click here for the answers to some questions and features for Inter-Tel systems
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I have purchased an NEC system and would like to know more about the phones.
Click here for the answers to some questions and features for NEC systems
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Why does a company need Voice over IP?
If you've never heard of VoIP, get ready to change the way you think about long-distance phone calls. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a method for taking analog audio signals, like the kind you hear when you talk on the phone, and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.
How is this useful? VoIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to place free phone calls. The practical upshot of this is that by using some of the free VoIP software that is available to make Internet phone calls, you are bypassing the phone company (and its charges) entirely.
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