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VOIP

What is VOIP?

VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP –based networks and the internet.

The Internet Protocol (IP) was originally designed for data networking.  The success of IP in becoming a world standard for data has led to its adaption to voice networking.

Over time different options and standard protocols have been developed giving many options and opportunities for users to embrace this technology from home and business.

It is often misunderstood that VoIP allows calls to be made for free. Although, as we will discuss later, this is possible in certain forms of VoIP, it is not the sole purpose that VoIP serves.

Common VoIP-related Terms

VoIP Phone

Either a physical phone or a piece of software that connects into a VoIP provider (similar to a VoIP extension). This allows you to call other users of that particular VoIP provider at no cost. This phone can also be used to provide discounted local, interstate and international calls via an ITSP. One example of this would be Skype™.

VoIP Trunk/Line

Similar to, and provides the same benefits as a VoIP phone but also allows the use of a standard home/cordless phone or can be connected into a Phone System for business use. In cases where you wish to connect the VoIP line to a home phone, cordless phone or non-VoIP compatible phone system, an Analogue Terminal Adaptor (ATA) will be required

ITSP

An ITSP is an Internet Telephony Service Provider. These providers allow VoIP users to make discounted calls around the world. How does it work? Using your VoIP Phone, Line or System you dial an interstate or international number e.g. Moscow. This call is sent to your ITSP, who has set up their network to link with other ITSP’s in many countries and forwards the call to the ITSP in Moscow. The ITSP in Moscow has an agreement with a local phone carrier and the call then leaves the internet, enters the standard phone network and calls the number you dialed as if you were just down the road. The ITSP pays a local call rate, you pay a reduced international call rate and, if the call quality is good enough, everyone is happy.

VoIP Extension

A phone extension attached to a VoIP Phone System either locally on a LAN (Local Area Network) or remotely (Branch offices/home workers/mobile and travelling staff. Once again, these extensions can be a physical phone or software on a PC/Laptop.

VoIP System

A PABX/Phone system that combines one or many of the following VoIP technologies. VoIP Extensions, VoIP Trunks, VoIP Networking.

VoIP Networking

The linking of two or more VoIP Systems from either the same or different manufacturers. By linking systems, users in different suburbs, states and even countries can call colleagues by simply dialing their extension number. The system does the rest routing the call across the WAN (Wide Area Network) to the destination. These systems can also be used in a similar way to an ITSP routing an interstate or international call to the closest system thereby reducing carrier call costs.

Hybrid VoIP system

A business phone system that utilizes a combination of analogue, digital and VoIP technologies. More specifically relating to the extension attached to the system rather than the types of lines.

How a VOIP System could benefit your business

• Reduce call costs between sites (national or local) therefore reducing your monthly telecommunication costs
• Use one Voicemail across all sites
• Visibility of extensions in other offices
• Ideal for staff working from home
• Allows extension to extension calls between sites
• Easy and flexible call diverting and call overflow between sites

Ideal for solutions for:

• Multi-sites
• Sales Reps on the move
• National and International travelers
• Home office workers
• Remote sites

Samsung OfficeServ VOIP

Is VoIP Secure?

Samsung Business Communications allows you to create a secure, seamless and scalable network of voice and data connections across remote sites and branch offices wherever they may be in the world. We call this the Virtual Enterprise, and it means that anyone who needs to communicate is able to do so whenever, wherever and however they wish.

Connect to the office anywhere, anytime

IP Telephony is better for business and the people who do the business.

Whether they are at home, commuting, working at a remote location, or overseas, anyone who needs to communicate can do so anywhere.

With Samsung Business Communications, simply plug in an IP handset or PC Softphone into a broadband Internet connection and any location becomes ‘the office’. At home, for example, an IP handset plugged straight into your ADSL modem or into the back of your PC will be treated by the head office communications system just like any other extension, with all your familiar voice functions at your finger tips, with added benefits to the organisation through reduced overheads such as business travel and even office space.

Communicating wherever, whenever becomes reality whether you’re at a hotel, a branch office, a customer site or from any of the growing wireless broadband hotspots.

Samsung Business Communications give you the freedom to manage your working life flexibly, enhance your efficiency and creativity, yet remain dynamically connected to your business wherever and whenever you choose. In a world of new lifestyle choices, Samsung means business!

Samsung’s remote working solution allows users to work from just about any location – home, a hotel or a remote office and still operate as if they were in the office. Users can make calls using their office extension and retain all their common telephony functions using an IP handset or Softphone on a laptop.

Creating a seamless virtual organisation

The word ‘teamwork’ takes on a whole new meaning with a connected network.

Samsung Business Communications allows you to create a secure, seamless and scalable network of voice and data connections across remote sites and branch offices wherever they may be in the world. We call this the Virtual Enterprise, and it means that anyone who needs to communicate is able to do so whenever, wherever and however they wish.

For example, employees can be interstate yet make internal calls over a virtual private network (VPN) of secure channels through public networks, such as the Internet, as well as existing inter-site data links. All offices and users can benefit through sharing selected features across the network and accessing centralised functionality – from simple call forwarding and call transfers to advanced features such as centralised operator services, voice mail, automated attendant and automatic call distribution - you can provide far more connectivity for a much small outlay across all sites.

Whether it’s a large or small office network, the Samsung Virtual Enterprise will meet every requirement with common features across all communications platforms.

In networking efficiency and more responsive customer service, Samsung means business!

Samsung IP Networking solution improves efficiency across your communications network by connecting all offices in an organisation to a central communication system. Users can make internal calls between offices, gain access to centralized features such as voicemail and operators and ultimately improve customer service.

 Considerations

Security – Any business owner would be wise to consider the security of their network when implementing VoIP technology. Whether it be a remote site, remote worker or travelling executive, Plexus will assist you to create a secure network capable of future growth.

Emergency Services – At Plexus, we advise not replacing your traditional or mobile phone with a VoIP phone. Emergency services are unable to identify your location from VoIP phones and will not be able to assist in a life-or-death situation

Quality of Service – The quality of a call over VoIP is dependent on the quality of your network, your internet connection and the other devices on the network that will use this connection.