VoIP voice over Internet Protocol

1. VoIPvoice over Internet Protocol November 2018

2. WHAT IS VoIP? • First used over ARPANET in 1973 for voice transmission, in 1995 it was available over the Internet • Later Video capability became available • Basically it uses the internet as a replacement for phone service with video being an option with appropriate equipment

3. WHY VoIP? • For most people there are two reasons: • Save money • Enhanced experience with video calling

4. CAUTION • When we look at costs be aware that any use of the internet uses bandwidth so if your plan has a “cap”, calls count regardless if the call itself is free or charged by the method used

5. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? • VoIP phones – connected to the Internet through your computer. Some do not need a computer at all but still have to have Internet • “Jacks” – devices that connect your existing phone to the internet through your computer. Again some do not need a computer at all but still have to have Internet • Using your computer/tablet/smart phone directly

6. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF PROVIDERS • THINGS TO CONSIDER: • Where do you want to call? • Do you want video? • What about 911 service? • What are the costs for your call usage? • What features are included & which are extras? • Will you need extra equipment?

7. WHAT ABOUT 911? • It is a fact of life that, as a community, we are more dependent on 911 services than the general population • NONE of the VoIP options has TRUE [or any] 911 service although some don’t make this clear. 911 calls are forwarded by THEIR operators to the official 911 service – DELAY - can be critical

8. WHAT ABOUT 911? • Some connect you but do not provide location – CRITICAL if the emergency involves speech impairment • Some “portable” devices report your registered location rather than your actual one. Need to update if travelling & remembering to change back on return – THERE HAVE BEEN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENTS!

9. WHAT ABOUT 911? • During a power outage most if not all of the VoIP equipment will not be available • A Bell land line normally retains power • In an extended outage it may not be possible to charge a cell phone • YOUR HOME OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TEAM RECOMMENDS KEEPING A LAND LINE AND A HARD WIRED PHONE • This is a personal choice but if the above recommendation is followed it must be taken into account in calculating possible cost savings

10. VoIP PHONES • VoIP phones are primarily for business but home versions are available • In the following slides we will be looking at a typical example • The system shown can connect wirelessly to your route/modem

11. VoIP PHONES

12. VoIP PHONES

13. VoIP PHONES

14. VoIP PHONES

15. VoIP PHONES

16. JACKS • Jacks are a hardware device that contain the software to connect a phone to the internet using VoIP • They may connect though a computer [USB] or wirelessly ro your router/modem • The latter have the advantage that they can be located anywhere in the home

17. JACKS

18. JACKS

19. JACKS

20. JACKS

21. JACKS

22. JACKS

23. COMPUTERS/TABLETS/SMART PHONES • Using any of these directly needs an app • The most common are Facetime and Skype. Facetime is ONLY available for Apple devices • Skype is available for Windows & most Android & Apple devices • There do seem to be suggestions of Facetime for Android on the web BUT unknown providers

24. FACETIME • Facetime is a FREE app with both audio & video capability • It is intended for free Facetime to Facetime calling • There seems to be some dispute as to whether Facetime can call a landline/mobile. On an Apple community page about this I see two answers – one says yes and the other says no! • N0 911 service • If the yes answer is true BEWARE if using a smart phone – MAY have to pay regular charges • THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY CONFUSED – ANYONE KNOW THE FACTS?

25. SKYPE • Skype is a FREE app with audio & video capability– it was acquired but Microsoft about 3 years ago – it works on: • Windows Computers/Tablets/Phones with Windows 10 • Mac Computers • iPhone • iPad • iPod Touch • Android Phones/Tablets • Amazon Fire Phone - Kindle Fire HD/HDX - Amazon Fire HD Tablet - Windows Phone 8/8.1 - Nokia X Phone - Xbox One -Some Blue-ray devices [check with Skype for latest information]

26. SKYPE • Can make calls to Skype users, land lines, cell phones in some countries • No 911 service • Does not accept incoming calls from land lines or cell phones unless a Skype “phone number” is purchased

27. CALL COSTS - PLANS

28. CALL COSTS - PLANS

30. UP FRONT COSTS • YOUR INTERNET: Internet speed can affect call quality; especially for video. From personal experience Nextcom’s lowest offering – 2mbps download, 1mbps upload – works OK most of the time • However voice/picture quality and synchronization can be an issue at times • Voice only is usually OK with these speeds • VoIP, by definition, uses both download & upload. When both “ends” of a call are using internet [i.e. not on a land line or cell phone] call quality depends on BOTH parties • May need/want to upgrade

31. UP FRONT COSTS • PHONES & JACKS: Hardware costs [may include some period of service], porting phone numbers, one time fees • SOFTWARE [Skype, Facetime]: Microphone, Speakers & Web Cams included with computer may not be good enough • If your internet is via Bell lines may want to have Battery Back Up for 911 use.

32. DECIDING FACTORS: • What are your costs now? • Do you want Audio AND Video? If so must go with a computer based system • What do you want to do about 911? • How many of those you call will have matching systems [e.g. Skype to Skype] for free calls • If not calling land lines/cell phones are there multiple platforms – Windows/Apple/Android? • For others - where will you be calling and is there a suitable plan? • Will you call enough to make it worthwhile?

33. MAKING YOUR DECISION: Decide which method you want to use Do research & look for reviews Make sure ALL the costs are explained DO THE MATH – Is it worth it?