VoIP voice over Internet Protocol November 2018

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

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

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

VoIP PHONES

VoIP PHONES

VoIP PHONES

VoIP PHONES

VoIP PHONES

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

JACKS

JACKS

JACKS

JACKS

JACKS

JACKS

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

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?

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]

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

CALL COSTS - PLANS

CALL COSTS - PLANS

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

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.

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?

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?