What is the definition of VoIP communication?
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is where people use an internet connection to make a telephone call, where the data is sent as packets rather than using the conventional phone network.
What is the definition of VoIP business application?
There is a range of VoIP hardware and software available to allow users to make telephone calls using internet protocol.
What is the definition of alternative communication methods?
The case study stated the need to research ‘communication methods including VoIP’, so it is also necessary to investigate other communication method to enable staff to work at home.
What is the definition of packet switching?
Packet switching is where data is divided into a series of small blocks and routed through a series of paths rather than sending data over a dedicated line.
What are the uses of VoIP communications?
- VoIP telephones (similar to traditional phones)
- Mobile phones (can also use VoIP software)
- Computer-based VoIP (between 2 computers or mobiles)
Explain how Facebook is an example of a computer-based VoIP?
You can send voice and video calls from its messenger apps.
Explain how Skype is an example of a computer-based VoIP?
- User must download and install the software
- Create a username and password
- Add Skype contact details
- Skype-to-Skype calls (free service)
- Skype-to-phone (charged per minute)
What is the definition of PBX (Private Branch Exchange)?
Businesses usually make use of a private telephone network with their company, known as a PBX; this allows the office staff to make external phone calls via shared lines and to communicate internally with each other.
What is the definition of VoIP gateway?
This gateway device is used to transmit and receive voice communication using internet protocol; hence the term VoIP.
What is the definition of softphone?
Softphones are software applications that are used for making VoIP calls from a computer or mobile device.
What does a VoIP gateway provider provides?
- Free video and voice calls between computers
- Can place callers on hold and play music
- Includes a list of contacts in phone book
- Supports emergency phone numbers (999)
- Can be used with USB video phones
What are the system requirements? (VoIP gateway provider)
- Broadband connection
- Windows or Mac operating system
- Soundcard
Why does PL use virtual PBX?
- Make external phone calls via shared lines and to communicate internally with each other
- Use softphones or mobile devices to make VoIP calls with other softphones mobile devices or external landlines
What are the VoIP call features?
- Caller ID (number calling is displayed)
- Call waiting (notified of incoming call whilst making another call)
- Three-way conference call (speak to 2 different people at the same time)
- Last number redial (automatically dial the previous number)
- Call forwarding (automatic forward a call to another number)
- Send to voicemail (send voicemail is user busy)
- Play messages (play a message aloud)
- Phone call recording (record any call)
What are the benefits of VoIP?
- Low call costs (cheaper than normal telephone network)
- Phone line installation ( no need for new phone lines)
- Security (use of encrypted connection)
- Mobility (can be installed on mobile devices)
What are the limitations of VoIP
- Broadband connection dependence (only via internet)
- Latency (quality can be poor)
- Jitter (quality can be poor)
- Data packet loss (get lost or arrive late)
What are the 4 alternative communication methods?
- SMS (used between members and staff)
- Instant messaging (sending text based notes, chat rooms and face-to-face calls)
- E-mail (contacting members, text based notes, attaching images
- Intranet (view personal profile, make bookings, analyse data)
