VoIP Information

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.

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

The Economics of VoIP

VoIP has become popular largely because of the cost advantages to consumers over traditional telepone networks. Most Australians pay a flat monthly fee for line rental, a fixed charge for local telephone calls and a per-minute charge for STD calls.

VoIP calls can be placed across the Internet. Most Internet connections are charged using a flat monthly fee structure.

VoIP plans do not charge a per-minute fee for long distance.

For International calling, the monetary savings to the consumer from switching to VoIP technology can be enormous.

VoIP Telephones

There are three methods of connecting to a VoIP network:

Using a VoIP telephone
Using a "normal" telephone with a Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)
Using a computer with speakers and a microphone

Types of VoIP Calls

VoIP telephone calls can be placed either to other VoIP devices, or to normal telephones on the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

Calls from a VoIP device to a PSTN device are commonly called "PC-to-Phone" calls, even though the VoIP device may not be a PC.

Calls from a VoIP device to another VoIP device are commonly called "PC-to-PC" calls, even though neither device may be a PC.

Asterisk PABX Features

The list of features contained in and shipped with every Asterisk PABX is massive and growing everyday.

Unlike most PABX suppliers all features such as IP trunks and IP phones are standard. If fact all the features listed below

are standard and are supplied at no extra cost.

Feature Summary

Feature	Explanation	Requirements
Automated Attendant	Allows callers to be automatically transferred to a user's extension without the intervention of a receptionist. e.g. select 1 for sales, 2 for support...
Blacklists	A list of persons or organisations that have incurred disapproval or suspicion and therefore penalised.
Blind Transfer	Ability to transfer a call to another extension without the need to wait for the other person to pick up.
Call Details Record	A log of all calls made including: source no., destination no., call duration, date, time etc	Third party database if records are to be stored in format other than text file.
Call Forward on Busy	Calls are automatically forwarded to another extension or phone if the phone is busy.
Call Forward on No Answer	Calls are automatically forwarded to another extension if not answered after a defined number of rings.
Call Monitoring	Allows a supervisor to listen in on a phone conversation.
Call Parking	Allows a call to be 'parked' on a virtual extension and then picked up by a third party by dialling in to that extension.
Call Queuing	Allows multiple calls to be placed in a queue and answered by the next available operator.
Call Recording	Recording of a phone conversation for later playback.	Significant amounts of disk space may be used (approx. 16KB/sec of recording).
Call Retrieval	Page a person who then can pick up the call.
Call Routing	Directs the call to the correct extension based on a Direct In Dial (DID) number.
Call Snooping	Allows a supervisor to listen in on active calls across a group of phones.	Privacy Policy for staff.
Call Transfer	Transfer a call to another extension.
Call Waiting	Allows switching between two simultaneous calls.
Caller ID	Displays the callers phone number on the phones screen.	Remote phone must send caller's ID.
Caller ID Blocking	Block a call based on the callers phone number.
Call ID on Call Waiting	See the phone number of a second caller whilst talking to the first caller.
Calling Cards
Conference Bridging	Create a conference call between multiple parties at multiple locations using different phone types; e.g. conference call a local extension, remote fixed line, mobile and VoIP connection all in one conference.
Database Store/Retrieval	Store call information in a database for later retrieval.	Third party database such as MySQL.
Direct Inward System Access
Distinctive Ring	Different Rings based on caller ID or selection the caller makes whilst interacting with the auto attendant.	Handset must support multiple ring tones.
Do Not Disturb	Incoming calls are automatically routed to Voicemail, reception or alternate extension.
Interactive Directory Listing	Allows inbound callers to lookup a persons extension by their name.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)	Advanced system for call handling allows callers to navigate a menu system by dialling a number offered from a range of options. e.g. Please dial 1 for sales, 2 for admin.... Allows for creation of systems such as making credit card payments, entering of timesheets etc.
Local and Remote Call Agents	Staff can log onto the PABX from any phone using a login ID allowing them to make and take calls as if they were in their office.
Music on Hold	No external device is required. Ships with a reasonable selection of tracks.	Music loaded onto server. Asterisk ships with basic selection.
Music on Transfer	Music plays when transferring calls between extensions	As per Music on Hold
Predictive Dialler	Used by outbound call centres. Starts dialling a number based on statistical model of when it is expected that the next agent will be available.	Third party add on such as 'Vicidial'.
Protocol Conversion	Allows the interconnection of disparate phone networks: e.g. connect a Telstra call to a VoIP call.	Standard protocols supported include: TDM, SIP, H.323, LAX, SCCP.
Remote Call Pickup	Allows a call to be picked up at a remote location.
Remote Office Support	Ability to connect phones located in a remote office to the office PABX as local extensions.	Internet or VPN connection at both locations.
Route by Caller ID	The ability to connect a call to a given extension, call queue or group of extensions based on the callers phone number.
SMS Messaging		Requires an SMS Gateway.
Talk Detection	Ability to detect when a person is talking. Useful for detection of answering machines.
Three-Way Calling	Connect three people into a mini conference call
Trunking	Connect to the PSTN. E.g. connect a standard telephone line (analog or digital) to the PABX	Requires a trunk card such as Digium TDM400.
VoIP Gateways	A network device that converts voice and fax calls, in real time, between PSTN and an IP network.
VoiceMail	Ability to record a message from a caller when you are away from your desk. Includes ability to deliver the voicemail message via email as well as the standard flashing light on your phone.

- Voice-Over IP

- Allows for integration of physically separate installations

- Uses commonly deployed data connections

- Allows a unified dial plan across multiple office locations

- Can connect with legacy systems such as the Telstra Commander System

- All Features are standard, no surprise exta licences needed

- Can be managed remotely for most standard reconfiguration, feature enablement

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