(Note: The original presentation was in Powerpoint format.
It was converted to Word in order to save space.)
Aims Of This Presentation
Give an overall (not comprehensive) view of VoIP
Compare POTS
(Plain Old Telephone Service) to VoIP
Some info on Skype
Demonstration of
Skype i.e. making and receiving calls
OVERALL VIEW OF VoIP
Vs. POTS (Plain
Old Telephone Service) i.e. circuit based with fiber optic cable
Developing
technology - FCC involved
Packets: small
blocks of data via Internet
Converters: analog
to digital and visa-versa
Susceptible to
“usual” Internet problems
Flexible &
more economical
3 methods of
usage:
1. PC to PC e.g.
Skype
2. IP phones
i.e. RJ 45 jacks
3. ATA e.g. Vonnage,
AT&T CallVantage
VoIP vs. POTS
Method of
sending data(discrete packets)
Both convert sound
-> electrical signals (data) over a network to a recipient
POTS depends on
forming a circuit which stays connected during the entire call
VoIP data sent
without restrictions (for the time being) or cost
Networks vastly
different
Present
“Obstacles” Using VoIP
No power=no
phone
Other systems in
your home integrated into the phone line
911 calls away
from home
Problems with
Internet Server e.g. Cable, DSL
Viruses Worms and Spyware
PCs of varying
specifications and power
SKYPE
Example of
VoIP
Others: Others
include SIPphone, i2Telecom, and Dialpad
IP
addresses used in place of numbers
Skype must
be installed on all PCs involved
An
Internet Phone application
A step
toward possibly replacing traditional telephone networks
Strictly
Internet based i.e. peer-to-peer program sharing
No central
server
Distance
and location are irrelevant
No costs
or time limitations
Buddy
lists
Uses a
dynamic assortment of TCP port to connect and send data (use of 80 if needed)
User
friendliness
Basic Hardware for
Skype?
Installation of Skype?
FREE!
Painless &
Simple
Create an
account with user name and password only requirement
System
Requirements (Skype)
Make certain
microphone is not muted
'Start; All
Programs; Accessories; Entertainment; Volume Control.
Now select
Options; Properties; check Microphone; click OK.
In the volume
control window, make sure that the 'mute' option is unchecked for the
'microphone' section. From here you can also adjust the volume and gain of the mic.
Usage of Skype
“Upgrades”
to Skype
Summary re Skype
Easy to download
Relatively
simple to use
Sound quality
very good
Free with
economical (upgrades)
Portable
Can call regular
phones
Many “add-ons”
available
Versatile
Recommend it as
a trial