Posted by Yukko Ahalo | Posted in Communications | Posted on 25-01-2011
Tags: asterisk, call, communication, Communications, dial, experience, gadgets, international calls, SIP, skype, telecom, telephony, voip
I started using VOIP six years ago with cards. I used to make phone calls to Russia and Germany, the connection was disappointing, the voice was being interrupted and the background was like constant screeching noise. That was worse than I expected.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that time. Channels have been widened. I tried using Skype and enjoyed it but a number of reasons made me contemplate an alternative.
Skype has certain disadvantages: 1. No alternative clients are provided in case the protocol is closed; 2. A p2p-based protocol, which means there might be outside traffic: if you pay your provider on the consumed traffic basis, that outside traffic might prove a quite wasteful; 3. Skype’s services cost more than these of SIP operators for stationary and mobile phone calls; 4. All the Skype’s options in relation to its integration in the existing PBX have been lacking the necessary functions and haven’t been very easy-to-use, whereas it’s not particularly convenient to splash out on a separate mobile phone or computer for Skype’s sake alone.
In addition to Skype, SIP is another option. SIP means Session Initiation Protocol. It is not a VOIP service but an option to direct the information transmission sessions. Type of transmitted data is determined by a separate SDP (Session Description Protocol). It works together with SIP. For more information go on Wikipedia.
I haven’t thought over all the hardware options, but they’re aplenty. Software options allowing one to use SIP are quite as numerous as the hardware ones.
All the current IP-PBX systems are SIP-compatible. Using SIP such huge corporations as Cisco produce their own versions for major corporations and intermediate companies.
I chose my provider rather quickly. So I went for UcallWeconn, as it provides its users with just the service level one might expect to get. UcallWeconn gives a common client an opportunity to prepay the services with VISA, while firms are offered to make a contract, sign the SLA and pay the services through a bank.
Another consideration in favor of this specific provider is that its services for home Internet users (i.e. for those who access the Internet via a NAT-like domestic router) are unexpectedly well organized.
UcallWeconn is a long distance termination company. Check the website for latest rates. You can also buy online phone number .
