Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol (Internet Protocol is referred to as IP)

Internet Protocol is the communication method used for all internet traffic, the computer you're reading this on currently has an IP 'address' for instance to enable it to connect and communicate on the internet.

Packets of data are sent to and from computers when communicating on the internet, talking to each other via their unique IP addresses.

VoIP uses this same communication method to send packets of voice information when you make a call from your computer to whoever you are calling.

What do I need to start using VoIP?

To get FREE VoIP calls you will need the following equipment;

Computer with soundcard
Internet connection
VoIP communications application such as CNG SoftPhone
Headset or USB phone
Someone to ring J

Computer requirements

If your computer is no more than about 4 years old then you should be ok. Ideally you will need a minimum of Pentium 3 1Ghz, 256Mb Ram, 50Mb free disk space and a full duplex sound card ie sound out (listen), sound in (speak) most sound cards have this, usually identified by a green (sound out) and pink (sound in) ports.

However you can use a computer with as low a spec as Pentium 3 450Mhz, 128Mb Ram, 50Mb free disk space, full duplex sound card

You will also need speakers and microphone if not using a USB phone or headset.

Internet connection

Ideally you will need a broadband connection (512k or higher). VoIP can be used over a dial-up connection (as low as 33k) but it's not ideal

VoIP communications application

CNG Softphone is probably the best known and most used application. It's free, millions of people use it, it works and it works great.

Headset / Phones

You'll need something to hear and speak to people, this is where a headset or USB phone come in. The likely hood is, is that you've probably already got a headset or microphone and speakers, if so then there's no extra expense, hooray!. If not then get yourself either a headset or USB phone, which ever you feel more comfortable with. There's not much of a range of USB phones at the moment but they start at around £10.00. Headsets can be as cheap as you like but you get what you pay for. Go for something like the Sennheiser range and you won't got far wrong.

Someone to speak to

Hmmm, often overlooked, remember you need friends to speak to, family if all else fails J

Whoever it might be remember that they must be using the same VoIP communication application to receive your calls

Do I need a broadband internet connection?

Technically no but to get the best out of VoIP then yes you do.

Whilst VoIP services will work on dial up modem connections as low as 33k you will experience a poorer quality of service when compared to broadband. The chances are that if you are still using a 33k modem then the rest of your PC is just as antiquated so VoIP won't work anyway. If you must (or simply havn't got a choice) then use a 56k modem (cheap as chips nowadays)

VoIP will work on cable and ADSL broadband connections.

Can I use VoIP on my dial up internet connection?

Technically yes but to get the best out of VoIP then you really need a broadband internet connection.

VoIP will work best on cable and ADSL broadband connections.

Do I need a computer?

For most VoIP services yes you do need a computer, and definitely yes for free VoIP services. Only the specialized paid for services negate the need for a computer.

You will still need an internet connection of course but computer-less configurations mean you will need specialised hardware generally in the form of a router. (thats r-ooo-t-er and not r-ow-t-er ;o) please take note!)

Business setups (ie mega money) have very specialized routers and switches to handle VoIP calls, usually across their own private networks

Can I ring anyone anywhere?

Yes, you can ring any phone in the world as long as the number is correct.

Do I need a new phone?

Strictly speaking no but it depends on your preference for taking and making calls.

Most people will start off using VoIP with the free services, it's a good way of trying it out and seeing if you will get on with it or not. Because you are being as tight as possible at this stage the likely hood is you will be using that cheap microphone and speakers that came with your computer, or if you are a gamer, that headset you use so the rest of the household don't know you are still up at 3 am playing network Doom.

If you see VoIP as the future of your call making then you will probably be thinking of ways to make it feel more like using your traditional landline phones, you don't want to be stuck in front of the computer all day long after all.

You can get USB VoIP phones quite cheaply now, this is a good first step. You still need to use VoIP 3rd party software if using the free services to make and answer calls and the phone needs to be in reach of the computer (needs to plug into the USB port) but is a reasonable compromise.

Next step up is something like the SIPphone service where you use a hardware phone or adapter that negates the need for your computer. This is a paid for service but means your phone is not dependant on your computer (just your internet connection)

Services such as this vary from just being able to call other SIPphone users to any landline phone depending on the service you've signed up to. You should be saving money over traditional landline services regardless.

Another benefit of this type of services is the use of the adapter. With this in place you can plug in a normal landline phone. This is an obvious money saver as you can use your current phones.

Can I use my old phone?

Yes you can.

With the use of an adapter you can use your old phone, even your wireless set.

This is what an adapter can look like

Do I get a new telephone number?

No, not generally and certainly not with the free VoIP services.

If you have opted for a subscription VoIP service then CNG Telecom will offer an incoming call number option for an extra charge.

If you want a 2nd line (and want to use VoIP) and you are in the Singapore or Thailand then a good compromise is CNG Telecom.

With CNG Telecom you get a number which people can call you on, and you are not charged for receiving the call. It's a not for profit arrangement and works like this,

Sign up to CNG Telecom and get a 65xxxxxxx etc number. Your friends and family (or anybody) can now ring you like a local call no matter where you are in the world. They are charged for the call, approx 5c/min. (rates vary please check)

Types of VoIP configurations you might see

There are a few VoIP configurations you can have that range from FREE to use to paid for subscriptions. The following are typical setups available to a home user.

Computer to computer – FREE This is the FREE VoIP service and the one most people will come into contact with and use first

With computer to computer telephony both the caller and receiver need to be using the same VoIP service application CNG Softphone, you will typically need a headset Using this service is FREE and you can phone anyone in the world (not just randomly of course - it's best if it's someone you know!) using the same CNG Softphone service application

Computer to phone - $$

Computer to phone is the next step up the Computer to phone connection is popular among those who make a lot of international calls. The difference to a normal international landline telephone call is that the per minute charge is usually in pennies rather than tens of pennies or more.

From the viewpoint of the person making the call this service works in much the same way as Computer to Computer in that you make your call via a CNG Softphone using a headset. The difference though is that the person you're calling can have a regular landline phone and doesn't need to be connected to the internet or be running a 3rd party piece of VoIP software.

This is achieved by CNG Telecom connecting your call to the regular landline phone exchange and routing your call to the desired landline number. It's this bit you are paying for.

Pros: Cheap calls to any landline phone in the world, easy to set up

Cons: You still need your computer and VoIP software to use this service, generally can't make emergency services calls.

SIP to SIP

SIP is the Voice over IP (VoIP) standard communication protocol. SIP enables two or more people to make phone calls to each other using the Internet to carry the call.

SIP to SIP calls can be made using SIP hardware or SIP software, either way you need an internet connection.

If using SIP software then it pretty much becomes Computer to Computer connections and the same rules apply, this can be extended to use Computer to Phone connections but will cost as shown above.

If using SIP hardware phones then all calls to other SIP hardware phone users are free. This is especially useful for global businesses who can set up each office with SIP phones. Communication anywhere in the world then becomes free with the familiarity of using a phone.

The use of your traditional phone can also be used with the use of a SIP adapter, negating the need to replace handsets.

Pros: SIP is the VoIP communication standard so is likely to be well supported in years to come. Same benefits as Computer to Computer VoIP, can use phone handsets

Cons: SIP phone software / hardware required by both parties if calls to be made free, generally can't make emergency services calls.

Phone to phone

The ultimate VoIP service if VoIP is going to compete with traditional landline calls.

Telephone calls are made using the services of a specialist CNG Telecom. Behaves like a normal phone service

Can I make emergency phone calls?

At the moment No.

I'm sure it will catch up one day as it's a bit ridiculous that this service isn't available wholesale. Watch this space.

What is the sound quality like?

Crystal clear.

Ok, ok not always but pretty much with the right conditions you wouldn't notice any difference to a traditional landline phone.

You need equipment set up right and you need a good internet connection to get the best sound quality. With this in place the quality is fantastic.

With things not quite so perfect you may experience some echo on the line, ie you can hear yourself speak, it can be a bit disconcerting.

In all cases you will pretty much get a better reception than a mobile phone (cell phone)

Can I really make phone calls for free?

It depends on whether you are looking at it from the viewpoint of Joe public or an accountant!

Joe Public: "I can make phone calls for free using CNG VoIP Service"

Accountant: "I can make phone calls for free if I was using YOUR internet connection which YOU are paying for, else it's costing me money."

Strictly speaking the accountant is right, you are paying for it by having to have an internet connection, plus you will probably buy a headset or USB phone....but we don't all look at it from that viewpoint. Your internet connection is something you had already, right? therefore anything you can get for free on top of that is a bonus.

If you were to replace your existing phone line and only use VoIP for making calls then you could save money, if you were planning on a 2nd phone line then again it could save you money (especially if you were to use a service such as CNG Telecom IP Line)

If you were to just use the free CNG Softphone services to keep in contact with friends and family around the globe then you could save a packet, you bill could go from $$$$$ to Zero.

It depends how canny you want to be

Why are some VoIP services free and others you have to pay for?

The free services are genuinely free but have drawbacks, namely;

You need to install some software on your computer to use it (knows as a softphone)
The person you are calling needs to have the same software loaded to take your call
Your computer needs to be on
You can't have your own telephone number (other CNG Softphone gets round this)

You will generally see that all the providers that offer free VoIP services also push their subscription services, Skype, Gizmo (SIPphone) for instance.

Paid for services can still have some of the drawbacks of the free service but the main advantage when you pay for a subscription is that you can call any landline phone and it will generally be cheaper than equivalent landline services. The same applies to calling mobile phones (always check tariffs for all services)

The reason you have to pay for this service is because the VoIP provider has to pay to connect your VoIP call to the PSTN network which routes to the landline (or mobile) that you are calling

FAQ

FAQ