NW IP Telephony and the VCS

VoIP and the VCS: 

VoIP and the VCS Taking advantage of the changing telecoms market Shaun Fensom

Introduction : 

Introduction VoIP – “Voice over IP”: telephone communications over the Internet rather than through the conventional telephone network This technology can be used now How can VCS organisations benefit?

Topics I aim to cover: 

Topics I aim to cover An overview of the technology and how it is developing Comparison of different types of service Implications forVCS organisations Pros and Cons of using VoIP now First steps to using VoIP now

My background: 

My background Shaun Fensom, engineer by training Founded “Poptel” in 1986 Co-operative provider of on-line communications and information services to third sector Technical partner for the Manchester Host Launched the “.coop” top level domain Moved services to The Phone Co-op in 2003 Now an adviser on ICT issues

Overview : 

Overview More and more talk about VoIP “Free” telephone calls Skype bought by E-bay, 100m or more users Part of the digital revolution Example of convergence Will eventually replace conventional telephony Beginning to mature Real advantages for organisations

The coming wave: 

The coming wave Massive overcapacity in networks Moving towards all-packet networks Content convergence Implication is flat-rate access charge Hence appearance of more “free calls” tarrifs Changes will come anyway What advantage to early adoption?

Know the jargon: 

Know the jargon VoIP (Voice over IP): Sending voice signals using the Internet Protocol ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line): Broadband technology using copper wires SIP (Session Initiated Protocol): Accepted standard for VoIP calls PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network): Conventional telephone network ATA (Analog Telephone Adaptor): interface between phone and Ethernet LAN Bandwidth: Capacity of a channel to carry data

What is VoIP?: 

What is VoIP? PSTN = circuit switched Circuit or channel connects the users Internet = packet switched Packets know where they are going Self-healing More efficient use of bandwidth

How does it work?: 

How does it work? Analogue voice signal from the telephone is digitized (as for CD, digital TV etc) Resulting stream of numbers can be treated like ordinary computer data and sent over the Internet Decoder at other end changes signal back to analogue

Types of VoIP: 

Types of VoIP IP telephony Using IP to transmit data on core networks Already happens without you knowing it Peer to Peer eg Skype Computer headset – computer must be on SIP eg Vonage International standard Can use ordinary telephone

Problems: 

Problems Call quality Need good Internet provider VoIP calls best on one network Broadband speed and contention determine number of channels Reliability Fails if power or broadband fails Some ATA’s allow conventional calls Firewalls and NAT Not a problem for Skype

Skype: 

Skype Peer to Peer application software Invented by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis Legacy of Kazaa Free calls only between Skype users Skype-out and Skype-in get round this 100m registered Skype names 1.7m Skype-out users Offers video and instant messaging

Skype – how to: 

Skype – how to Equipment: Headset <£10 Webcam <£30 Skypephone (USB) <£20 Software: Go to www.skype.com Download the software and install Very similar to Windows Messenger Skype-in approx £25/year Buy credits for Skype-out

Skype controls: 

Skype controls

SIP-based services: 

SIP-based services Protocol invented by IETF Peer to Peer but uses central servers Telephone connected to ATA Or SIP phone Or WiFi SIP phone Possibility of multiple channels Various competing services From ISPs and telcos

SIP – how to: 

SIP – how to Get equipment Must have Ethernet (ADSL router) ATA - £30 SIP Phone - £50+ WiFi SIP phone - £100+ Subscribe to service

Typical set up: 

Typical set up Image thanks to BroadVoice and Wikipedia

SIP example: SOHO: 

SIP example: SOHO One line, three phones Conventional phone Two SIP phones ADSL connection Router ATA One line rental, three incoming numbers Calls routed to free phone

SIP Example: Telework: 

SIP Example: Telework Larger office with homeworkers Low contention (“Business”) ADSL SIP-compatible PABX Homeworkers Ordinary domestic ADSL Computer connected to office servers Take calls at same time Different incoming number and phone for work Domestic telephone kept free

Comparing SIP service costs: 

Comparing SIP service costs The Phone Co-op £4/month per number £2/month routed number Per-minute rates UK 2p/1.3p Up to 10p mobile France 5.5p Pakistan 30p Vonage £18.99/month per number But free fax “line” Unlimited UK land calls Per-minute rates Up to 15p mobile France 2p Pakistan 12p

Example: 

Example Only a rough guide BT option is simple line with BT Business Plan - BT offers VoIP and other cost saving options 2. BT and Vonage set-up assume you already have a telephone set 3. Vonage provides second free fax line with free minutes 4. Phone Co-op option assumes SIP phone - can be used with VTA and phone instead Add one business “line” where ADSL already installed

Summary: 

Summary VoIP or IP telephony is coming But advantages for early adopters, especially small organisations Different services suit different applications Know what advantages you want before choosing

More Information: 

More Information Wikipedia has excellent summary Try www.whichvoip.com US based but good background info Suppliers www.skype.com www.vonage.com www.thephone.coop www.bt.com

Thank You: 

Thank You Shaun Fensom shaun@manchesterdigital.com