What is VOIP?
VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol, or in simple terms, phone service over the Internet.
There are two major reasons to use VOIP:
-Lower Cost
-Increased functionality
What are the bandwidth requirements for Routvox?
Minimum and Recommended Bandwidth for VOIP Service
The bandwidth that our VOIP phone service requires depends on the number of concurrent calls you want to make. The table below shows the minimum bandwidth required to make calls from a Phone.com account, as well as recommended speeds for optimal performance.
Number of Concurrent Calls | Minimum Required Bandwidth | Recommended speed |
---|---|---|
1 | 100 Kbps Up and Down | 3 MBps Up and Down |
3 | 300 Kbps Up and Down | 3 MBps Up and Down |
5 | 500 Kbps Up and Down | 5 MBps Up and Down |
10 | 1 MBps Up and Down | 5-10 MBps Up and Down |
80-100KBPs have shown to be the minimum Internet connection speed needed in order to have a quality phone call. To check your connection speed please visit the following website: http://www.speedtest.net/
Can I pick my own phone number?
Yes
What is E-911?
In the United States, E911 (Enhanced 911) is support for wireless phone users who dial 911, the standard number for requesting help in an emergency. Since wireless users are often mobile, some sort of enhancement is needed to 911 service that allows the location of the user to be known to the call receiver. E911 support is mandated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for traditional mobile phone service and, since May 19, 2005, for certain VoIP service.
Can I use my current phone and existing phone numbers with Routvox?
Yes
Do I need special equipment to use Routvox phone service?
You will need a data network that supports the Internet Protocol and which provides connectivity to other IP phones you wish to talk to. Because other IP phones are typically on the Internet, then what you need is an Internet connection, such as through a DSL or cable-modem line at home, or the campus network (routers, or switches) which also is connected to the Internet and also interconnects other IP phones.
An IP phone is also required, and the IP phone requires a VoIP server/service. If calls to standard phones are to be supported via a PBX and the PSTN, one or more gateways to one or more PBXs is required.
Are there any set-up fees?
-VoIP Phone Cables: $75 to $250 per cable run.
-PBX Phones: Hard-lined and/or Soft-lined phones cost around $50 to $750 dollars. Soft-lined phones are software-phone applications which allow accessibility to voip. Hard-lined phones are physical phones which connect to voip services.
-Voip router gateway: $100-$1,500 dollars depending on a client’s preferences.
-Virtual PBX configuration: $100-$500 fees depending on requested setups.
How long is the contract for service with Routvox?
There is no contract.
Can I create my own personal greetings and hold music?
Yes.
What is a SIP Trunk?
A SIP trunk is a direct connection between your organization and an Internet telephony service provider (ITSP). It enables you to extend voice over IP (VoIP) telephony beyond your organization’s firewall without the need for an IP-PSTN gateway. This simpler configuration is easier and less expensive to design, operate, maintain, and upgrade. And because ITSPs deliver services (notably long distance) at substantial savings, your investment in SIP trunking can give a quick and substantial return on investment.
What are the advantages of SIP Trunks?
With SIP trunking, subscribers can:
-Initiate and receive local calls
-Initiate and receive long-distance calls
-Make emergency calls (911)
-Access directory assistance
-Use fixed and mobile telephone sets
-Employee e-mail and texting
-Browse the World Wide Web
When should a business use SIP Trunking?
SIP Trunking allows companies to only pay for the number of lines they need as opposed to getting locked in to excess analog lines or partially-used T1s and PRIs. The savings are realized either by purchasing only the necessary number of channels, or by paying only for minutes used. This allows companies to make more efficient use of communications costs and reduce or eradicate wasted resources.
IP Trunking eliminates the physical connection to a phone company.
What equipment do I need to use SIP Trunking?
The equipment that you will need for SIP trunking depends on your current system. If you have an older PBX system, then you may need a SIP-ISDN gateway bod. This acts as a translator between SIP and ISDN of the SIP trunks and PBX system. Individuals and businesses can run SIP trunking over the public internet. However, the quality will be poorer, including time delays and data loss. It is important to have a strong connection when setting up SIP trunks.