VoIP FAQs

Description

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is also referred to as IP Telephony or Internet Telephony. VoIP refers to communicating via the Internet, rather than the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The basic steps involved in originating an Internet telephone call are conversion of the analog voice signal to digital format and compression/translation of the signal into Internet protocol (IP) packets for transmission over the Internet. This process is reversed at the receiving end.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a voice line that runs through an Internet source. VoIP uses the Internet connection to make or receive telephone calls. (e.g.: Skype, MSN voice chat, Yahoo messenger voice chat…etc)

The difference is that eXeTeL assigns customers with individual VoIP DID (Direct in Dial) numbers for local Australian areas and our servers are located in Sydney rather than internationally.

VoIP does not have any contract periods.

Applying for VoIP

Who can apply for VoIP Services?

Customers can only apply for VoIP provided if they have the following services with eXeTeL:

• ADSL
• Mobile Broadband

How can I order VoIP services?

You can purchase or place an order for VoIP via the Members Facilities area. you can also order a VoIP service on new ADSL application however it will not be active until the ADSL is active.

1. Go to Member Facilities area. 2. Select Order VoIP Services option.

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3. Select the VoIP package you require by ticking the relevant radio button.

4. Add the required numbers to your VoIP contact list by using the Add>> and <<Remove buttons.

5. Order if you need any VoIP hardware and enter the delivery address.

6. Read the given Terms and Conditions carefully and tick the radio button for I agree, if you are agreed with them.

7. Click Confirm Order button to submit the registration.

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8. You will receive an email with the Username and Password.

If you are a new user, you will receive an email containing the User name and Password within twenty four to forty eight hours once the ADSL connection is activated. In case you do not receive such email, you can follow the steps given for existing user in the Members Facilities area.

What ADSL speed do you recommend for VoIP?

Minimum speed 512/128 or faster.

Can I apply to use VoIP service on my uncapped cable connection (Telstra Bigpond).

No, you must have an Exetel ADSL service.

Can I port numbers from the PSTN?

Yes. When you apply for a "Naked" ADSL2 plan there is an option to port the current number on that line to VOIP with exetel.

More information can be found in the FAQ

Otherise a DID will be allocated from a predetermined range of numbers made available by Exetel’s upstream VoIP provider.

Advantages of VoIP

If I have a VoIP service, who can I call?

You can call anywhere exactly like a switched phone service.

What do I need to use VoIP?

A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required such as eXeTeL’s ADSL product. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through an ADSL MODEM or connect a phone directly to a telephone adapter.

What are some advantages of VoIP (Internet Voice)?

Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have an ADSL Internet connection, you may be on the cheapest line rental plan with Telstra Home line Budget at $20.95 per month. You can keep your traditional land line number to receive calls and you can make calls using your VoIP assigned number. This way you will able to take advantage of our very competitive VoIP call rates.

Even better, you may have a naked DSL service which will cost you nothing in line rental charges and use a VoIP service to make your telephone calls.

Using VoIP

Methods of using VoIP

There are three ways of using VoIP:

• Soft phone - Alternate software running on your computer such as Xlite could be used to have VoIP working. Calls could be made and received from a personal computer. The only requirements are a computer, sound card, Internet connection & headphone with a Microphone.

• MODEM with VoIP features - MODEMs such as the "Dynalink 1046" has the VoIP feature inbuilt into the hardware. There is an additional port at the back of the MODEM where a standard hand set is plugged in to make calls.

• Mobile phones - VoIP can be used via mobile phones provided the mobile has HSPA - 3G or WiFi enabled & the mobile has no restrictions with VoIP software been enabled/installed.

How can I place a VoIP call?

If you have a handset connected to an ATA/Modem, simply dial as you would normally. If you are using softphone software with a microphone and headset, you can use the keypad on your computer keyboard or your mouse to dial the number.

Can I use my Computer while I talk on the Phone?

Yes. You can

Can I take my phone adapter with me when I travel?

You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same as from your home or business.

Does my computer need to be turned on?

No. Only the broadband Internet connection needs to be active if you are making calls with a phone and adapter or special VoIP phone.

Can I connect FAX machine to VOIP?

No, But you can use the Exetel e-mail to fax service or fax to e-mail service.

Can a single SIP account accept multiple incoming calls?

Yes.

Can I get incoming calls with softphone software?

You can't receive incoming calls using free X-Ten Lite software. You will need to purchase an ATA if you want this. The Exetel VOIP service recommends that the soft phone software you select uses the G.729 codec for reasons that the table below points out. Here are the differences between the 2 codecs:

G.729

Compressed

Low Bandwidth Usage

Incoming / Outgoing calls

G.711

Not Compressed

High Bandwidth Usage

Only can make outgoing calls

For the lowest recommended ADSL (512/128) connection, you must use G.729.

Is it possible for a call to be forwarded from VoIP to a regular land line?

If you are using an ATA which supports call forwarding (on busy, always etc) you may enter any number (landline/mobile or another SIP account) into the required setting on the ATA and point it back to the softswitch. Exetel’s softswitch will successfully route the call from there.

You can also configure call forwarding via Exetel member’s facilities and it will take 5min to be activated.

Please be aware that the above solution will be billed as follows:

Based on the scenario that A calls B, then B forwards to C.

B will be specified as the originator of the call and will bear all charges for the call.

A will have a duration of 0 seconds and not be billed.

In order to activate theses options you should login to Exetel member’s facilities, once you login click on “VOIP” then click on “change VOIP services”

After that you will be able to click on “Configure” (under configure telephone) please find the below image,

From this area you can:

1) Bar incoming and outgoing calls

2) Activate or deactivate Display Caller ID option

3) Activate or deactivate Voice Mail option

4) Forwarded voice mail message to your nominated e-mail address

5) Forward all calls to different telephone number

Can I bar Outgoing or Incoming calls on VOIP?

You will be able to enable/disable this option via Exetel member’s facilities area.

In order to activate theses options you should login to Exetel member’s facilities, once you login click on “VOIP” then click on “change VOIP services”

After that you will be able to click on “Configure” (under configure telephone) please find the below image,

From this area you can:

1) Bar incoming and outgoing calls

2) Activate or deactivate Display Caller ID option

3) Activate or deactivate Voice Mail option

4) Forwarded voice mail message to your nominated e-mail address

5) Forward all calls to different telephone number

VoIP DID

A DID allow for customers to have the ability to receive calls on their desired location (e.g.: A person that lives in NSW could have Queensland number (DID) which allows the receiver's friends to have cheaper call rates.)

This is also applicable for overseas use, provided there is an Internet source a VoIP service can registered to use. (e.g.: An Australian VoIP DID is registered in Thailand and could call back to Australian numbers and be charged the same rates as a local call VoIP calls) If calls are received then the receiver's friends or relatives would be charged the same as a local phone call.

What is a DID?

DID (Direct In Dial) number is very similar to the Telstra number so that other people can call you on.

PSTN to VoIP

PSTN to VoIP is converting a standard telephone number over to the VoIP service, this allows for the PSTN to be used solely for VoIP. Once a PSTN service is converted over to VoIP it will not be able to covert back to a PSTN service. eXeTeL offers PSTN to VoIP, only with the Naked ADSL 2 services.

Do I need a static IP address for VoIP?

No, It will support devices operating in DHCP mode as well.

Do I need to put a Micro filter on the back of phone where the VoIP is connected?

No, the VoIP runs through the Internet connection and using Micro filter will cause the VOIP to be unusable.

Could I use VoIP at a different country?

Yes. It is possible to use VoIP at a different country as long as there is an Internet source with the right equipment.

What sort of bandwidth do I need to operate a VoIP connection?

The recommended connection speed is 512/128 kbps. You will need roughly 30kbps down and 30kbps up.

Which MODEM is recommended for VOIP?

Depends on how you want the VoIP to work, you can use it through your PC or through your MODEM.
PC = Any ADSL MODEM would do.

VOIP through MODEM would require a MODEM that has the VOIP feature, eXeTeL provides the NB9 Series as well as the Dynalink which both have the VoIP feature.