VoIP - What do I need to get started?

D

DuCy

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Hey you VoIP Savvy's!

I see everybody uses VoIP (Skype mostly) and I wonder if I am VoIP compatible
Ok this is my setup: I do not have ADSL line az yet (Issues with Telk:mad: m) so I am currently using MTN 3G/HSPDA data card adapted on my desktop pc. The stable connection speed I get with MTN is 385-540kbps at most.

Can you guys recommend a VoIP service that suit my setup, I'd also like to know if there is anything I’ll need to add to my setup. I have many friends overseas who call most of the time so I want to return the favor in a less expensive way possible.

Thank you
 
If it helps I once got Google Talk voice working one way (I didn't have a mic...) over dialup, prehaps just download something and try it out?
 
Skype

AFAIK Skype is one of the most bandwidth savvy apps around. No guarantees tho' with regards your 3G/HSDPA connection - VOIP may be shaped out of the picture, but no harm trying... To test, try one of the www.voipbuster.com or www.internetcalls.com Betamax services - Skype outperforms them both, but you can get one minute freebies to international destinations on them... even if it's to call a 976 new york exchange...
 
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DuCy said:
Hey you VoIP Savvy's!

I see everybody uses VoIP (Skype mostly) and I wonder if I am VoIP compatible
Ok this is my setup: I do not have ADSL line az yet (Issues with Telk:mad: m) so I am currently using MTN 3G/HSPDA data card adapted on my desktop pc. The stable connection speed I get with MTN is 385-540kbps at most.

Can you guys recommend a VoIP service that suit my setup, I'd also like to know if there is anything I’ll need to add to my setup. I have many friends overseas who call most of the time so I want to return the favor in a less expensive way possible.

Thank you
Click to expand...


DuCy, the thing with voip, is not really your connection speed, some voip codecs can use as little as 9kbps and even the more "quality" codecs are only using 64kbps each direction, but rather your latency and jitter (latency variation).

I have no experience of MTN hsdpa, but using vodacom hsdpa with an adequate signal level (3-4 bars) i have found voip works fine for what i call friends and family. Ie if you can live with some latency (speach lag) of 500 - 1000ms and the odd break then its very well worth it.

Basically all you need is some headphones with a mic even the cheapest will do, and download a voip program - start with Skype and see how you go.
 
Hey Daveogg - do you know of ways to control the bit rate of Skype - is there a way to set it at the lowest reasonable rate and leave it there, or is that one of those "autocalulated" things.?
What else can I consider to manually adjust the bitrate - any other software? 9kbps sounds gr8 to me.
Thanks!
 
Daveogg: can you clarify this for me. Can I use Skype to call any Landline or mobile number locally/internationally or Its limited to only other Skype users?.
 
Ed

Skype chooses the codec it wants to use depending on your bandwidth quality cpu etc - no way to override it. Generally the SIP providers you can specify the codec you want to use. So i use Voipdiscount via a linksys spa3000, which allows me to specify a preferred or even force a codec( i use 729a 8kbps+ overhead each way). If you are using a softphone(like xten) then you can also specify the codec.

DuCy

To phone Landlines etc you will need to buy skypeout credit. Skype.com has a list of all the call rates, but common destinations are about 1,7 euro cents or R0.15 / min. Various options to buy credit from a credit card(sometimes Sa credit cards get rejected for no apparent reason) to paypal.
 
Our USB Handset supports over 15 major softphones

I have not tried MTN data card so far, but I am using Vodacom 3G data card to make Voip phone call all the time, during my client visits. The voice quality is quite good.Besides the Free PC to PC phone calls, If you want to call landline or cell phone in SA, the VoipBuster and VoipStunt offers the best call rate at the moment, it's 3 Euro cent to SA landline, while Skypout costs 5.5 Euro cent. Moreover, if you bought 10 euro credit from either VoipBuster or VoipStunt, you can make unlimited PC to landline or cell phone phone calls to 20- 40 countries around world for Free, including UK, USA, Germany,Taiwan etc. For details, pls visit www.voipbuster.com, www.voipstunt.com.

Our USB Handset AU-100 supports over 15 major softphones, including Skype,VoipBuster, VoipStunt, MSN, Yahoo call Centre, Eyebeam etc. You can use the big function key in the middle to press left or right to choose your Skype or VoipBuster buddies online, up or down to adjust the volume, easy to use like a cell phone. If any of your online friends call you, it will ring.

The latest Dialer is available to download from
www.skypenow.net/USB Dialer.exe
The USB Handset is available for sell at www.digitalplanet.co.za and www.bidorbuy.co.za
 
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Thank's to all of you Guys for your input on this, After this I am sure I'll make an informed decision when choosing my VoIP service.

Thank you
 
Does anyone know of a Skype/SIP/IP phone that does not need to be connected to a PC to be used ? Phone can get power via PoE and software runs on the phone ? Know this sounds a bit far out.

Regards
debug
 
We have just trialed a VOIP product from GVSC. It is a telephone that connects directly to ur ethernet port and ur network cable for ur pc can be connected to the back of the phone. U can connect directly to a router and therefore bypassing the pc.U get given a number which u can dial other people for free (like skype but without the software). U can also make calls to normal phones and cell phones at a slightly reduced fee. I must say for the week we had the phone it was awesome. To contact them : 011 450 3401 or [email protected]
 
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