IP telephony is telephone communication over the Internet, and not through conventional telephone networks. This type telephony became possible as soon as the web of the Internet became comparable and even larger than the web of telephone lines that enmeshed the Earth long before the Internet.

The difference between IP telephony and analog telephony is the absence of a traditional cable and telephone set. True, there are options for IP telephony that are outwardly indistinguishable from regular telephone communication, with the usual devices and wires. Communication is carried out through devices with direct access to the Internet. These can be not only computers, but also tablets or mobile devices. An audio headset is also required if the computer does not have speakers and a microphone.

The main advantage is the minimum cost of operation, the cost of paying for calls, in comparison with analog telephony or cellular communication.

Particularly popular this telephony in offices, opening up opportunities for significant savings. After all, office workers do nothing but call the company’s clients, contractors, and for other reasons.

It is important that communication costs are reduced regardless of which region of the country or other state the connection is made with, because for the Internet, unlike regular telephone communications, there are no state or national borders. Simplicity of configuration and a sufficient level of security makes it possible for IP telephony to compete adequately with analog telephony, gradually displacing it for corporate needs.

At the household level, IP telephony was once quite widespread in the form of cards for long-distance and international communications.

Cardtel card for calling from a landline phone via IP telephony

Having purchased such a card for relatively little money, access to the servers of the company providing access to IP telephony was opened from a regular home phone. Numbers for dialing to servers were published on the card, and then according to the usual rules for dialing long-distance or international number it was possible to call another subscriber, but via the Internet, and not via telephone line. And the telephone line was used in this case at the cheapest rate: in the area between the telephones talking subscribers and servers located in the same cities and countries to provide IP telephony.

Basic principles of how IP telephony works

When making a call, the voice signal coming from the subscriber is compressed and converted into a data packet sent via IP networks. Getting to the recipient's address, transmitted information is decoded back, acquiring the format of a familiar voice signal. All this happens in a matter of seconds, thanks to which information is transmitted in real time without loss of broadcast quality.

This positive result is facilitated by protocols that act as a kind of encrypted language that unites subscribers and allows them to transfer data to each other. IP telephony is implemented on the basis of several of the most popular types of protocols.

Connecting and setting up IP telephony

To use the technology, you also need the appropriate equipment: routers, routers, servers, etc.

Software connection to IP-telephony consists in installing, on a laptop or gadget, an appropriate application that supports communication via a protocol that ensures the operation of IP-telephony.

The software is mostly free. To use it, you need an account in the application, into which the data required for operation is entered. A set of basic functions is installed by default; it is possible to expand them and make adjustments to the settings.

The history of IP telephony

Audio and video files, text messages It became possible to transmit over the Internet via ISDN. But this program did not find a response, since it worked very slowly and until 1995, innovative developments were not carried out in this direction.

Then the first example of Internet telephony from the Israeli company VocalTec appeared. But it worked one-way, on the principle of walkie-talkies, requiring identical software from the users between whom communication was carried out. It was also quite common at that time for data to be lost during transmission, mainly due to the low speed of the Internet at that time.

Towards modern achievements of IP telephony

Until 1996, IP telephony developed on the principle of transferring information from computer to computer using communicator programs. But in 1997, the integration of telephone networks with the so-called “packet” networks, in fact with the Internet networks, took place, which became possible thanks to the adoption of the standard H323 data transfer protocol.

Based on this protocol, the first phones began to work, equipped with a special connector for connecting to a data network and requiring not only a telephone socket, but also a separate port. When the switch was overloaded, it took time to rebuild it, which led to a long-term loss of interest in this area.

Changes occurred in 2002, when, with the development of the popularity of the new SIP protocol, which appeared back in 1999, packet telephony began to be actively implemented. After another 3 years, with the help of a new VoIP router, it became possible to operate telephony without turning on the computer at all.

Since then, the popularity of IP telephony has been constantly growing. For ordinary users, it is not of fundamental importance what protocols are used and how they work. Cleanliness of communication is much more important to them, additional features and low tariffs.

Advantages of IP telephony

The main one is the ability to save communication costs, which is especially important when using long-distance and international calls. Also worth noting as advantages:

• Accessibility and mobility,

since numbers in IP telephony are not tied to a specific location, to a specific cable, to a specific connector.

Essentially like this virtual number You can get access regardless of the geography of your location, you only need high-speed Internet access. It turns out some kind of analogue mobile communications, only instead of accessing mobile networks Internet access required.

• High potential,

since the formation of new IP networks is carried out depending on the needs of users and it is possible to quickly expand configurations with the introduction of new services.

• Privacy and Security.

Thanks to encrypted communication channels, access to information to third parties is prohibited, unlike the old familiar telephone networks, to which anyone can connect anywhere where the cable runs.

• Wide range of possibilities,

Using IP telephony – optimal solution for offices, enterprises and organizations precisely thanks to the last point about opportunities.

• Multichannel number functions,
• forwarding of incoming calls,
• voice mail,
• virtual fax and
• blacklisting service

allow you to get the most out of your connection without making any effort.

Most IP telephony services are included in the basic package and are used after paying for the provider's services for such communication. It is possible to increase the number of rooms beyond the original tariff plan, but in this case additional costs will be required.

About the cost of IP telephony

When using VOIP telephony, you can clearly see the dramatic difference in prices compared to analog communications. Calls within the network are not charged, that is, subscribers using the services of one IP telephony provider communicate using software or hardware VOIP phones, saving cash.

Since traffic on the Internet is not geographically referenced, the distance between the region of sending and the region of receiving information also does not play a role, unlike the usual telephone communication, which works on the principle “the further, the more expensive.” additional fee There is no charge for sending traffic in any direction.

When calling mobile or landline phones abroad or to other regions, the cost is also an order of magnitude lower than on an analog network. There is no fee for subscriber line, but it’s true that instead you need to pay for using the Internet according to tariffs.

The cost of calls to mobile and landline phones depends on the chosen direction and starts from several tens of kopecks per minute. The specific figure is related to the cost of services of a provider that supports IP telephony. The company involved in setting up and connecting such communications will help you choose the optimal package based on the customer’s needs. A combination of services from several providers is possible, which is guaranteed to lead to a reduction in bills for communication services.

IP telephony competitor: Skype

Applications for maintaining telephone and video communications, for example, well, compete quite successfully with IP telephony. Similar applications for computers and mobile devices allow voice and video communication between subscribers also via the Internet, and also have attractive tariffs.

By the way, many functions of such applications are generally free. Users only need to pay for Internet traffic, nothing more. For example, Skype calls between two subscribers who have Skype app, are free.

And even group audio and Skype between several Skype subscribers can be free. It is also possible to transmit visual information by “sharing” (organizing collective viewing) one of the computer screens connected to the Skype conference.

IP telephony competitors: mobile operators

In addition, mobile operators do not stand still. They offer their to corporative clients so-called virtual telephony. Its essence is that each employee of the corporation (firm) is assigned short number(3-4 digits), as if it were the employee’s internal telephone number. And all employees of one company can call each other using these short numbers, but using mobile phones or special telephones connected directly to the company’s servers that provide Internet access.

Mobile Feature virtual telephony is that it does not link the employee to the workplace, to a specific city, or even to a specific country. A short number assigned to a company employee “travels” with him everywhere, along with his gadget and SIM card. The result is an analogue of IP telephony that is comparable in price and does not require anything from users (and companies) except mobile phones(smartphones, iPhones) and SIM cards mobile operator.

Results

In general, progress does not stand still, and competition is pushing manufacturers to find more and more convenient ways of voice and video communication between corporate employees and between ordinary people.

And the “old” telephone companies are not standing still, developing their networks and transferring them “to digital” in search of competitive solutions that will allow them to successfully “compete” with IP telephony.

Classic analog telephony is becoming less and less relevant for domestic use. The Voice over IP protocol allows you to transmit sound signals via the Internet, which leads to significant savings on calls, and also expands the list of telephony functions. The principle of operation of the technology is that signals are converted into digital data, which is transmitted through the Network as quickly as possible without interference (unlike telephone networks, where signals are transmitted by wire).

What devices are needed to organize IP telephony?

IP telephony connection options require different Internet Protocol connection methods:
1.Via regular phone. What is important here is availability desktop computer or laptop, as well as an adapter that connects the network to a regular telephone, converting the signal.
2.Through a regular connection of an IP phone to a computer and router for constant access to the network. A computer is required for management (an internal web interface is used).
3.Via a computer without IP devices. For this purpose, a special software(for example, YouMagic). Integration with company CRM systems is possible. A headset is used for communication.
As additional equipment, you can install a mini-PBX or use a cloud PBX service to combine several devices at once under one selected number.

Connecting IP telephony through a computer without a phone

IP telephony connection schemes include various variations of network formation with or without auxiliary devices. Today, users can “wire” an IP phone through a computer or use a PC, laptop, or smartphone as the only device to make calls on an IP network. So-called “softphones” are special programs that have a phone interface. The IP telephony provider registers the user on its own server. Connection to soft telephony is carried out by entering a login and password. Settings are managed via Personal Area user. In this case, connecting a mini-PBX is not required. A VoIP gateway is used to convert the signal from a landline telephone line to IP telephony.

Connecting to a computer

Many people wonder how to connect an IP phone to a computer. All devices of the new class have LAN connectors for connecting a computer and a router (modem). Another connector is used to connect the phone to the network if it does not use PoE technology. When connecting for the first time, you need to enter address bar browser phone address (indicated on the box). This will open the page for setting up and managing basic phone settings. It indicates the server number, password, selected protocol and some additional functions(eg voicemail, anonymous call). Other parameters can be changed in the web interface, where you can also see call statistics.

How else is IP telephony connected?

The formats for using a computer described above are more relevant for small offices and private use. Contact centers use an automatic telephone exchange to redistribute calls. Mini-PBX will allow you to connect several phones to one number, create voice menu and perform automatic redirects. In the presence of landlines You can use gateways to convert the telephone signal to VoIP.

Communication with other cities and countries costs a pretty penny. VOIP (IP telephony) allows you to communicate with anywhere in the world at affordable rates. What it is and how it works is not necessary for dummies to know. It is important to be able to apply innovation.

Besides, Lately Cases have become more frequent when subscribers of traditional networks receive bills of incredible sizes for services that they did not use. To avoid such incidents, you can completely disable the option long distance communication and leave yourself without communication.

Telephone conversations carried out via the Internet protocol allow you to protect yourself from attacks by intruders and not limit your communication.

Why companies around the world are switching to IP telephony

Features of VOIP (IP telephony)

This type of communication appeared relatively recently. And today it is gaining more and more fans.

What it is

Subscribers are connected via the Internet using various protocols. For dummies, the details of organizing services are not needed. The main thing is that the connection is of high quality and inexpensive. Let us only note that two main protocols are currently used:

• SIP - the most popular, ensures user mobility while maintaining their number;
• IAX2 - provides more reliable and high-quality communications, but is more complex to organize and has weak protection against hacker attacks.

The use of modern protocols can significantly save traffic; different mobile devices and applications can work on their basis.

Their users receive the following benefits:

• making voice calls;
• connecting subscribers using video communication;
• transmission of multimedia information, exchange of various files;
• correspondence via text messages;
• the ability to play online games.

Subscribers communicate via the Internet. Calls to landline numbers telephones are carried out using special gateways.

The majority of VOIP (IP telephony) operators provide services using SIP, since it is easier to maintain and organize services.

Benefits from IP telephony

How the connection works

The specifics of using protocols are often not of interest to ordinary users of such services. For dummies, we’ll explain how communication works in layman’s terms. Let’s analyze the algorithm for connecting two subscribers in the most accessible way possible:

1. At rest, both devices must be connected to the Internet and maintain a connection with the selected operators.
2. When the first subscriber dials the internal number of the second, the servers find his location and send him a signal.
3. If the second party accepts the call, the connection will be established.

Communication is carried out via the Internet; traditional telephone networks are not involved here. Therefore, charging is carried out based on the traffic spent.

How IP telephony works

How much do Internet telephony services cost?

Seeing an unfamiliar abbreviation and unusual terms, most users are lost, not understanding what it is. However, communication via the Internet is becoming more and more popular; millions of subscribers already use it every day.

To save money and enjoy such services, you must be a subscriber to one of the IP operators. Interestingly, communication with subscribers of one provider is not charged. Interlocutors only need to pay for the traffic spent on the connection.

Thus, if you have unlimited Internet and the phone is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, calls will be absolutely free.

Tariffs for international calls are also much lower than those of traditional telephone network operators. The cost of a regular connection depends on the distance between subscribers. Since distance is not of fundamental importance for the Internet, international tariffs for connecting to subscribers outside of one provider seem negligible.

To select equipment, you need to answer several questions for yourself.

Popular SIP operators

To communicate using an IP phone, you must become a subscriber to any IP telephony operator. There are similar networks common use, to which anyone can connect, or closed ones, intended, most often, for corporate communications, available exclusively to a limited number of subscribers (office PBXs, communication between remote departments and the central office). Such closed networks, although they operate over the IP protocol, may not be connected to the Internet at all. Therefore, we will talk exclusively about public networks.

Today there are a large number of networks using IP telephony. The most famous is Skype. Communication between network subscribers is free, regardless of their distance from each other. Communication between users of Skype and traditional telephone networks is also insignificant compared to the tariffs of conventional PBXs (Skypeout service). The only drawback of the operator is the ability to pay for services exclusively with electronic money and certain types of bank cards.

SIPNET is a similar network that deserves the attention of subscribers. The protocol that is used to communicate with its users is similar to Skype, but is incompatible with it. That is, users of two different operators cannot contact each other even for money.

The most popular IP telephony functions

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What is VoIP and IP telephony?

IP telephony, VOIP telephony, or SIP telephony - telephone and video communication via the Internet and others computer networks(for example, the network in your office). What is the difference between IP, VOIP and SIP? IP telephony (pronounced ip-telephony) is the general name for telephone communication technology via the Internet Protocol (IP). VoIP (pronounced voip, Voice over IP - literally "voice over Internet protocol") - a more private name for the technology, includes all options for transmitting voice and video over the network (including watching movies online, video surveillance, webinars, etc.). In essence, IP telephony and VoIP telephony are one and the same. When technology was invented, they began to be invented various protocols data transmission, the most popular and reliable of which has become SIP (Session Initiation Protocol - session establishment protocol). Let's summarize: IP telephony, or VoIP telephony, is a technology for telephone communication over computer networks, and SIP is a protocol that ensures reliable operation of this technology.

Advantages of IP telephony

IP telephony is convenient and easy to use, both in the office and at home. The advantages of IP telephony are obvious. With modern developments in technology and data transfer rates, the quality of communication is comparable to traditional telephony and there are beneficial advantages:

• You can connect both a direct landline number and a toll-free “8-800”

• Low cost compared to traditional telephone communication

• No geographic reference:

• You can move to another address, while your phone number remains the same

• You can receive calls to a landline phone while you are anywhere, for example on a business trip, at home or in the country

• Employees working from home is not a problem - they will take calls from office phone while at home.

• Large branch network - easy! All calls to the office are easily forwarded to any of your branches, offices, or stores.

• The number of employees or the number of branches has increased - the issue of providing communications is resolved in minutes.

• You can receive calls to a landline number in one city while in another, or even to a local number in any other country while in your own city.

• Modern technologies for organizing business: VoIP telephony - first of all software solution, which means it can be easily changed to suit your needs, in addition, there are many ready-made solutions. Here are just a few of them:

• Greeting and Voice Menu (IVR)

• Waiting lines

• Blacklists

• Dialogue forms (behavior templates) for operators during a call

• Assigning subscribers to specific operators

• Formation of a customer base

• Call scheduling

• Integration with CRM systems and any databases

• Telemarketing

What do you need to start using Voip telephony?

So what do we need:

1. Select a SIP provider and receive phone number
2. Select an office PBX:

• Virtual (software) PBX on your office server. Both your office server and any computer connected to the Internet can be used as a server. Software office PBXs come in paid and free versions. Free virtual office PBXs, as a rule, require special knowledge, lengthy setup and maintenance. We have developed our own free PBX - . You can see the differences between the main free PBX software in ours.

• Virtual office PBX on remote server with access via the Internet - this is payable service, usually paid for by subscription, the cost depends on the number of internal telephone numbers.

3. Buy the necessary equipment, if necessary.

let's consider simple diagram organizations office PBX on your own server with installed virtual PBX Komunikator.

What additional equipment may be required?

It all depends on your goals and budget size. Various options are possible:

• Use a regular traditional telephone. But in this case, you need to separately buy an analog adapter, or as it is also called (a device that converts a SIP signal for talking on a traditional telephone).
• SIP phone is a telephone device ready to work with IP telephony. There are also such phones.
• Smartphone, or Tablet PC on operating system Android, or IOS (IPhone and iPad) with the application installed.
• Computer - any office computer with installed software (

MICROPHONE required

If the computer has sound card and speakers (headphones) are connected, then this is the easiest way.

The cost of simple microphones is 50-100 rubles.
They are often made with a flexible leg and on a stand.

- If you listen through speakers, then there is no privacy of the conversation.

Method 2

Headset required

If the computer has a sound card, then you can connect headphones and a microphone made in a single design (the so-called “headset”) to it.
The cost of headsets ranges from 300 rubles and above.

The headset must be connected with one plug to the microphone jack, and the other to the headphone output on the sound card.

The connected microphone can be used to record podcasts.
+ Both hands are free.

- During a long conversation, if the headset is heavy, you may feel discomfort.

3 way

Homemade ADAPTER
for a regular (or radio) telephone working as a headset

If your computer has a sound card, then you can connect a homemade adapter to it, to which you can connect a regular telephone or cordless telephone as a headset.

The cost of a landline phone ranges from 350 rubles and above (you can use an old one with a round dialer). However, today finding an old unused phone is not a problem.

The cost of parts for the adapter is less than 50 rubles, not including the 9-12 volt power supply.

The adapter must be connected with one plug to the microphone jack, the other to the headphone output of the sound card (not to be confused with speaker output!).

The telephone conversation takes place in the usual “style”.
+ No one will hear the content of the conversation (relatives, neighbors).
- Source required direct current at 9-12 volts. Since the current consumption is about 20 mA, the Krona battery will not last long (10-15 hours). Larger batteries should be used.
- The call and dialer will NOT work with this connection method. The phone is used only as a headset.

Note There are programs that allow you to dial subscriber numbers from a push-button telephone! But such programs cost several tens of dollars. It's better to spend this money on a SIP adapter, connect to it push-button telephone, and receive/make calls when the computer is turned off (connection method No. 5).

4 way

USB phones

As a rule, USB phones already have a built-in sound card. And even if on the computer no sound card, this will not affect communication capabilities. If only the computer had a free USB socket.

Unfortunately, often such phones only work as a headset. That is, dialers do not always work (you have to dial with the mouse). SIP programs almost always work well in combination X-Lite and "driver" XLiteMate. When using these programs, the dialer buttons will also work.

Ring tones are ordinary audio files in a special program folder XLiteMate. You can replace the melodies with your own.

Structurally, such USB phones are made in three variants:
. In the form of mobile phones with a cord - cost from 300 rubles;
. In the form of landline phones - cost from 1500 rubles (for example, Skypemate USB-P4K);
. In the form of wireless radiotelephones - the price is above 2500 rubles.

The last two points are obviously better not to use. It is cheaper and more convenient to use a SIP adapter, connect a push-button telephone to it and receive/make calls when the computer is turned off (connection method No. 5).

USB handset phones are convenient for travel. They can be connected to a laptop. Where there is Internet, there is communication!
+ Radiotelephones do not have a cord (“base” is connected to USB).
+ Desktop devices are familiar in their use.
- When using any USB phone, the computer must be turned on with two running special programs: SIP client and "driver" ( latest program usually included with the device).

This method is convenient for USB tubes connected to netbooks/laptops when traveling and using Wi-Fi in hotels and train stations.

5 way

SIP ADAPTER
for a regular (or radio) telephone

By connecting a small adapter to the Internet - to which, in turn, you need to connect a regular push-button telephone or cordless telephone - you can get a full-fledged IP telephone that receives and makes calls. In this case, you must remember to switch the phone to tone dialing mode.

The cost of adapters is from 800 rubles ( Linksys PAP2T on eBay.com with delivery) and above.

<= Адаптер Linksys PAP2T-NA

The telephone conversation takes place in the usual “style”
+ No one will hear the content of the conversation (relatives, neighbors);
+ Since the computer is not involved in communication, it can be turned off. Or there may be no computer at all;
- If the adapter does not have a built-in router, you must purchase a separate router with 4 ports. The computer will be plugged into one port, the adapter will be plugged into the other.

If the adapter has a built-in router, then the network cable is included in the adapter. The computer connects to the Internet via an adapter.

Using a SIP adapter to a regular push-button telephone (preferably a radiotelephone) is perhaps the most convenient and inexpensive option for connecting to full-fledged IP telephony without using a computer.

When purchasing an adapter, you should definitely pay attention to how many SIP accounts it supports. This will determine how many servers you can connect to at the same time. The one mentioned above is the cheapest Linksys PAP2T supports two accounts on different SIP servers. However, it also requires connecting two phones at once. Essentially, it contains two independent SIP adapters. You can receive calls on one phone (a cordless phone is convenient), and you can make calls from the other, a landline. Moreover, in this case, you can choose a less expensive cost for calls to certain destinations for outgoing calls. After all, all SIP servers have their own tariff plans.

6 way

SIP phones

By connecting your IP phone to the Internet, you can receive and make calls. The computer may be switched off or even absent.
Such SIP (and/or Skype) telephony devices are the most complete version of the development of IP telephony.

Some models allow you to connect to several SIP servers at once. When making calls, you can choose the most suitable server for a specific direction and reduce financial costs.

The cost of IP phones ranges from 2,300 rubles and above.

There are also phones with Wi-Fi handsets.

Phones with screens for video communication cost from 10,000 rubles. and higher.