FAQs

Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows voice traffic to be transmitted over a data network. Using a broadband Internet connection and subscribing to a VoIP provider such as Telappliant allows a person to make and receive phone calls over the Internet.

Voice is converted by a device from an analog signal to a digital signal and is then sent over the Internet where it will be converted back to an analog signal for the remaining distance over a traditional circuit switch (PSTN).

Ideally you will need a broadband connection with a speed of at least 128 kbps (like ADSL) to ensure good call quality and successfully use VoIP. There are various reasons for this.

1. You need at least 64 kbps download plus 64 kbps upload bandwidth to make an uncompressed VoIP call. Otherwise you will need to compress your VoIP traffic using compression codecs such as G.729 which can decrease the bandwidh to approximately 30 kbps. However such methods of compression are usually used in situations when multiple calls are going over the same connection, not when bandwidth is restricted to under 128 kbps. If you have dial-up you will be very fortunate to achieve decent call quality even when using compression.

2. A broadband connection is 'always on', thereby ensuring that you can receive and make calls with minimum interruption.

3. Depending on how you use your Internet connection, you want to make sure that you have enough bandwidth left over for typical Internet traffic (e.g. emails, web browsing, file downloads).

The computer does not have to be turned on, for your VoIP phone to work, as your VoIP phone will be plugged directly into the router. If however you are using a softphone, the computer will have to be switched on.

There are several advantages to VoIP over a traditional phone service, such as, price, portability, and extra features. Telappliant offer call packages that allow inclusive minutes for calls to selected destinations at one low monthly fee. A person can pick a number, rather than be locked into certain area codes and prefixes. Many features are offered as part of the basic monthly fee, such as call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail, call forwarding on busy etc.

IP PBX is a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) that switches calls between a traditional telephone user or between two traditional telephone users in the same way that a conventional PBX does but has the capabilities to switch calls over IP or VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol), and in most cases use Ethernet IP connections throughout the organisation much in the same way that PCs connect to the LAN.

A hosted PBX is a VoIP business phone system where the "PBX hardware" resides with Telappliant. Rich in features, a hosted PBX can save significant upfront hardware charges because the PBX software/hardware sits remotely at Telappliant's facility and connection is made through the Internet.

An onsite business VoIP phone system is where the PBX, is both an IP system and resides right on premise. The Telappliant VoIPOffice™ Professional is an onsite solution. The advantage of having an onsite business phone system is that it escapes the traditional cycle of having to replace the entire system for upgrades or expansions.

The advantages of a hosted PBX are the lower upfront costs, usually associated with less hardware costs. The usual hardware needed would be IP phones which would connect to the Internet through a router. Telappliant will maintain the software and servers and provide technical support.

SIP (VoIP) trunks enable enterprises to utilise a single Internet connection for making and receiving multiple concurrent telephone calls.

A softphone is the general term used to describe a VoIP phone connection where software is installed, it is used to create a phone connection on a computer. The PC acts as the phone with a virtual phone displayed on the screen. A headset is generally needed for good conversations, one with both a microphone and head speakers.

Usually better, but the quality can depend on many factors like bandwidth, Internet connections over the routed call, and the codec being used by the provider.

Losing power can cause your Internet connection to go down. If this happens you will not be able to make calls unless you are equipped with a back up UPS, which could power the connection for a limited duration. Using a UPS to power your modem and VoIP ATA should allow an Internet connection to be maintained for a short duration and should suffice for short local outages.

Virtual numbers allow businesses to have a presence in different locations in the UK and abroad. This can benefit callers, who by dialing a local number to them, connect with you without having to incur long distance charges.

Telappliant has a range of premium and memorable numbers from which you can choose a specific number or block of numbers. There is a one off fee for premium numbers which is dependent on the number type and monthly fees may also be applicable.

Depending on variables such as the codec in use, a connection should have at least 100kbps on both the upload and download. Compressed codecs, such as G729 use approximately 38kbps per connection, but even in these cases a broadband connection is needed for useable service.

Emergency calling access is available with Telappliant, once users have registered a UK mainland address, excluding users located in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

Telappliant are able to port most UK geographic numbers from many providers as well as international numbers from certain destinations, however, restrictions may apply. For more information, visit our porting page.

This refers to moving your telephone number from one provider to another provider.

We have VoIP communications solutions designed specifically for call centres, so they have available features such as wallboard, queue tracking, agent login etc. Our call centre solutions come as both a hosted option and onsite version.

We do not recommend the use of VoIP for your fax services, as the connection for fax may not be reliable. However, we do offer both fax2email and email2fax services. Email2Fax also removes the need for a fax machine as it enables you to send faxes via your email whether it be to a fax machine or another fax2email number.

A codec is a device or computer program capable of encoding and/or decoding a digital data stream or signal.