What is VoIP?

Beginners Guide to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), exactly?
Communication, and the technology used to communicate is the backbone of all business operations. At
Grandstream we understand that, and continue to succeed in delivering award-winning unified communication
solutions year after year.

“
If you’re used to using analog, VoIP can seem a bit confusing at first.
So we developed this starter’s guide to provide you with some basic
information to make the transition easier. This guide will provide you with
a general understanding of how switching over to VoIP can save time and
switching over to VoIP can save time
money as well as increase your productivity. VoIP solutions are also ideal
because of the amount of control it allows companies to have over their
and money as well increase
productivity.

”
communication infrastructure.

Lower the communication Unify your team and Upgrade to the most
costs of your organization. increase productivity. advanced technology
available.
The VoIP Network
Put simply, all VoIP communication is sent as packets (chunks of data) over a LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area
Network), as opposed to traditional copper wiring. This may sound foreign, but most likely, you interact with and use LAN and WAN
every day for your business needs. Your business or organizational network
is an example of a LAN, and the internet is an example of a WAN. Using the VoIP model, instead of having a
traditional analogue or digital service provider, a VoIP provider is required. The VoIP provider assigns
static IP Addresses to your devices, which allows the devices to be identified by the same
number when they are called, every time. These static
IP Addresses connect your devices to the outside
world, and make them accessible to others. For a list
VoIP providers that Grandstream partners with, click
here.

VoIP offers businesses many attractive benefits,

one of the most alluring is a reduction in the overall
cost of communicating. The business world is
increasingly global, and businesses need to keep up
and stay accessible. Grandstream offers a complete
VoIP solution, our product line-up includes:

• IP Phones for Small Business and Enterprise

• IP Android Multimedia Phones
• Complete IP Video and Audio Conferencing
Solutions
• IP PBXs
• ATAs and Gateways
• IP Surveillance Solutions

All Grandstream devices are easily configured and

customized via the user-friendly Web GUI.
Protocols and Codecs
If you have done a little research into VoIP already, you have probably heard of a codec. Most codecs are simply referred to by
acronyms and numbers. To successfully select a VoIP solution, you don’t need to know all the protocols and codecs, just the
basics.

A voice protocol dictates how your voice data packet is sent throughout your network. The most common protocol, and the most
referenced, is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).-it supports the vast amount of VoIP
devices and technologies.

Codecs are the operation methods that are responsible for changing the analog
voice stream coming from your handset into its digital packet for transferring
over your network. Voice codecs determine the sound quality and the bandwidth
required to send the packet through the network. Phones typically cover a
multitude of codecs, from the HD Voice G.722 codec, that goes up to 64 Kbps, to a
lower quality G.729, which is at 8 Kbps.

When choosing endpoints, IP PBXs, and other devices to comprise your VoIP solution, ensure
What does it all mean to you? that they all operate using the same codecs. For the most part, using the same codecs is a
good indication of compatibility.
Unified Communications
The term “Unified Communications” refers to placing all communications under the same
umbrella for seamless control. Unifying the communications of your company, allows for the
combing of analog and IP networks, thereby streamlining all in and outbound communication.
When making a product selection, to streamline your means of communication, it is important to
keep in mind the structure of your LAN and WAN networks.

VoIP and LAN

Internally, VoIP moves along the IP lines within your organization’s LAN. Although all networks are set up
according to the individual organizations’ needs, the configuration will be basically the same with VoIP
products. The majority of VoIP products can be managed and configured via a Web Graphical User Interface,
referred to as a Web GUI, or a Web UI. The Web GUI can be accessed by typing in the device’s IP Address (its
address in your network) into any web browser, this IP address will open a log in page. After logging in, you
can edit and adjust the phones functions, configuration, and features. From a technical standpoint, this is what makes VoIP incredibly
competitive. It seamlessly integrates with your organization’s local network, and can communicate to other devices more efficiently
and effectively.

VoIP and WAN

A fully integrated communications system that exists within your organization’s
network sounds great! While internal communication is important, you will also need
to use your VoIP to communicate with the outside world. VoIP Networks require an
internet connection and SIP accounts or SIP trunks-these can be purchased from a
VoIP provider. As VoIP becomes more common, many household cable and internet
providers also offer VoIP options in addition to digital/analog options. Through these
providers, you can keep the same lines, numbers, and features which you traditionally would have through a legacy phone system,
but at a much lower cost due to communications being transmitted over the internet.
FXO and FXS Network Integration
Many organizations make the transition to VoIP but still keep active POTS legacy lines active as well. This can be done
for many reasons, from wanting to have the benefits of a local VoIP network while using external POTS lines, or simply
wanting to keep some of your old legacy system investments for a few more years. When it comes to these sort of
networks, you may hear the terms FXO or FXS in reference to ports, IP PBXs, gateways and ATAs.

In order to connect a traditional analog phone line to a VoIP system you would need an FXO gateway (or an ATA). This
allows you to connect your incoming analog FXS line, the line from the telephone provider, to the FXO port of the gateway.
The analog phone line is then translated to VoIP. This is a great choice for organizations that want to enjoy the features
and savings of an Internal VoIP unified network but do not have the internet access to support large amounts of external
ingoing and outgoing data.

Legacy communication investments that aren’t quite past their prime can still be protected with the use of FXS gateways
and ATAs. You can use these as tools to connect one or more devices to an internal VoIP network and system, or to even
connect an entire traditional system to a VoIP or ITSP provider. This is one of the best ways to cut costs while still keeping
your existing system.
VoIP Advantages
VoIP is an innovative tool for maintaining a competitive edge in communications and collaboration. You can enjoy many advanced
telephony features without having to pay any additional fees, and the configuration of your network is streamlined and scalable. Your
employees will enjoy an increase in productivity and fluidity throughout your network.

Less Wires. Less Hardware. Less Problems.

When communicating through copper wiring or POTS, the signal must travel across long,
physical distances which can lead to failure. Having communications occur through the
cloud and allows for less physical transfer points and more reliable communication. Less
wires mean less of a hassle, and cuts down on time and resources spent organizing and
maintaining wires throughout your building and network. Since VoIP devices connect directly
into your network, configuration can be done by accessing the devices over their Web GUIs
on your computer’s browser. Additionally, adding, removing, editing, and modifying lines,
extensions, and connections to end-points can all easily be configured solely through the IP
PBX’s Web GUI.

Scalability
Externally, upgrading and implementing your VoIP infrastructure is a much
easier task than it may seem, due to less reliance on functional landlines
and outside POTS lines. Additionally, you will experience a large reduction
in operation costs as a result of not using traditional telephony providers
that require copper analog lines. Internally, scalability is as simple as having
an internet connection for the phone to plug in to. You will not need miles
of copper phone lines to running from point to point. Setting up a new
device and a new extension is as simple as a few mouse clicks, and even
small scale IP PBX’s support a high level of concurrent calls and end-points
compared to their traditional PBX counterparts.
Features and Devices
You can enjoy all the telephony features that were available to you on a traditional network on a VoIP network, and much
more. Call parking, forwarding, hunt groups, HD voice, and call conferencing are all available features to name a few.
Additionally, because the majority of a VoIP network is conducted via software rather than hardware, advanced features are
available on basic end points. This allows for any employee to be able to utilize and take advantage of advanced telephony
features, increasing productivity and simplifying operations. You can even access and share documents, host and join
virtual meeting spaces. Faxes and voicemails can be routed to specific email accounts associated with certain extensions.

Having a physical landline is not required to connect to your VoIP network. Because of this, traveling and road-based
employees can connect to your network from anywhere as long as they have access to the internet. It is even possible to
link your cell phone to your work extension, via a free softphone app to receive calls while out of office or on the road.
Since the technology is based on a network/internet system, it allows for more advanced telephony features to integrate
with a network IP connection.

“because the majority of a VoIP

network is conducted via software
rather than hardware, advanced
features are available on basic end

”
points.
To Phone, and Beyond!
It is important to have the right end-point for the right environment. You wouldn’t put a 1 line desk phone on a conference table
nor would you put a conference phone at a construction site. Lucky for you, the ease of implementation that comes with VoIP
makes finding the right solutions for your environment easy. As if that wasn’t good enough, VoIP technology is not limited simply
to phones. It is a solution for all of your business communications, including data and video. Here are a few different devices and
endpoints that make VoIP great, and some examples of how they can be implemented into your business.

Desktop IP Phone
The key to communications in any environment, these phones have a wide variety of
functionality to fit the roles in an organization, but at their core they are your standard
business class desktop phones. That being said, the requirements for a receptionist phone
versus the requirements of a phone for kitchen staff are very different. Lines, conference
capabilities, call features, and call volume are all examples of phone features to consider.
Desktop IP Phones are ideal for use in offices, work stations, and of course, desks. Feel free
to look through some of our desktop solutions here.

Video IP Phone
Video IP phones are similar to Desktop IP Phones, however they have the
capability to connect to video streams, conferences, other video phones, and
even virtual conferencing software. These phones are great for conducting
face-to-face meetings or joining in on video conferences, these phones are
definitely a great choice for remote workers or for managers who need an all-
in-one communication solution. Additionally, these devices provide home and
residential complex solutions, such as being able to be linked with IP surveillance
devices like entrance door cameras. They are also a great selection for executive
business class phones.
 Business Conferencing Devices
Video Conferencing was traditionally reserved for larger enterprises, however,
due to the cost efficiency of VoIP affordable solutions are now available for small
businesses, startups, and enterprises alikec IP Conferencing solutions exceed the
functionality of older, analog devices. For example, Grandstream’s GVC3200 and
3202 can bridge in Google hangout, Skype, and other video inputs coming from
business conferencing software. The GVC3200 series can also connect to your
network via a Wi-Fi connection to allow for a flexible meeting space with no wires
required.

IP PBX
The IP PBX offers many of the same features as a standard PBX but for IP
devices and IP Services. An IP PBX is the brain that unifies the networks
incoming and outgoing voice, video, and data. Most IP PBX’s come loaded
with features, and can handle large call volumes and data transfer. For an
example, look into our UCM6100 series IP PBX and the features it provides.
The UCM6100 series is a great IP PBX for small to medium businesses and
residential complexes. It can handle up to 500 SIP endpoints, control 60
concurrent calls, host up to a 32 person conference, and has many other
competitive features for small to medium businesses. When selecting an
IP PBX, it is important to consider your business limitations and volume
both presently and what you will be growing into. Because it is based on
IP technology, the great amount of IP PBX’s will allow for a lot of growth
dependent on your business size.

Gateways and ATAs

VoIP can easily be implemented into an existing system as a result of the
flexibility to keep existing end-points and devices. With gateways and ATAs
(analog telephone adapters) it is possible to connect existing legacy end point
devices into a new VoIP network. Additionally, these devices commonly support
telephony features that can be operated on all phones connected to it. They are
great options if you want to take advantage of a VoIP network while retaining
your legacy devices, or if you are looking to slowly integrate into a full VoIP
network. An ATA is a perfect choice for individual analog phones in a small office
or even home environment.
The Right Fit
Choosing your VoIP devices and your network configuration takes a lot of careful
thought and planning. Take into account the roles within your organization and the
network you want to create. What sort of call functionality do you believe each of those
rolls require? What is your existing call volume? What is the anticipated growth in the
next few years??? Will your selection support this growth? VoIP technology allows for
incredibly efficient scalability. Consider mapping out your
organization by position or department and ranking specific

call volume and feature needs. Think of both the current call Grandstream’s Centralized Solution
features you need/possess and the features you wish to have. Most
of all, take your time to explore
and understand the different features and
functions different VoIP end-points
provide and how you can implement them.
Grandstream has a wide variety of VoIP
devices with a strong focus on providing
feature rich devices. To get a feel for what
the market offers, take a look through a few
products in each of our categories.

Why Grandstream
Grandstream devices are very flexible and
offer a lot of sought after features. For
example:
• Android based devices (IP Multimedia
Phones, Audio and Video Conferencing)
• Asterisk-based IP PBXs (UCM Series)
• Zero Config for all Grandstream Phones,
auto-provisioning
• All GXP and GXV phones are shipped with
a power supply, even if they use PoE
Acronyms and Definitions
ATA – Analog telephone adapter. Allows for the connection of Latency – The time it takes for a packet to reach its
legacy devices to a VoIP system. destination. Usually communicated in milliseconds.
Auto Attendant – An automatic response system which POE – Power over Ethernet. Power that is delivered to a device
receives key commands to handle incoming calls. over an Ethernet cable as opposed to a traditional adapter.
BYOD – Bring Your Own Device. VoIP providers sometimes POTS – Plain Old Telephone Service. Your traditional legacy
allow a person to supply their own equipment or ATA. service.
Codec – The way which your analog voice information is Protocol – The way which your voice data packet is sent across
broken down from your handset and into digital packets. your IP network. The most common being SIP.
CDR – Call Detail Recording. Details about a specific call that PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network. The network of
includes duration, origin, destination, and other information. local, international, and long-distance carriers which make up
the traditional telephone network.
DHCP – Dynamic Host Control Protocol. A communication
Protocol that lets network admins supervise and distribute IP SIP – Session Initiation Protocol. The most common protocol
addresses from a central point. used for VoIP.
DID – Direct Inward Dialing. A service that allows individual SIP Trunking – The use of VoIP to facilitate the connection
phone numbers to each person within a local network. of a traditional PBX to the internet. The internet replaces
the conventional telephone trunk, allowing a business to
Echo Cancellation – The process of eliminating echno from
communicate with a traditional PSTN subscriber.
voice communication to improve quality.
Softphone – IP telephone which is run over software rather
IP – Internet Protocol. A virtual address for devices.
than a hardware/software desk phone.
IP PBX – A VoIP version of a public branch exchange that
STUN – Simple Transversal of UDP through Nats. A protocol
allows for extensions and call control.
for assisting devices behind a NAT firewall or router.
ITSP – Internet Telephone Service Provider – A company which
Switch – A device which keeps a record of the MAC addresses
offers telecommunication services based on VoIP.
of all devices connected to it and channels incoming data from
IVR – Interactive Voice Response. A software which allows for all incoming ports to a specific outgoing port.
an automatic operator to understand and assist callers.
VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol. Voice and data that is
Jitter – Variation in the time it takes for packets to travel from transmitted over the internet.
one point to the other.

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