The Jeffrey And Tracey Info Emporium

Broadband phones are becoming more mainstream. There are articles whether broadband phone service reached a tipping point or not. What is clear, though, is that phone service delivered over the public internet is the future of telecommunications.

Let’s take a step back and examine what the uses are for broadband phone service. More specifically, the technology behind it. Broadband phone service is utilized by a technology called Voice Over IP (Internet Protocol), or VoIP. It utilizes the bandwidth (the “speed” in layman’s terms) to send voice packets. These packets are sent like any other data (i.e. email, web browsing etc.). When they reach their destination the data packets are reconstructed and converted into voice!

All of this happens in a fraction of a second but many issues can arise to degrade the broadband phone service quality. A slow connection, bad phone, over-utilized bandwidth and a bad service provider can all degrade the quality of the phone call.

While broadband phone service uses VoIP not all VoIP is using broadband phone service, at least in the traditional sense. Companies with multiple office can communicate using VoIP over direct connections or over the public Internet. Even though between the remote offices they are communicating over VoIP when a call is made outside the company they can still use regular phone service (PSTN or T-1 service). This allows them to take advantage of Voice Over IP without the detriments of broadband phone service.

There are usually significant cost savings by using broadband phone service that can alleviate the negative effects of service quality. For the general consumer this might be an acceptable trade-off. But a commercial enterprise might not want to accept this risk.

Another issue that arises with broadband phone service providers is their longevity. Since it’s relatively inexpensive to start a VoIP company you should be extra cautious about the background of the company before you commit your number. Many consumers have been burnt by using new companies who offered too good to be true deals. Sometimes when it’s “too good to be true” it IS too good to be true. Buyer beware.

There are many cool features that broadband phone companies provide. For example, many of them email you your voice-mails. You can open your email and listen to the audio attachment on your computer. Some also offer a voice menu system that you can change, when you want, on their website.

As the technology matures and the quality gets better broadband phone service will be the norm and old legacy phones will be just that, a legacy from the past.

Cy Yablonsky is a Realtor Associate with ERA Othello Realty, with a strong concentration in technology. Visit Real Estate in NJ to visit the http://www.OthelloRealty.com website. You have permission to reproduce this article as long as this paragraph and all links are live.

VoIP offers many advantages to those who are brave enough to pull the plug. First, VoIP offers incredible savings for local, long distance, and international calls. It also offers great calling features for free that usually cost a fee when purchased with PSTN telephone services. Not only are people choosing to pull the plug from their telephones, but they are also embracing wireless technology as a whole.

With VoIP you have the option of selecting your phone number. In some cases, you can keep your current phone number. You will have to check with your VoIP provider and see what their options are. However, many service providers do provide the option of selecting your own area code. Some companies even have the choice of selecting area codes worldwide. This is a wonderful option for those who would like to choose an area code located where their family and friends are. For your unlimited calling plan, you can call your friends and family any time. But for those who are not on VoIP, they will thank you for giving them the option of calling you on local rates.

VoIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VoIP when you use an Instant Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ, and even Google have VoIP Instant Messaging programs. The benefits of these programs are that they are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VoIP Instant Messengers.

VoIP has proved that it offers great audio quality and is a perfect choice for meeting both residential and business telephony needs. As technology continues to advance, we can know that as we conduct our transactions over VoIP, that the listener on the receiving end is hearing us with crystal clear audio clarity and that the future of VoIP will only have greater products readily available for its users.

Businesses also appreciate the ability to have integrated services. By combining audio, video, E-Mail, and web-based applications, employees can better meet customer service needs and productivity again increases.

As with the future of all VoIP products and services, the FCC and US government is racing to provide rules and regulations. It truly is a technology that is on the cutting edge of innovation. In the past, all of the nation’s telephony needs were Circuit Switched and based on the PSTN network. Today however, VoIP is rewriting the rules of telecommunications. And just when it seems that cellular phone services have worked out all of their issues, along comes mobile VoIP with a whole new set of problems.

Besides security issues, there are other problems besetting VoWiFi, such as weak batteries, the inability to sustain a connection outside of a hotspot or 90 meter range, and the cost of a VoWiFi phone is still expensive. Yet the idea of integrating video, digital cameras, web cams, Email, web based applications, and mobile phones is exciting consumers world wide. And the onset of VoIP is even more thrilling for the potential benefits and savings.

For more information, news and resources about VoIP, Skype and Internet telephones, please visit http://www.howvoipworks.info.

If you’ve ever gotten lost on the way to a business or social function, then it’s time to consider a GPS system. It can pinpoint your exact location and provide a map that shows you how to get to your destination.

How does GPS work?

GPS measures the satellite signals in proximity to your location. The GPS receiver absolutely needs to know where it is! This happens by receiving signals from a minimum of three satellites. If it wants elevation, then a fourth satellite needs to come into play.

Next, is the high end math; GPS locks onto a position and uses trigonometry to calculate its position. This is measured in latitude and longitude. From that point, as long as it stays locked onto your location, it can provide the speed, distance and that most valued of all things; a map to your destination.

What is the signal accuracy of GPS?

GPS signal accuracy is approximately 50 feet. But some systems go beyond this range.

Ground stations help GPS systems achieve an accuracy greater than 50 feet. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) correct satellite orbital errors. With 25 ground stations in the U.S., WAAS calculates and transmits the corrected data to fixed-position satellites. WAAS-enabled GPS receivers reach accuracies of 10 feet or less.

DGPS (Differential GPS) also has a correction method with its network of towers. DGPS systems achieve an accuracy of between 10 and 20 feet, but the downside is that these systems require an antenna to receive the corrected signal.

What options are there for a GPS system?

You can either choose a dedicated GPS receiver with displays, or a receiver that works in conjunction with your PDA or notebook computer. At the lower end, dedicated receivers with displays show the location and basic maps. Others at the higher end offer downloadable capability so you can receive more sophisticated map configurations from a PC.

Pocket PCs, Palm OS devices and notebook computers also offer GPS receivers combined with mapping programs. GPS devices come built into some PDA mounts offered by Akron and Seidio.

Bluetooth GPS Receiver

The Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a stand alone receiver that can communicate with a Pocket PC or Smartphone. To use the GPS receiver with your Windows Mobile device it needs to have Bluetooth capability, or you can simply add the receiver to the unit with a CF or SDIO Bluetooth card.

You don’t have to be exactly near your GPS receiver to use it. This is what is really cool about this receiver. It’s very flexible too. You can place it within 30 meters of your other Bluetooth devices and still have full GPS functionality. Even more surprising…it can actually produce a map and location details while inside a clothing item or in a container.

It’s convenient too. Before you leave for a trip, you can input where you want to go and have it all mapped out when you depart for your new destination.

Consider these factors when selecting a GPS system:

• 1. Watch out for lost signals. The GPS signal with a satellite could conceivably get lost in rough or remote terrain, like in a canyon or forest. This can be minimized with a system that continuously monitors 12 satellites.

• 2. Is the GPS system programmable? What is the data package like? Is it cost-effective?

• 3. What is the power supply like? Some in-car systems come with their own batteries, while others are dependent on the car itself.

• 4. Pay attention to interface. Some GPS interfaces run better than others. Find out about their performance from tech journals and colleagues.

• 5. Look at how the maps and directions are displayed. Do you like the presentation? Is it easy to navigate?

GPS - Gets you on track

Think of GPS as a modern take on that classic refrain heard by car passengers everywhere,”Just ask for directions.” Only now, you can ask your very own GPS system without worrying about getting lost.

Copyright © Rene Tse is on the look out for mobile devices to enhance her productivity. Rene’s reviewed countless sites on the net, but always turns to the one run by herself. Her website, as she says, cuts to the chase and has valued information on:
free GPS cell phones,
free camera phones and Bluetooth cell phones are the best buys for accessories.

I grant permission to publish this article, electronically or in print,as long as the bylines are included, with 2 live links and the article is not changed in any way.

The buzz surrounding Voice over IP technology has been growing for quite some
time, but only recently has the notion of ditching standard telephone service grown
so compelling that companies like Skype can claim over 215 million downloads of
its product. In this article, we’ll explore the current offerings and help you make
wise choices while embarking on the VoIP path.

Let’s start with vocabulary. The most important and oft-repeated acronym you
must learn and understand in regards to Voice over IP is SIP. SIP stands for Session
Initiation Protocol, a well-established, open-standard protocol that is the glue to
the VoIP world. It allows a vast array of services, software, and hardware to work
together to create flexible, feature-rich calling solutions with many attractive
benefits. If it doesn’t support SIP, you shouldn’t support them.

WHAT DO I NEED

At minimum, you need a high-speed Internet connection, a SIP phone number, and
a softphone. A softphone is a software version of an IP phone that lets you make
calls using your computer.

Some services, like Stanaphone and Gizmo, will provide you with a softphone to use
with their system. Most of these will only let you configure SIP numbers that belong
to their network. If you want to utilize multiple SIPs across different networks, your
best option is to use X-Lite, a free softphone from Counterpath (formerly known as
Xten Networks). With X-Lite, it appears you can configure up to 9 different SIP
numbers. Like Gizmo, X-Lite comes in Mac, Windows, and PC versions.

If you want to use your existing phone, rather than a headset or microphone and
speakers, you’ll need an analog phone adapter. Dedicated, SIP-compatible IP
phones are also available. Wi-Fi IP phones can be carried with you and used
wherever there’s a wireless Internet signal. There are also WiFi mobile phones
available.

You should also receive a SIP URL which looks similar to an email address and is a
simple way to share your new contact information. You can easily dial a SIP URL in
your softphone application or link to it from a web page. If you’re using a hardware
phone, SIP Broker has a free service that can maps the SIP server names to short
numeric codes, allowing you to easily dial users on over 200 different services.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT

You can make free calls to other IP phone users worldwide. You can make calls to
traditional phone numbers or attach a local phone number that routes to your SIP
number, allowing regular phone users to call you. If you travel, you can carry that
same phone number with you wherever there’s an Internet connection, and the folks
back home won’t incur long-distance charges when they call you. Free voice mail,
too, and messages are delivered to your e-mail.

In a business situation, you could slash or eliminate your long-distance charges by
setting up free calling between remote or international offices. Videoconferencing
also becomes possible without dedicated line charges. For the more adventurous,
you could also setup a PBX. Asterisk is a powerful, open-source PBX system with a
feature list that can give any sized business the advantages of a full-fledged digital
phone system.

If you work in a scenario where 2-way radios are utilized, DingoTel offers a product
which can turn these in to VoIP walkie-talkies while making use of the radios full
reception range, sometimes up to 12 miles depending on the model.

For the budget-conscious, with some services like Gizmo and SIPphone, standard
phone users in major cities can dial a free access number, enter your SIP number
and speak to you via your IP phone. SIP Broker also maintains a few numbers which
allow callers to dial SIP numbers on any of their 220+ supported networks.

It may seem tedious, but programming the entire of sequence of numbers in to a
phone’s contacts directory is quite straightforward. Just remember to insert pauses
to allow for the phone system’s menu options to respond. If your friends have free
long-distance calling plans, they could reach you via any of the available access
numbers mentioned above at no cost to either of you.

IPKall and Stanaphone will give you a free local number as long as you don’t mind it
being in Washington State or New York City. IPKall will forward your number to any
SIP URL, but Stanaphone’s will only work with the SIP number provided through
them.

Free World Dialup and SIPphone have peering agreements allowing you to SIP dial
users on a number of different VoIP networks using a short prefix. SIP Broker can
also help you reach anyone on a service that allows incoming SIP calls, which
Vonage and CallVantage do not.

There are also SIP-compatible softphones available for the Pocket PC, Palm OS,
Symbian, and Linux handheld markets that can turn your handheld in to a cordless
Internet phone.

SERVICE PROVIDERS

You have to pay when you want make calls to regular telephone numbers. If you
want a local number that links to your SIP number, that’ll usually cost you, too. The
good news is that the prices are very reasonable. There are many service providers,
plans, and packages out there to suit home and business users. Here are some
important questions to ask:

Make sure you understand any contracts, fees, calling rates or restrictions before
agreeing to service. There are numerous service providers offering free and paid
services. With a little bit of research, you’ll find something ideal for your intended
purpose.

OPTIONS

If you’re looking to stay on your computer while having some room to grow, check
out Gizmo. Gizmo is an excellent, cross-platform SIP softphone that works with
network services from SIPphone. In this setup, you could add incoming virtual
phone numbers for $12/3 months or $35/year that will allow folks to call you. All
incoming calls are free to you and to the person dialing (as long as it isn’t a long-
distance call, of course). They also maintains in major cities that users can dial,
enter your SIP number, and then be connected to you free of charge. They also have
decent outgoing rates for non-IP calls and sell making this a solution that scales
well for the average user. There’s even an Adium plugin available for you Mac users
out there.

Stanaphone is a free service from hosting giant Intermedia that also provides you
with a free virtual phone number in the New York City area. You can also receive
faxes sent to your virtual number in your email. Voice mail is also included. You
can also utilize a SIP phone adapter with the service, but you’ll have to pay to make
outgoing calls to standard phone numbers. At 2.6 cents a minute for calls in the
US, they’re a bit more expensive than Gizmo/SIPphone but the free virtual number
and fax receiving are nice bonuses although their service lacks in other features.
Stanaphone has a softphone client for Windows and PocketPC, but Mac users can
also use CounterPath’s X-Lite softphone with the service. The web site also says
only Stanaphone to Stanaphone calls are free, so you might be better off sticking
with Gizmo and their flexible peering agreements.

Free World Dialup offers SIP network services, but also has their own combination
Video IP Phone / instant messaging program. Within one program, you can make
SIP-based voice and video calls and chat with your friends whether they’re on
Yahoo, MSN, AOL, or ICQ. Their traditional inbound and outbound calling service is
still in Beta and a bit more expensive than Gizmo. Their Communicator application
is also available for PC only, although many hardware devices will work with the
FWD SIP network.

A number of service providers offer packages targeted towards specific kinds of
users. Broadvoice, for example, has unlimited worldwide plans starting at $19.95,
while also offering a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) plan at just $5.95 a month.
TelePacket has plans that start at just $0.95 a month while Packet 8 has plans that
target videoconferencing users at $19.95 a month.

SUGGESTIONS

If you want to test the waters, I’d start with trying out Gizmo. It’s a lightweight,
feature-rich softphone that also gets you service through SIPphone. They provide
local access numbers for non-VoIP users to call SIP numbers from traditional
phones, have many peering agreements with other networks to keep you connected,
and support options like virtual phone numbers and offer low-cost rates on calls
made to standard phones to give you a more robust VoIP phone package when
you’re ready.

If you want to take the plunge, check out Broadvoice or Packet 8, who offers E911
service. They both offer robust feature sets, unlimited calling plans, inexpensive
virtual phone numbers, and have a good track record of reliability and service.

As for speaking and listening on any of these services, you have three basic options:
use a quality headset, purchase a phone adapter, or purchase an IP phone. A
headset, of course, is the most economical option. Buying a phone adapter is a
good choice if you love your phone and/or want to continue using your standard
phone service. Most, if not all, phone adapters also plug in to your phone line to
utilize the attached phone for both VoIP and regular phone calls. If you like the idea
of an IP phone and have a wireless network, we strongly suggest getting a WiFi
phone. It offers the most flexibility because it allows you to not only talk wirelessly
at home, but wherever there is a wireless Internet connection.

CONCLUSION

Whether you just want a new toy or are looking for a replacement phone system for
your home or office, the current crop of VoIP offerings present a wide array of
services and options. Review each company’s web site, read the fine print, and
search the web for service reviews and user experiences. You’re sure to find a
suitable solution with the ideal combination of cost, features, and quality that you’re
looking for.

Darrel Farris is Co-Founder of FND Enterprises, a online community creation and hosting services company. Darrel has 10 years of experience working in technology and enjoys making things easier for people. He can be reached at darrel@fndent.com.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 License.

Black glasses with masking tape holding them together and a pocket protector are no longer a required part of the uniform for GPS owners. GPS has gone mainstream. But if you’re still not up to date on what it is and how it works, and if you’d like some advice on what to buy, this article will bring you up to speed.

A GPS device is like a map on steroids. First of all, it always gives you that little “You Are Here” dot – you no longer need to figure that out for yourself. And all you need to do is tell it where you want to go and it will plot the course for you. It doesn’t end there, however. New GPS units will provide you with voice guided directions for the entire trip, tell you where the nearest gas station is, and will even put you back on course if you take a wrong turn.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a system of 28 satellites orbiting earth. It was originally developed for military use, but its uses have spread far beyond just military applications. Your GPS unit can receive signals from these satellites, and by using these signals, calculates your position (within 3-10 meters), direction, altitude, and velocity. Once your GPS unit knows where you are, it can help you get to where you’re going as long as it has mapping software installed. All but the most basic GPS devices currently have mapping software.

Now that you know a little bit about what a GPS device is and how it works, it’s time to educate yourself on the features available and decide which unit will best suit your needs. There is certainly no shortage of GPS devices available, so doing a little research can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Step 1 - Which type of GPS do you need?

There are four main types of GPS units; the car navigation system, the portable outdoors unit, the marine system, and the PDA/GPS hybrid.

If you’re mainly planning on using your GPS to get you from point A to B in your car and don’t think you’d use it for much else, your best bet is the in-car navigation system. These systems can be built in to your car or you can purchase a device that mounts onto your dashboard. Desirable features for the in-car systems are: voice guided directions; detailed built in maps; touch screens; rerouting in case you get off course; and a database with points of interest to help you find the nearest gas station, restaurant, and many more places along your route.

If you’re going to want a GPS device that isn’t limited to the car, then you may want to consider a handheld GPS (http://www.gpsmaestro.com/handheld). These devices are ideal for anyone who loves to hike or bike. Features to look for in a handheld unit are: lightweight, rugged, waterproofing, long battery life, color screens, and mapping features. The handheld GPS units are geared towards people who spend a significant amount of time outside. For example, if you’re out hiking you can easily track where you’ve been; mark your own points of interest; and even find out how far you’ve gone and at what speed. Many new handheld devices offer some navigation features while driving. You can even purchase handheld units that offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your party, but will also display everyone’s location on your screen.

If being on the water and fishing is your thing then you should probably consider a marine GPS. These units are specifically designed to be on and around water. All of these units will feature waterproofing and should have screens that are easy to read even in bright sunlight. Some other good features to look for are: color chart plotters, onshore and offshore maps, fish hotspots, and sonar capability. You may also want to consider a unit that will function as your car navigator, eliminating the need for two devices.

The final category of GPS device is the PDA/GPS hybrid. This device offers a good combination of the car navigation systems and handheld devices. You’ll get the large screen that you’d find in the car system and the portability of a handheld unit. Also, you get a PDA to help you keep organized. One drawback is the limited selection of these units. Only a few companies have attempted to make an integrated unit, and all have some serious limitations.

If you are considering a PDA/GPS hybrid, I’d recommend you purchase the PDA separately from the GPS. Find a PDA that offers all the features you want in your PDA, then look for a GPS receiver that will attach to your PDA via Bluetooth. The features to watch for are the same as listed for the in car systems. All of the current PDA/GPS devices are better suited towards driving than hiking, although they do offer the portability for outdoor activities if needed. This category probably offers the most potential of the four, but it is also the newest, so watch for significant improvements in this category in the future.

Step 2 - Budget Considerations

If you’re on a budget, then it’s important to decide which features are most important to you. If you want a full featured car navigation system, it can easily run over $1000 (and over $2000 if you want one that’s built in). If, however, it would be more of a toy to play with, then a handheld device could be a better choice as they can be as low as $100 and are rarely more than $500. Marine GPS devices vary widely in prices, but a very good device can usually be purchased for no more than $1000. If the PDA/GPS devices interest you, they typically range from $400-$900.

Step 3 - Where to Buy

Finding the right store to purchase your GPS device can be difficult. Most stores only carry one or two kinds of GPS. For example, if you go to a sporting goods store you’re likely to find the handheld GPS units and marine GPS units but not the car navigation or the PDA/GPS hybrids. I actually prefer shopping online for GPS units as the prices will likely be lower, and you’ll be able to read user reviews of the items before you buy. Just make sure that if you have a problem with your GPS you are able to return it.

Owning a GPS can be extremely helpful, especially if you tend to get lost a lot or if your glove compartment is overflowing with outdated maps. They can also make planning a long trip to an unfamiliar area a breeze. Deciding which GPS to purchase can be difficult, but as long as you make a list of the features you absolutely must have then all you have to do is find the units that match your budget. Read reviews from other owners and you should have no trouble at all. Once you purchase your own GPS unit, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.