VoIP and IP telephony
A strong unified communications strategy starts with voice technology. Explore all facets of enterprise telephony, including hardware and devices, architecture, and standards and protocols like SIP and H.323.
Top Stories
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Feature
07 Jun 2024
The history of telephones explained
The telephone, once a marvel for the rich, became a household necessity. Now, mobile phones and web calls have relegated landlines to near-forgotten relics. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 May 2024
What's the difference between SIP trunking, PRI and BRI?
SIP trunking is preferred over PRI and BRI telecommunications lines because it offers more savings, better flexibility and more integrations with newer technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is Real-Time Transport Control Protocol (RTCP)?
Real-Time Transport Control Protocol (RTCP) is a network communication protocol that works alongside Real-Time Protocol (RTP) to monitor and track data delivery on large multicast networks via RTP's associated transmission metrics. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Aug 2024
What is telephony?
Telephony is technology associated with interactive communication between two or more physically distant parties using the electronic transmission of data. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol trunking)?
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is a service a communications service provider offers that uses the protocol to provision voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia connectivity between an on-premises phone system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2024
What is an inbound call?
An inbound call is typically initiated by a customer to a call center or contact center. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jun 2024
The history of telephones explained
The telephone, once a marvel for the rich, became a household necessity. Now, mobile phones and web calls have relegated landlines to near-forgotten relics. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 May 2024
What's the difference between SIP trunking, PRI and BRI?
SIP trunking is preferred over PRI and BRI telecommunications lines because it offers more savings, better flexibility and more integrations with newer technologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2024
Fixed-mobile convergence could solve UC services gap
With fixed-mobile convergence, enterprises might finally have a way to ensure their employees have full access to UC services on their mobile devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2024
Enhanced 911 transitions to Next Generation 911
Next Generation 911 has improved calling features compared to Enhanced 911, especially when locating callers. But businesses face some compliance problems. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2024
What is VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol)?
VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) is the transmission of voice and multimedia content over an internet connection. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2024
Using Power over Ethernet for UC: Pros and cons
Harnessing Power over Ethernet in unified communications deployments can pay dividends. But the technology isn't suitable for every environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2024
Mobile unified communications: Everything you need to know
Mobile unified communications is becoming an increasingly important strategy for businesses of all types and sizes. Here's everything you need to know about mobile UC. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2024
4 ways to support contact center calling redundancy
Cloud-based unified communications systems offer more reliability, but that doesn't mean they're immune from system failures. Learn how to safeguard your contact centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2024
VoIP codecs explained: How to optimize VoIP quality
The key to a high-quality VoIP call is the right codec. Explore common codecs, their features and potential drawbacks to choose the right one for VoIP optimization. Continue Reading
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Quiz
22 Nov 2023
Test your knowledge of E911 compliance requirements
Compliance with E911 regulations must be a core part of an organization's phone system strategy. Take this quiz to see how well you understand E911 compliance requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Nov 2023
rich communication services (RCS)
Rich communications services (RCS) is a communication technology protocol that provides enhanced, or "rich," capabilities for messaging, voice, video and file transfer. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Nov 2023
Navigating E911 in the hybrid workplace
Companies are finding it more challenging than ever to comply with E911 regulations. Learn how you can minimize risk and ensure your workforce remains safe. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
6 key strategies to ensure 911 compliance
A mobile and hybrid workforce makes phone location and 911 call routing challenging. Explore ways to ensure your company is doing all it can to protect employees in an emergency. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Sep 2023
Using generative AI to improve VoIP communications
Generative AI has the potential to dramatically reshape how companies manage their VoIP communications. A more intelligent chatbot could do a lot of wonders. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2023
analog telephone adapter (ATA)
An analog telephone adapter (ATA) is a device used to connect an analog telephone, fax machine or similar equipment to a computer or network to enable communications over the internet. Continue Reading
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Quiz
17 Aug 2023
MS-700 practice exam tests Teams phone system knowledge
This practice test for the MS-700 Managing Microsoft Teams exam quizzes readers on how to manage the Teams phone system, from call queues to Direct Routing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2023
Prepare for Teams admin certification with MS-700 study guide
Learn the administrative responsibilities for the Teams phone system in this excerpt from 'MS-700 Managing Microsoft Teams Exam Guide.' Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2023
UCaaS vs. VoIP: What's the difference?
Both UCaaS and VoIP offer some compelling benefits, but which approach works better depends on how your organization is structured. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2023
leased line
A leased line is a bidirectional telephone line that has been rented for private voice, data exchange or telecommunication use. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jul 2023
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3)
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) is a method to compress and store audio. An MP3 can compress a music file by up to 95% of its original CD-quality size while maintaining good enough audio quality. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2023
cloud telephony (cloud calling)
Cloud telephony (cloud calling) is a type of unified communications as a service (UCaaS) that offers voice communication services through a third-party host. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jun 2023
quality of service (QoS)
Quality of service (QOS) refers to any technology that manages data traffic to reduce packet loss, latency and jitter on a network. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jun 2023
SIP trunking vs. VoIP: What's the difference?
SIP trunking and VoIP share some similarities, but they have key differences in origin and functions. Learn how together they form the cornerstone of IP telephony. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jun 2023
bring your own carrier (BYOC)
Bring your own carrier (BYOC) is a method of letting businesses choose their own carrier to connect their unified communications provider to the public switched telephone network. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2023
sound card
A sound card is a computer component responsible for generating and recording audio. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jun 2023
Explore UCaaS architecture options and when to choose them
The first step to a UCaaS migration is choosing the deployment architecture. Learn how to choose which UCaaS architecture best suits your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
private branch exchange (PBX)
A private branch exchange is a telephone system within an enterprise that switches calls between users on local lines, while enabling all users to share a certain number of external phone lines. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 May 2023
incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC)
An incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) is a type of U.S. telephone company that provided local service when the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was enacted. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2023
fax
A fax -- short for 'facsimile' and sometimes called 'telecopying' -- is the telephonic transmission of scanned-in printed material, including text or images. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2023
Source of 3CX supply chain attack unclear as fallout continues
Multiple statements originally referenced a third-party library as the apparent source for 3CX's recent supply chain attack, but that may no longer be the case. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2023
3CX desktop app compromised, abused in supply chain attack
3CX customers noticed that several threat detection platforms began flagging and blocking the UC vendor's desktop application last week due to malicious activity in the executable. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2023
Enterprise Connect 2023 highlights Microsoft Teams, ChatGPT
The annual unified communications conference once again spotlights current and future industry trends as IT leaders weigh their business and technology investments. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Mar 2023
vishing (voice or VoIP phishing)
Vishing (voice or VoIP phishing) is a type of cyber attack that uses voice and telephony technologies to trick targeted individuals into revealing sensitive data to unauthorized entities. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Mar 2023
What is a jitter buffer used for?
Jitter buffers play a key role in supporting audio quality and mitigating network anomalies. Learn how jitter buffers work and their potential drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2023
The state of PSTN connectivity: Separating PSTN from UCaaS
UCaaS isn't for everybody. Some organizations are keeping their phone systems on premises to maintain control over PSTN access, cut licensing costs and ensure service reliability. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2023
UC vendors extend mobile telephony capabilities
UC providers like Cisco and Microsoft are expanding mobile voice services in their platforms, enabling employees to use native dialing and more advanced mobile features. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2023
IP address (Internet Protocol address)
Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique numerical identifier for every device or network that connects to the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
Compare Microsoft Teams Operator Connect vs. Direct Routing
As more companies migrate their telephony to Microsoft Teams, IT departments have two options to bring their current PSTN provider to the Teams platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
jitter
Jitter is any deviation in, or displacement of, the signal pulses in a high-frequency digital signal. Continue Reading
- Definition 02 Dec 2022
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Answer
29 Nov 2022
What are SBC configuration best practices?
Proper SBC configuration requires partnering with providers and security teams to examine circuits and potential traffic. Learn the best practices for implementing an SBC on your network. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2022
How to combat voice security issues in collaboration platforms
Enterprise collaboration is an integral part of doing business. But companies must learn to guard against voice security issues that could compromise their networks. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Oct 2022
Are Microsoft Teams calls encrypted?
Microsoft Teams calls are encrypted at rest and in transit. But organizations that want an additional layer of security can enable end-to-end encryption for one-on-one calls. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2022
5 steps to manage desktop phone systems for hybrid work
Even as hybrid work gains traction and video communications grows, some employees still prefer using desktop phones. Supporting these devices means making sure they're up to date. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Aug 2022
A-weighted decibel (dBA or dB(A))
A-weighted decibel (dBA or dB(A)) is an expression of the relative loudness of sounds as perceived by the human ear. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jul 2022
analog-to-digital conversion (ADC)
Analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) is an electronic process in which a continuously variable, or analog, signal is changed into a multilevel digital signal without altering its essential content. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2022
Zoom One bundles services to draw single-vendor customers
Zoom ties its services together in Zoom One as it evolves from a video conferencing app to a communications platform. The company targets firms that want a single UC vendor. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2022
Cisco adds calling during internet outages to Webex
Cisco will make Webex Calling less reliant on internet connectivity to increase its appeal to healthcare and other industries requiring a highly reliable phone service. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2022
sound wave
A sound wave is the pattern of disturbance caused by the movement of energy traveling through a medium (such as air, water or any other liquid or solid matter) as it propagates away from the source of the sound. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 May 2022
VoIP gateway vs. PBX: What is the difference?
When calls are transmitted over a VoIP gateway, voice data packets are assembled at the edge of the network. An IP private branch exchange uses a much different model. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2022
Microsoft bolsters Teams Operator Connect options
Microsoft plans to bring more telephone companies into its Teams Operator Connect program. The initiative pairs telcos with integrators experienced with Teams telephony. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Apr 2022
microphone
A microphone is a device that translates sound vibrations in the air into electronic signals and scribes them to a recording medium or over a loudspeaker. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2022
Build a strategy for compliance with federal 911 laws
Federal 911 laws are now fully in effect. Learn what your organization's obligations are to ensure PBX and phone system compliance with Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2022
Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU)
In telecommunications, the Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) is a contractual agreement (temporary ownership) of a portion of the capacity of an international cable. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Mar 2022
Erlang C
Erlang C is a traffic modeling formula, primarily used in call center scheduling to calculate delays and to predict waiting times for callers. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2022
codec
A codec is a hardware- or software-based process that compresses and decompresses large amounts of data. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2022
telegraph
A telegraph is a communication system that sends information by making and breaking an electrical connection. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2021
UCaaS for frontline workers poised for adoption 'explosion'
The unified communications and collaboration market has historically neglected customer-facing and field workers. But experts suggest a frontline UCaaS boom could be on the horizon. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2021
Zoom to blur lines between video, phone meetings
Zoom Phone head Graeme Geddes said the lines between video meetings and phone calls will blur, allowing workers to choose the best communication tool for their needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2021
5 ways AI can turbocharge enterprise voice for a new era
Five trends spotlight how AI could revolutionize how an old technology -- voice -- will be deployed in tomorrow's work environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Nov 2021
VoIP caller ID (voice over Internet Protocol caller identification)
VoIP caller ID (voice over Internet Protocol caller identification) is a caller ID application for VoIP phones that works in the same way as caller ID on a conventional telephone line. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2021
Cisco Webex Calling bolsters business calls on private phones
Cisco Webex Calling will soon let customers' employees use their private phones to make business calls securely and in compliance with corporate policies. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2021
How to integrate your phone system with Microsoft Teams
Before organizations migrate their existing phone systems into Microsoft Teams, they need to select the right telephony architecture that fits their business needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Sep 2021
What is a H.323 gatekeeper?
A gatekeeper is a management tool for H.323 multimedia networks. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Jul 2021
What are effective ways to secure SIP connections?
Ensuring a secure SIP environment is critical for enabling employees to communicate over the internet. What are some key strategies to protect your network? Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jul 2021
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol used for initiating, maintaining, modifying and terminating real-time sessions that involve video, voice, messaging and other communications applications and services between two or more endpoints on IP networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2021
Zoom Phone system offers flexibility, simplified infrastructure
The Zoom Phone system offers simplicity and flexibility to support remote and hybrid work. IT leaders at Enterprise Connect Virtual discuss their Zoom Phone migration strategies. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2021
Do you need to manage QoS when deploying VoIP over LAN?
QoS is an essential component of VoIP over LAN; modern network devices make it easy to implement. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2021
VoIP phone
A VoIP phone is a hardware- or software-based telephone designed to use voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to send and receive phone calls over an IP network. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2021
IP telephony (Internet Protocol telephony)
IP telephony (Internet Protocol telephony) is a general term for technologies, products and services that use the Internet Protocol's packet-switched connections to support voice calling, voicemail, video calling, video conferencing, faxing and instant messaging. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2021
5 best practices for a Microsoft Teams telephony migration
When planning a migration to Microsoft Teams telephony, organizations should follow five key best practices that address technical requirements and end-user adoption. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2021
Microsoft Teams partners extend phone system capabilities
While the Microsoft Teams phone system can meet most needs for organizations, connecting Teams to third-party partners can provide additional features, resiliency and support. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Apr 2021
What is voicemail and how does it work?
Voicemail capabilities have evolved since the early days of answering machines. Learn what voicemail is and how features have advanced as the technology became digital. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Feb 2021
How do you manage cloud telephony E911 location information?
Tracking E911 location information can be tricky when moving telephony to the cloud. But organizations have a few options to ensure that emergency calls are properly routed. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
Evaluating Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams telephony
Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams may be the best path to the PSTN for most companies. But organizations should weigh their specific needs when choosing a Direct Routing partner. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jan 2021
How is remote work affecting enterprise telephony?
Enterprise telephony is on the decline as remote and home-based workers lack access to enterprise phone systems or seek alternative modes of communication. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jan 2021
What does 'bring your own carrier' mean for UCaaS platforms?
Migrating to UCaaS doesn't always mean an organization can keep its PSTN or SIP carrier. But some providers are taking a 'bring you own carrier' approach to offer more flexibility. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2020
Evaluating endpoints for an Asterisk-based phone system
Enterprises building an Asterisk-based phone system have three endpoint options. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these endpoints in this book excerpt. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Dec 2020
What are the benefits of centralized SIP trunking?
More efficient management and lower costs are just some of the advantages of centralized SIP trunking. Find out why it's better to place trunking components in one place. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Nov 2020
How has Twilio SIP trunking disrupted the market?
Making it easier for companies to deploy a SIP trunk was just part of Twilio's strategy. It was Twilio SIP trunking pricing that really changed the game. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Nov 2020
How do NG911 standards make the technology superior to E911?
NG911 standards mean more accurate location tracking for emergency calls on IP-based communications systems, and more efficient response by police, EMTs and firefighters. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2020
Enterprises mull software-based business phone alternatives
Cellphone usage has outpaced POTS in the home, so why are enterprises still using desk phones? Business phone alternatives can save companies time and money. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2020
Zoom Phone system users share their success stories and setbacks
Tech leaders at Zoomtopia explained how migrating to the Zoom Phone system provides their employees with an integrated communications experience and improved business continuity. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
SIP phones support coming to Microsoft Teams
Microsoft plans to add SIP phone support to Teams next year. The move will significantly increase the phone options for enterprises using the cloud-based collaboration service. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2020
How to address a Microsoft Teams telephony integration
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss approaching a Microsoft Teams telephony integration, the latest UC market evolution and Vonage's role in the telehealth vertical. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2020
What are the benefits of a virtual session border controller?
A virtual session border controller can help companies meet increased demands without requiring the installation of costly and dedicated hardware. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Apr 2020
How do you measure jitter and what tools can you use?
What's the best way to accurately measure jitter? There are a variety of tools, but it's important to pick the one that's right for you. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2020
Enterprises need to meet E911 compliance for teleworkers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt business as usual, enterprises need to meet E911 compliance for teleworkers' emergency calls with accurate location information. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2020
How do you address QoS in cloud communication networks?
To ensure UCaaS traffic runs smoothly across your network, provision sufficient WAN bandwidth, provide low latency and implement QoS controls on WAN routers. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2020
The 3 benefits of maintaining T1 and E1 lines
T1 and E1 lines may be old technology, but they have advantages over more modern internet connections. Learn the three benefits T1 and E1 offer compared to internet links. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2020
Avaya details feature roadmap for Avaya Cloud Office by RingCentral
Avaya provided new details this week on the special features it will add to Avaya Cloud Office to make it different from RingCentral's product. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2020
Lenovo launches latest video phone for Microsoft Teams
Lenovo has released a tabletop video calling device for Microsoft Teams designed for home offices, personal desks and the smallest meeting rooms. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2020
Explore 6 SIP trunk providers with these comparison points
Explore these six SIP vendors and the pros and cons that they each introduce to your company's telecommunications system. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Dec 2019
E1 and T1 vs. ISDN: What are the differences?
T1, E1 and ISDN network technology have been used to transmit voice data for years. Compare the similarities and differences between E1 and T1 vs. ISDN links. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Dec 2019
How should organizations approach API-based SIP services?
Organizations need SIP services to connect and disconnect call sessions. Now some SIP services are offered through APIs, which expand the use cases and capabilities. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Nov 2019
Why organizations need SIP services now
Whether you realize it or not, your company needs Session Initiation Protocol. As legacy telephony networks wind down and cloud-based voice services continue to grow, SIP services are necessary to ... Continue Reading