What is a Codec? G.729 vs. G.711
G.729 vs. G.711 The word “Codec” has two meanings in the technology world. The term originally stood for coder/decoder – typically a hardware-based device that performed digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion. One well-known example is a modem, used to transmit data over analog telecommunications lines. The second, and now more common meaning of ‘codec’ is compression/decompression. It describes […]
An Insider’s Guide to the Conference Bridge
What is a Conference Bridge? The conference bridge allows a group of participants to attend the same phone call. At your request, our support desk will activate a conference bridge at no additional cost to your account. The bridge supports as many participants as your company has active seats with SpectrumVoIP. Each participant uses their own […]
What is Call Park and How Can it Improve Customer Service?
What is Call Park with SpectrumVoIP? The Call Park feature allows you place a call on hold and ‘park’ it in the cloud, freeing up your phone and allowing the call to be picked up on a different extension by another employee. This is a useful feature for minimizing caller hold times and improving customer […]
What is POE (Power Over Ethernet) and How Does it Work?
Power over Ethernet Power Over Ethernet is a technology that enables electrical currents to be transmitted over standard Ethernet network cables rather than traditional power cords. POE is a convenient way to supply power to devices like VoIP phones, security cameras, and RFID readers, without having to install dedicated electrical wiring. If a device is […]
What is QoS and how does it enhance your call quality?
Quality of Service for IP Phones QoS (Quality of Service) describes a concept whereby data bandwidth and error rates can be measured, improved and guaranteed. QoS is especially important to real-time traffic like voice and streaming multimedia, where any data loss or delay would result in unacceptable audio or image quality. Delivering sufficient QoS is […]
Why Traffic Shaping is Important for Your Voice over IP Traffic
What is Traffic Shaping? Traffic shaping (also known as bandwidth shaping or packet shaping) is a method of regulating network data flows to ensure a consistent throughput or quality of service (QoS) for specific applications. It involves delaying the transfer of low-priority packets while expediting the transfer of high-priority packets to achieve the desired traffic […]
SpectrumVoIP Monthly VoIP News Roundup: Top Stories for July 2017
VoIP Providers Must Resume Certification Under Reinstated FCC CPNI Rules On June 26, the US Federal Communications Commission reinstated its Customer Proprietary Network Information regulations for voice service providers. This follows a repeal by Congress of the FCC’s 2016 Privacy Order that extended the regulations to broadband Internet services. The move means VoIP and telecom […]
Is VoIP Safe from Surveillance?
You may be wondering how well VoIP calls are protected from surveillance by government agents and others. We’ll give it to you straight: The bad news is that no communication method is perfect. No matter what you do, there’s always a chance that your messages will be intercepted or overheard. Privacy is an always-escalating battle […]
How VoIP Makes Virtual Commuting Easier than Ever Before
Let’s say it’s a Monday morning, and you’re just waking up. And in your mind are two clear thoughts: I need coffee. Bad. I am not going into that office today. But let’s also say that you’re committed to getting your work done. You just can’t bear to do it in the office, for whatever […]