Why You Should Trust Your VoIP Connectivity to Patton SmartNode Gateways, Routers, and Session Border Controllers

November 7, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

Patton Electronics provides network access and connectivity products such as gateways, routers, and session border controllers that support just about every telephony interface so that you can take advantage of VoIP in a variety of ways that suit your needs or existing infrastructure.

Back in 2012 we posted an interview with Tyler Delin, Product Manager at Patton, who gave us a background on the company.

“Patton is a family-owned-and-operated business that was started in 1984 by the three Patton brothers while students in college,” said Delin.

Delin went on to explain further:

“Patton’s niche was making modems and connectivity products for the telecommunications industry. Over the years Patton has taken those simple beginnings and expanded into a manufacturing company that today employs more than 170 people and provides over 1,000 products, with a focus on VoIP and Ethernet extension technologies. Today, Patton equipment is up-and-running in carrier, enterprise and industrial networks all over the world. We are headquartered right outside of Washington DC in the famous “technology corridor” and we have regional offices in strategic locations across the globe, with training and technical-support centers in Switzerland, Hungary, Italy, Lebanon, India and Vietnam.”

Patton SmartNode Gateways

Patton SmartNode gateways and routers integrates IP and TDM communications so that you can use voice-over-IP.

Common applications include:

Connecting traditional phones and PBX to a VoIP service provider (SIP Trunking)
Migrating a legacy PBX to an IP PBX
Gateway to the PSTN for an IP PBX

SIP Trunks Can Still Use PSTN Connectivity for Local Calls and Fallback

Patton helps you connect to VoIP but their line of SmartNode devices offer helpful PSTN features such as PSTN connectivity for local calls.

SIP trunks are great for saving money, powerful features, and more. But if your business has a high volume of local calls, continuing to utilize the PSTN with your SmartNode gateway may provide some benefits.

And if your business has multiple locations in different areas of the country, you can link Patton FXO gateways at each location via the Internet allowing you to take advantage of low cost, local PSTN calling in each region.

Additionally, for any business that relies on SIP trunking for telephony, SmartNode VoIP gateways can provide PSTN fallback in the event of an Internet outage.

Call centers live and die with voice connectivity. They can add a Patton SN4300 VoIP Gateway to their server closet to access the PSTN for failover, local calls, or just a gradual migration to VoIP and not have to worry about downtime.

Why trust Patton?

Unlike their competitors, Patton’s gateways include FREE post sales technical support and configuration help, including a 1 year warranty.
Patton’s SmartNode products offer gateway and router solutions with just about every telephony interface: PRI, BRI, T1, E1, etc so they will work with your network!
SmartNode supports SIP, H.323, and MGCP VoIP technologies.
SmartNode is a mature product, it has stood the test of time and is tested and deployed in hundreds of real-world networks.
When using 3CX, Patton works seamlessly as your gateway to the PSTN. Simply choose your Patton Gateway from the 3CX drop down menu.

Free Support and Upgrades

Patton offers the best customer support in the industry and it’s free.

You can call Patton before or after you purchase a SmartNode device and they will answer your questions free of charge.

They also offer guaranteed response and remedy times plus as 24/7 support, for an additional fee.

And if you’re in need of professional services, Patton can help you with system design, installation, configuration and more.

All Patton products have a standard 1 year warranty. Patton Enhanced Warranties are also available if your business needs advanced replacement protection should the device fail – If your unit goes down, your replacement will be shipped next-day priority at no cost to you.

Click here to learn more about Patton SmartNode VoIP Gateways or, call us at 800-398-VoIP for more information.

VoIP Q&A: Block Caller ID on a SIP Trunk, DTMF Pause for VoIP System, Polycom Handset Warranty

October 30, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

Our tech support team here at VoIP Supply offers great pre- and post-sale support plus provisioning, consultations, configuration, and installation help.

We get a lot of VoIP hardware and software questions and realized that these solutions should be shared with everyone.

Here now are our top three (real) questions and answers from this past week (from VoIP users just like you).

Block Caller ID on a SIP Trunk

Q: I have a customer with a Xorcom XR1000 IP PBX. Because they are a social service agency helping battered women they would like to block incoming and outgoing caller ID on a SIP trunk.

What would be the easiest way to do that?

Is there a way to send an anonymous or unavailable in the outbound caller ID only?

A: That will be a function of their phone service provider, and I would recommend they contact them and make sure that’s a supported option.

You can try changing your outbound caller ID but you need to know if your SIP provider is overwriting that when the call hits their system.

They will probably need to add substitution rule on their side.

With some providers, you can remove the outbound caller ID field in your trunk to achieve an “unknown” caller ID, but as I previously mentioned, it’s very much a function of your SIP provider.

How to put a DTMF pause on a VoIP SIP system

Q: I’m trying to put in a pause or delay when using a DSS key for either the 3CXPhone CTI mode or Fanvil VoIP phone.

What I’m trying to accomplish is that so when I call a number and get their auto-attendant (AA), I can bypass it and dial an extension.

Is there a way of programming a custom dial to send it in pieces via 3CX through an extension or, something like that?

A: Pauses generally aren’t seen in SIP systems because all digits are sent at once.

It’s probably possible with some custom programming of a softphone, but it’s not a standard supported feature.

3CX might have a better suggestion or a custom solution. Doing a DTMF pause is a pretty asked for a feature that doesn’t really exist anymore in VoIP.

3CX has a paid support option so, if you’ve purchased that, absolutely take advantage of it. But, they also have a ticketing system (email support) which is free via http://support.3cx.com/.

What's the warranty on a Polycom handset?

Q: The Polycom IP 650 handset mouthpiece on one of the units failed. The other end can barely hear the person talking into the handset.

The earpiece seems to work fine. I swapped handsets with another unit, and the good handset works fine on the same phone, and the bad handset does not work on the other phone.

I am trying to get information if that is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

A: We honor a 1-year warranty with new phone purchases. We’ve located a replacement handset and are sending you another one.

When you get the new handset, don’t worry about sending back the defective handset, just be kind enough to recycle it.

That’s all for this week, stay tuned for next week’s VoIP Q & A.

Win a Free Grandstream GVC3200 While Learning About SIP and Android Video Conferencing Solutions for Small Businesses

October 29, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

grandstream gvc3200 webinar

Register for our webinar with Grandstream and you’ll automatically be entered to win a Grandstream GVC3200 SIP and Android Video Conferencing Solution for your business.

SIP + Android Video Conferencing Options

Grandstream’s latest video conferencing solution fills a need between low quality webcams and complex room-based enterprise grade video conferencing systems.

The Grandstream GVC3200 is a video conferencing solution for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that is affordable, simple to use, and flexible.

What’s Included

List price of $3,995 includes:

1080p HD Video Resolution,
Bluetooth Remote Control,
Controllable Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) Camera with 12x Zoom and Sony Megapixel Imaging Sensor,
(4) Four HDMI cables,
and Mounting Kit

Simple User Experience

Three-step installation process with Grandstream’s IPVideoTalk Pro cloud platform that provides plug-and-play connectivity. Also included for ease of use are:

VGA and HDMI video inputs,
(3) Three HDMI Video Outputs (to connect several TV’s or monitors),
Integrated Wi-Fi,
Built-in Bluetooth for Use with External Bluetooth devices (speakers, microphones, keyboard),
USB Port,
SD Card Reader,
and OLED Graphic Display on Camera Base

Flexibility and Interoperability

Hold up to a 9-way video conference from your GVC3200 that is interoperable with 3rd party SIP video conferencing platforms plus compatibility with:

Polycom,
Cisco,
Huawei,
Android Video Applications,
Google Hangouts,
Skype,
Skype for Business,
and Blue Jeans

See How it Works, Register for Webinar

To see what the GVC3200 looks like in action, check out this detailed GVC3200 product demo video from Grandstream:

The dual SIP-based and Android-based platform on the GVC3200 was designed to eliminate barriers to hosting successful video conferences with multiple callers using multiple platforms with its ability to bridge calls from Android apps into a SIP conference.

Click here to register for our webinar on November 5, 2015 to ask questions and get answers on how the GVC3200 will work for your business.

How to Prevent Audio Fatigue

October 19, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

revolabs audio fatigue

Note:This is a guest post by Ashley Nguyen, Channel Marketing Specialist, Revolabs

Recently Tim Root, Chief Technology Officer of Revolabs, wrote an article that appeared in the October issue of Sound & Video Contractor titled “Audio Fatigue is Real.”

His report on why the brain works harder to make out sounds during poor audio communications, such as through a speakerphone with low frequencies, is spot on.

I’ve experienced audio fatigue, and I’m sure many of you have as well when you can’t understand the person at the other end of the line due to more than one person talking at once or background noise from a terrible audio device.

Look for products that have ultra-wideband technology for the most intelligible speech, automatic gain control, and noise suppression to help reduce background noise, and full-duplex telephony with echo cancellation.

From Speakerphones to Softphones – How to Choose?

Communication devices come in all different shapes and sizes: speakerphones, conference phones, mobile phones, smartphones, softphones, POTS, VoIP phones, etc.

There are so many to choose from, but which help to prevent audio fatigue?

Tim cited in his article, the brain can easily recognize high frequency signals ̶ such as when I’m yelling ̶versus low frequency ̶ as when I’m mumbling.

“Look for products that have ultra-wideband technology for the most intelligible speech, automatic gain control, and noise suppression to help reduce background noise, and full-duplex telephony with echo cancellation,” he wrote.

Revolabs FLX UC 1500 IP & USB Conference Phone (with Extension Microphones)

Revolabs FLX UC 1500 IP & USB Conference Phone with Extension Mics

Revolabs Helps Overcome Audio Fatigue

Make sure you have great audio products.

Revolabs offers unsurpassed solutions to help overcome audio fatigue. The FLX™ UC line has full-duplex technology and acoustic echo cancellation, as well as other attributes that Tim mentioned above.

In particular, the FLX™ UC 1000 and 1500 offer ultra-wide bandwidth, up to 16kHz, which is favorable for intelligible speech.

Don’t suffer from audio fatigue again!

Author Bio

Ashley Nguyen
Channel Marketing Specialist
Revolabs
Ashley Nguyen drives a variety of marketing initiatives enabling channel partners to communicate the value of Revolabs products. Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Twitter

VoIP Q&A: Grandstream HT503 Call Routing, Polycom VVX Expansion Module, and Factory Defaults for the Panasonic KX-TGP500

October 9, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

Do you have questions about VoIP?
Our tech support team here at VoIP Supply offers great pre- and post-sale support plus provisioning, consultations, configuration, and installation help.

We get a lot of VoIP hardware and software questions and realized that these solutions should be shared with everyone. This one is about Grandstream Call Routing.

Here now are our top three (real) questions and answers from this past week (from VoIP users just like you).

Q: We install access control systems for condominiums that uses a SIP extension to place calls to residents’ telephone numbers. We need a gateway that will allow SIP to outdial over an analog trunk. What do you have recommend?

A: This can be accomplished with the Grandstream HT503 hybrid Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and VoIP router.

You want to use the “Route Calls to PSTN” function which is explained here in this guide:

Grandstream HT503 Hop On Off Call Scenarios

How to sync VVX expansion module with Polycom VVX 600

Q: I have installed a Polycom VVX Expansion module on my Polycom VVX 600 phone and nothing happens with the module.

I have gone through the support documentation and it says that I should get a message saying that there isn’t enough power if there is a problem powering the module. I do not get any messages on the phone and no lights on the module itself.

I am wondering if there is a problem with the cable between the phone and the module?

A: The solution to this is simpler than you think.

Check to see which version of firmware you have on the phone.

Most likely the firmware just needs to be updated for the two devices to sync.

Q: I need to reset a Panasonic KX-TGP500 back to factory defaults.

The web interface allows resetting web settings but does not reset to out-of-the-box settings (before pre-provisioning). The documentation says to contact the provider.

A: This Panasonic DECT phone has a bit of a key sequence for factory defaulting:

Go to Menu first
Then press #740
Select Yes

I would also suggest disconnecting the device from the network so it doesn’t re-provision via Option 66.*

* NOTE: Customer also stated that they “have a pre-provision file on a tftp server and DHCP option 66 set so that when the phone is plugged into the network it downloads the pre-provision file, updates the Standard File URL the reboots and downloads that file to complete the configuration.”

That’s all for this week, stay tuned for next week’s VoIP Q & A.

Simple SIP and Android Video Conferencing from Grandstream

October 8, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

It’s frustrating when you’re trying to coordinate a video conference call and it simply does not work.

The typical (annoying) scenario you find yourself in is that you have multiple parties calling in from different locations and they are all using different technology.

Interoperability is a claim that a lot of devices and platforms make but, getting different systems to talk with one another so that you can talk with your colleagues isn’t always as easy as we’re led to believe.

Video Conferencing with SIP and Android

Introducing the new Grandstream GVC3200 video conferencing solution.

Grandstream’s latest video conferencing solution is designed to eliminate barriers to hosting successful video conference calls with it’s dual SIP-based and Android-based platform.

The GVC3200 Supports any SIP platform and any Android app so it has the ability to bridge calls from Android apps into a SIP conference.

Full Access

The GVC3200 is equipped with Android 4.4, giving you full access to all video conferencing apps in the Google Play Store including:

Skype
Skype for Business
Google Hangouts

More Features Than You Can Shake a Selfie Stick At

The GVC3200 is more than just a webcam you plunk down on a desk somewhere.

This is a room-based, PTZ video conferencing unit with lots of powerful features, including it’s own remote control.

Check out this feature list:

grandstream gvc3200 features

How to Use the Grandstream GVC3200

To see the GVC3200 in action watch the video below which explains installation, how to add monitors, how to use the included wall mount, computer screen sharing options, Bluetooth connectivity, how to use the remote and the remote control Android app, and more:

First Look: RenegadePBX 1U Appliance

October 5, 2015 by Jeff Quinn

We are excited to announce the first ever VoIP Supply branded IP PBX, the RenegadePBX 1U Appliance. At VoIP Supply, we strive to put you, the customer, first. With over 13 years of perfecting your buying experience before, during and after your purchase we wanted to bring this experience to our own appliance.

The choices are all up to you!

In true VoIP Supply fashion, we didn’t want to limit you to only certain choices with your IP PBX. The RenegadePBX allows you to mold the exact appliance needed for your situation.

Choose your own open source software platform (installed on your appliance prior to shipment)
Connection to the PSTN if needed
Choose the SIP trunking provider you would like (our new CloudSpan Marketplace will assist you with choosing a provider)
Pair multiple brands of VoIP phones

Why the RenegadePBX?

Below are just a few reasons we believe our IP PBX is above the competition. We encourage you to give us a call and discuss the value we bring with our VoIP Solution Specialists.

Optional open source software installation at no charge
VoIP Supply offers pre sales consultation and post sales support
Ability to handle up to 75 concurrent calls
Scalable from small to large offices
RenegadePBX 1U Appliance Datasheet

What’s inside the appliance

Since you will have the choice of what unified communications (UC) platform to choose from the call features may very slightly. The RenegadePBX is a 1U rackmountable chassis IP PBX with a 61GB SSD hard drive, 2GB DDR3 memory and two PCI card slots. Here are a couple suggested appliances with a UC platform pre-installed for you; RenegadePBX 1U Appliance (with Elastix) and RenegadePBX 1U Appliance (with FreePBX).

Contact Us!

Now that you have some information about our brand new RenegadePBX, please contact our VoIP Solution Specialist and quiz them with all of your questions at 800-398-VoIP or [email protected].

How the Rugged Snom M85 DECT Handset Takes a Licking and Keeps On Calling

October 2, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

Introducing the Snom M85 Ruggedized DECT (wireless) VoIP Handset.

I suppose it’s fitting that when you do a Google search for “M85” you’ll find, as the number one search result, Wikipedia’s description of the well-known “heavy machine gun…that was used primarily for turreted applications in armored fighting vehicles.”

When you want something done, you bring out the big guns.

So it is with the Snom M85.

Just like its unrelated namesake, the M85 is comfortable in tough environments like hard hat zones, the outdoors, and industrial areas. It’s able to withstand the abuse with protective features such as:

IP65 rated protective enclosure that is:
- Shockproof
- Splash-proof
- Dust-proof
- Operational in temperatures ranging from 5°F to 131°F (-15° and +55° Celsius)

Durability + Convenience

If you need a mobile handset that you can bang around in a warehouse or across a multi-story building, the Snom M85 is for you. It takes a beating while still offering convenient features such as:

Bluetooth headset compatibility
3.5 mm standard phone jack for wired headsets
Large 2″ color backlit display
Speakerphone
LED indicator light that lets you know if you missed a call, have a new message, or the battery is low

Extended Range

Typical signal range for the M85 handset is:

Indoors = Up to ~150 feet (50 meters)
Outdoors = Up to ~900 feet (300 meters) when there are no obstructions

When you need even more range, the compatible Snom M700 Base Station can be paired with additional base stations or the Snom M5 DECT Repeater which extends the reception range and bridges gaps between base stations.

When multiple M700 base stations are linked together, you can use your M85 headset in a larger area – your handsets’s DECT signal will seamlessly transfer uninterrupted from one station to the next.

Multiple M700 Base Stations that are linked together give M85 Handsets an uninterrupted and secure wireless DECT connection to your voice network. The M700 can support up to 200 individual handsets and 40 additional base stations in a single installation.

The M700 runs on Power over Ethernet (PoE) so no additional power source is needed. When you deploy a multi-cell solution, such as explained above, you can ensure seamless handover and increased reception range.

What is DECT?

If you’re still a little unsure what DECT is, here’s a broad explanation.

DECT systems operate with a wireless handset but, these phones have a base station that is hardwired to an internet connection and then the signal is transmitted wirelessly to the handset. These are generally single line phones, have a range of 300 square feet from the base station, and signal repeaters are available if you need to increase the handsets range from the base station.

To learn more, check out our Guide to Wireless VoIP.

//

What is Skype for Business?

September 30, 2015 by Elizabeth Krohn

What is Skype for Business?

Social media and online communication continues to amaze us at every turn.

It seems like every day I wake up and check my phone, there is a new app or advertisement telling me that there is yet another way that I can communicate via the web.

I’m sure that we’re all familiar with the classic social media communications tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Spiceworks, Google+, Snapchat, etc…

Heck, I’m sure we can admit that we use at least one of these on a daily basis, and I’m also sure that we depend on at least one of these to communicate with just about everyone we know.

Do Kids Even Know What a Landline Is?

I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I used classic technology, such as landline, to communicate with anyone.

In fact, most children today have at least a cell phone or a tablet, so I think we can say that the “old school” methods of communication are slowly but surely coming to an end. In the past two decades the world has seen more online communications tools come to life than at any other point in history; one of which is a software communication platform called Skype.

Now, I know, you’re going to say, “Skype has been around for a while now – it’s nothing new,” but let’s stop right there and really think about that.

Yes, the free version of Skype has existed since about 2003, however, around the beginning of this year, a new form of Skype emerged called “Skype for Business”.

So, naturally, questions like, “What is Skype for Business?” and, “What’s the difference between the two?” typically arise; and since I am one of those people who asked, I decided to find out.

Comparing Skype and Skype for Business

Both Skype and Skype for Business are web based software platforms that specifically utilize VoIP communication methods in order to provide clear communicative power via the internet.

The differences between the two are solely these:

Skype (Free Version)

It’s Free – simply download the program to your computer, mobile device, tablet, or gaming device to begin using it immediately. (Download Here)
Group Calls – you can have up to 25 people on group audio calls at one time – pretty cool, right?
Mobile to Landline – make calls from your mobile phone using your Skype app to directly call a landline phone via the internet.

Skype for Business

Not Free – Skype for Business is now the new name for Microsoft Lync, as Skype was bought by Microsoft in 2011; meaning that it is now a part of the Microsoft family and is the new instant communication application that works alongside the Microsoft Office Suite. The cost per user for Skype for Business is only $2.00/mo – which really isn’t much considering what you’re getting.
Group Calls – You can meet with up to 250 people via Skype for Business – even if the people you want to meet with don’t have it themselves. All you’d need to provide them with is the call-in number and access information and you’re ready to go.
Secure – Skype for Business is protected by strong authentication and encryption methods that provide the security needed to produce and archive private communications. As a Skype for Business provider, you would be able to control your user’s accounts – allowing you to remove subscriptions and enable features that will accommodate any user’s collaboration needs.
Reduce Cost – By being able to utilize PBX and/or VoIP phone systems, you will be able to significantly reduce the cost of communication, and also will be able to support services like voice, video, and online conferencing on one, unique platform.

More information about the differences between Skype and Skype for Business can be found on Skype’s Website if you still have more questions, you can even reach out to Microsoft to find out more about Skype for Business’ capabilities.

In the meantime, stay tuned for more information about Skype for Business from VoIP Supply as we begin to unravel its mysteries. Coming soon we’ll discuss how current Microsoft Lync users can transition their current account over to a Skype for Business account.

Customer Spotlight: Honolulu Cookie Company

September 29, 2015 by Nathan Miloszewski

Mike Rehac VoIP Supply Refresh Phone Manager Helps Honolulu Cookie Company

Mike, VoIP Supply Refresh Manager, hoards Honolulu Cookies.

Mike Rehac manages the day to day operations of VoIP Supply’s Reclaim and Refresh divisions.

Reclaim is VoIP Supply’s industry leading equipment buyback program, and Refresh is the brand name of our very own like-new, reconditioned VoIP equipment.

Mike assists thousands of customers, helping them trade in their used or excess VoIP hardware for cash or upgraded devices.

(more…)

Why You Should Trust Your VoIP Connectivity to Patton SmartNode Gateways, Routers, and Session Border Controllers

Patton SmartNode Gateways

SIP Trunks Can Still Use PSTN Connectivity for Local Calls and Fallback

Why trust Patton?

Free Support and Upgrades

VoIP Q&A: Block Caller ID on a SIP Trunk, DTMF Pause for VoIP System, Polycom Handset Warranty

Win a Free Grandstream GVC3200 While Learning About SIP and Android Video Conferencing Solutions for Small Businesses

SIP + Android Video Conferencing Options

See How it Works, Register for Webinar

How to Prevent Audio Fatigue

Look for products that have ultra-wideband technology for the most intelligible speech, automatic gain control, and noise suppression to help reduce background noise, and full-duplex telephony with echo cancellation.

From Speakerphones to Softphones – How to Choose?

Revolabs Helps Overcome Audio Fatigue

Author Bio

VoIP Q&A: Grandstream HT503 Call Routing, Polycom VVX Expansion Module, and Factory Defaults for the Panasonic KX-TGP500

Simple SIP and Android Video Conferencing from Grandstream

Video Conferencing with SIP and Android

Full Access

More Features Than You Can Shake a Selfie Stick At

How to Use the Grandstream GVC3200

First Look: RenegadePBX 1U Appliance

The choices are all up to you!

Why the RenegadePBX?

What’s inside the appliance

Contact Us!

How the Rugged Snom M85 DECT Handset Takes a Licking and Keeps On Calling

Durability + Convenience

Extended Range

What is DECT?

What is Skype for Business?

Do Kids Even Know What a Landline Is?

Comparing Skype and Skype for Business

Customer Spotlight: Honolulu Cookie Company

Mike, VoIP Supply Refresh Manager, hoards Honolulu Cookies.

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