New Firmware Released for Citel C4110 SIP / IAX Phone

May 27, 2009 by Garrett Smith

Citel has recently released new firmware which corrects several issues with the C4110 SIP/IAX Phone.

You can download the latest firmware below. NOTE: the file is a .z file which will directly load to the phone; you don’t need to unzip it.

Amongst the issues corrected in this firmware release are:

  • Daylight saving time now works properly for SNTP settings. The default dates are now correct for the USA.
  • Improved DTMF
  • Config download via FTP/HTTP now working on the AUTO PROVISION interface.

First Look: Audiocodes 320HD IP Phone

The AudioCodes 320HD IP Phone is nearing release and enters a growing field of High Definition VoIP endpoints. The Audiocodes 320HD is a 4-line IP Phone with a large Monochrome LCD screen. Based on AudioCodes’ VoIPerfectHD software, the 320HD is designed to utilize the most popular wideband codecs such as G.722, G.722.2 (WB-AMR), G.729.1, EVRC-B and G.711-WBE.

The Audiocodes 320HD also features enhanced proprietary capabilities, such as packet loss concealment, high quality wideband acoustic echo canceller, and low-delay adaptive jitter buffers to enrich the HD VoIP experience.

The AudioCodes 320HD promises interoperability with a wide range of SIP IP-PBXs, Softswitches and IP Centrex solutions. I’m currently running the 320HD as my primary extension on Switchvox 4.0 and setup was painless.

The term “HD VoIP” refers to the use of wideband codec technology, a marked improvement in audio clarity versus traditional telephony. The traditional Public Switch Telephony Network (PSTN) limits bandwidth to 300-3400Hz and voice signals are sampled at a rate of 8 kHz, causing limitations in communication quality and comprehension.

With HD VoIP, wideband telephony refers to transmitting speech signals with bandwidths ranging between 50-7000Hz and a sampling rate of 16 kHz. HD VoIP effectively doubles the narrowband speech signal bandwidth and offers the caller “true voice” conversation.

Compared to narrowband telephony, wideband technology establishes a sense of presence, resulting in a natural and comfortable conversation.

Audiocodes has not provided an official release date or pricing information on their HD IP Phone lineup as of this writing. Visit the VoIP Insider in coming weeks for additional coverage on the Audiocodes 320HD IP Phone and other Audiocodes HD VoIP products.

TCM Mobile launches first ever VoIP based cellular system

May 26, 2009 by Garrett Smith

TCM Mobile, a relatively unknown outfit, has launched the first ever VoIP based cellular system right down the road from VoIP Supply in Syracuse, New York.

Officially announced last week, TCM Mobile’s patent-pending technology utilizes unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum to provide cellular service using VoIP (2.4 GHz is typically used for Wi-Fi networks) . The technology, which overcomes the challenges of interference, seamless roaming and network performance was recently put to the test in down town Syracuse.

According to TCM Mobile officials the testing went better then expected.

“TCM Mobile has resolved the major challenges associated with developing this type of system, such as eliminating interference, roaming seamlessly (seamless hand-off) and creating a successful network architecture. We are proud to announce that we have achieved our goals and look forward to demonstrating our technology to the world.”

Now one must take the news of a new, patent-pending technology from an unknown company deployed in a low density population with a bit of skepticism, but it is entirely possible that they’ve created the secret sauce that has the potential to make wide spread VoWiFi possible.

You’re not likely to see TCM Mobile networks pop-up in major markets or the national stage any-time soon. It seems more likely that TCM Mobile’s will partner with existing carriers, municipalities and even offer service  directly to consumers in rural markets.  It’s still early, but this is definitely a company to keep on your radar in the future.

Getting your numbers ported faster

May 21, 2009 by Garrett Smith

Hidden in last week’s news that the FCC would soon be imposing new regulations requiring VoIP providers to provide “reasonable notice” to customers and regulatory officials before they shut down, was a new rule requiring land line, cellular and VoIP providers to port numbers to another provider within one business day.

It’s funny (to me at least), that LNP (Local Number Portability) is something that I “remember” becoming a reality. At the time I was selling wireless, and when news came down that customer could leave a competitive service with their number I was stoked.

After all, I represented the low cost alternative and one of the biggest barriers of getting a customer to switch to our services was the “new number” issue.

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SwitchVox Developer Central Launched

On Tuesday Digium (the folks behind Asterisk) pulled the curtains back on their widely anticipated Developer Central community for SwitchVox. The community, designed for developers, resellers and intergrators, provides those interested in extending the capabilities of SwitchVox the tools, tips, tricks and support necessary to do so.

SwitchVox, which was acquired by Digium a few years ago, is a feature rich small medium business VoIP system built a top of the Asterisk telephony platform. The system has won acclaim amongst businesses, resellers and the VoIP industry for it’s usability, functionality and of course affordability.

Develop custom applications for SwitchVox

Developer Central is centered around SwitchVox’s Extend API which made its debut with the not so distant release of SwitchVox SMB 4.0, the system’s latest software version. In Developer Central, one will find themselves immersed in useful information, people and of course ideas.

Developer Central focuses on four main development components:

  • An XML API
  • IVR-Web Integration
  • Event Notifications
  • Switchboard panels

Each of these unique components can be leveraged individually by third parties or in-conjunction with one another, empowering the development of simple or complex applications. With the Extend API and the help of Developer Central anything from click-to-call capabilities to the communication enhanced business processes and business systems can be accomplished.
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Jabra BIZ 2400 series VoIP headsets released

May 20, 2009 by Garrett Smith

Earlier this week Jabra announced a hot new line of VoIP headsets, the BIZ 2400 series. Touting the BIZ 2400 series as the ultimate corded user experience, this new line of headsets features improvements to almost every area of a headset.

Comprised of nine (9) different models, the Jabra BIZ 2400 series come with the following enhancements:

  • Hi-Fi audio quality with Neodymium speakers
  • Gold contacts for crystal-clear voice transmission
  • Break-proof FreeSpin boom with 360–degree-plus rotation
  • Surgical steel details for maximum strength
  • Ultra-strong Kevlar-reinforced cord
  • Bluetooth connection for mobile phone (USB only)
  • 3-Year warranty

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FCC steps up VoIP regulation

May 14, 2009 by Garrett Smith

The continuing debate as to how VoIP services will ultimately be classified isn’t stopping the FCC from enacting legislation towards VoIP providers.

According to PC Mag, the FCC approved an important consumer protection measure on Wednesday that will require failing VoIP service providers to give “reasonable notice” to customers and regulatory officials before they shut down. Complete details are still unknown, but the move appears to be in direct response to the SunRocket disaster that occurred in 2007.

For the industry this new rule should come as no real surprise. As VoIP continues to grow in popularity, safeguarding consumers against a “few bad apples” will go a long way towards bolstering consumer confidence in “making the switch” to VoIP.

Where are the open source VoIP gateways?

May 13, 2009 by Garrett Smith

Last night I was chatting with a few VoIP industry executives and the topic of open source telephony platforms came up.

For the most part we discussed the importance these platforms hold for the industry. But the real take away for me was, where are the open source VoIP gateways?

In a time where VoIP gateways offer an attractive way to get into VoIP without having to rip out one’s existing infrastructure, you’d figure someone out there would offering an open source VoIP gateway. After all, there’s dozens of open source PBX systems on the market today that are essentially the same thing.

Now I know that there are likely thousands of gateways in use today that are built a top Asterisk. But these units are typically custom jobs done by someone who knows Asterisk and telephony – not an average business or enterprise.

With low cost connectivity cards, a variety of open source telephony platforms to start from, dozens of appliance choices and no shortage of demand, it seems like a great market opportunity. I would imagine one would need a slick GUI interface for configuration, administration and a few OEM agreements for the hardware components (in addition to all of the other “business” operations).

I know all of this is theoretical and I’m not the smartest guy in the room here, but what do you think? Why aren’t their more open source VoIP gateway brands? We’re interested in your take.

VoIPSupply Labs: Integrating Nokia "E" Series Phones with Switchvox PBX (Plus Asterisk or any SIP IP PBX)

May 12, 2009 by Garrett Smith

Do you already own a Nokia “E” Series mobile phone, or are you considering purchasing one? The Nokia “E” series phones, although not inexpensive, offer the flexibility of both GSM and WiFi/SIP calling, and can be integrated with most SIP based IP PBX platforms. For the purpose of this article, we chose a Nokia E51 and configured it to leverage any open WiFi connection to register with our Switchvox IP PBX.

These instructions apply to and of the Nokia “E” series dual mode GSM/WiFi mobile phones.

NOTE: The SIP registration instructions below assume you have already setup your WLAN settings on the phone, and will use WiFI to communicate to your SIP server. It is always suggested to have the AP on the same network as the IP PBX and to place a certain level of security.

1. First, power on the Nokia “E” series phone by holding down the power button located on the top of the phone. (more…)

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