[Comparison Chart] Featured Refresh IP Phones: Polycom IP335, Polycom VVX500 and Yealink SIP-T24G

July 19, 2017 by Youleidy Vega

Refresh by VoIP Supply offers businesses and residential VoIP users an affordable solution when purchasing VoIP equipment. With Refresh, you can get top of the line used IP Phones at the fraction of the cost of new ones. The phones are put through a meticulous 10 Step Refresh Process to make sure that the equipment works properly and looks great. To learn more about our Refresh process and to watch a video of this process in action in our warehouse, Click Here!

Check out our featured Refresh phones for this month!

Polycom IP335

The Polycom IP335 supports up to two lines and can be powered through Power over Ethernet (PoE). This entry-level phone also has wideband audio so that every call is clear. With noise and echo cancellation you’ll be heard loud and clear.

Up to 2 lines with up to 2 calls per line
Polycom Acoustic Clarity Technology & HD Voice
102 x 33-pixel graphical monochrome display
Integrated 802.3af PoE support (no need for extra cables!)
Dual 10/100 Ethernet ports
Dedicated RJ-9 headset port compatible with wideband HD headsets
Full-duplex speakerphone
XHTML micro-browser for Web applications

Polycom VVX500

The VVX500 is suitable for managers and employees who require more advanced features that facilitate multitasking and schedule-juggling. The VVX500 is an expandable office phone that integrates seamlessly with a wide range of UC environments. The VVX500 features built-in Web applications. It has a “My Info Portal,” that can display stocks, news weather and other streamed content directly on the screen display.

12 lines (registrations)
Gesture-based, multitouch-capable, capacitive touchscreen
3.5-in TFT LCD display at QVGA (320×240 pixel) resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio
Streaming media video playback
Screensaver and digital picture frame mode
On-screen virtual keyboard
Voicemail and video mail support
Dual USB ports (2.0 compliant) for media and storage applications
HD Voice technology delivers life-like voice quality for each audio
Dedicated RJ9 Headset Port
Dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet port with PoE Support
Codec Support: G.711 (A-law and μ-law), G.729AB, G.722, G.722.1, G.722.1C

Yealink SIP-T42G

The Yealink T42G is a beautifully designed IP Phone with a sleek look and high-end performance. This Gigabit phone features Power over Ethernet (PoE) Gigabit connectivity. The T42G supports echo cancellation and full duplex audio so that every call is crystal clear. This is the perfect phone for any size business or employee.

Up to 12 SIP accounts
Optima HD voice
Dual-port Gigabit Ethernet
2.7″ 192×64-pixel graphical LCD with backlight
Paper label free design
PoE support
RJ9 Headset Port, Headset, EHS support
Integrated stand with 2 adjustable angles
Full-duplex hands-free speakerphone
Wall mountable

For more Refresh phones, check out the Refresh Phones page. If you would like to learn more about Refresh or have questions for one of our VoIP Experts, give us a call at 1-800-398-8647!

The VoIP Addict’s Guide – SD-WAN, and You.

July 17, 2017 by Marc Spehalski

I’ll admit it. The term “Software Defined” or “SD” is as big a buzz phrase as “The Cloud.” I’m not a huge fan of buzz nomenclature, but sometimes it is the best way to describe a concept in a familiar way, especially when discussing technology. If I were playing devil’s advocate, I’d ask: Isn’t everything software defined? Yes, mostly it is, but when you say SD, or SDN (software defined networking), you imply a new iteration of conventional thinking. A new way of doing things, a more flexible, better way.
network-image
No longer are we bound to the holy gospel of Cisco, or dedicated internet circuits. We can do things with more intelligent, dynamic, and overall thoughtful methods. Gone will be the days of individually configuring routers and switches because they will all be centrally managed and monitored. Yes, Cisco already participates in SDN, but I’d argue that it’s not always affordable for the average SMB.

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) is a concept of centrally connecting and managing multiple sites or branches using a variety of internet connections. For example: DOCSIS (cable modem), 3G/4G, or line of sight wireless. The internet is to reduce dependency on technologies like multi-protocol label switching, which traditionally required leased lines from the same provider. If you’ve had to purchase one, you know that leased/dedicated lines are expensive. You can use SD-WAN to augment an existing MPLS connection or discard it all together which will generate significant savings for your business.

SD-WAN (also referred to as vMPLS) is a feature on services like SimpleWan and can be utilized on their cloud based controller. When you purchase a firewall from them and a subscription to their service, you achieve a single sight picture of your entire network regardless of how many branches you have. Also, I’d like to re-emphasize that SimpleWan, and subsequently SD-WAN is carrier agnostic. So, it does not matter if you have multiple locations from one end of town to the other, or from New York, to Beijing. As long as the devices can connect to SimpleWan, you have a singular infrastructure with potentially very diverse internet connection methods.

security-image You might be thinking: Why not just use VPNs? Well, you are, but with SD-WAN you’re using a variety of technologies that perform the configuration for you, and establish redundant meshed paths that can decide which direction to send traffic based on bandwidth. Like I said before, SD is a new iteration of the conventional.

What does any of this have to do with VoIP? Well, if you’ve read ANYTHING regarding SIP and NAT, you’ve found out they don’t traditionally get along. Leveraging SD-WAN allows you to bypass any NAT traversal increasing your success with two-way audio. A SIP phone is much happier when it can talk to another local IP and the other end. I’d also be remiss in not mentioning that Quality of Service (QoS) in an integral part of SD-WAN which can prioritize voice and video applications.

Give SD-WAN (from SimpleWan) a chance if you’re considering cutting the cord from your expensive MPLS circuits. As always, thanks for reading and happy VoIPing!

How to Speed Dial From a Line Key on the Grandstream GXP1610

July 13, 2017 by Steve Lopian

The world is full of millions and millions of jobs. A lot of those jobs are very different from one another but it’s also fair to say that a lot of those jobs are similar or at least look similar.

There can be tons of jobs that involve a desk, a computer, and a phone, but that doesn’t mean the people sitting at those desks are all doing the same work. Sometimes we need different programs on our computers, and sometimes, we even need our phones to do different things.

By now I’m sure you are all aware of what desk phone can do these days with the power of VoIP, so I won’t get into the fancy-pants features that some people need, or want, to help assist them with their day to day activities.

What I want to focus on for this blog is something basic that can help tons of people at their job, no matter what their daily tasks involved. That basic thing is programming a line key for speed dial!

Everyone has that one number they call over and over and over again, so adding that number so you can dial it with the push of a button has got to make life a lot easier for a lot of people.

How to Speed Dial From a Line Key on the Grandstream GXP1610

For an example, we will use the Grandstream GXP1610. The steps are quick and easy, and if you can’t access the Web GUI on your own, then simply contact your Systems Administrator or your IT department!

Go to the GXP1610’s Web GUI
Go to Settings > Programmable Keys
Configure the Line Key’s Key Mode as Speed Dial
Select the account to dial from and enter the Name and User ID (phone number to be dialed out) for the Line Key
Click on “Update” at the bottom of the Web GUI page
Off hook the phone, or directly press the Speed Dial key to dial out

After completing step 6, you should be on the phone with the number you dial the most faster than ever before! While we used the Grandstream GXP1610 for this blog, you are able to program speed dial to most phones with line keys!

Do you have a Grandstream GXP1610 on your desk? If not, what do you have? Do you use speed dial? We want to know!

Buffalo Business First Featured VoIP Supply’s Cool Office Lifestyle

by Ying-Hui Chen

vs_office1 Amherst, NY – VoIP Supply’s office was featured by Buffalo Business First as a cool office in the Western New York area, highlighting its full-sized kitchen, the entertaining lounge area as well as the two gym areas with a shower!

Walking through VoIP Supply’s front door, a bowl of candies puts some smiles on the employee’s faces. Every Monday, the company starts with an all-staff meeting on the “lawn”, a bright green carpet that looks and feels like grass. Aside from discussing the business goals and performance, the employee of the week is selected to play a Plinko game for prizes including beer, gift cards, and paid time off.

After the office remodeling about two years ago, VoIP Supply’s workplace was brightened up with vibrant colors and posters that encapsulate the company’s five core values. On the second floor of the warehouse space sits the staff lounge with two gym areas, couches, TV set with gaming console as well as a shower for employees to use after a workout. The office is also pet-friendly which means employees are allowed to bring their pets to work.

A full-sized kitchen with a double-sized steel fridge makes sure the employees have enough space to store their lunches and snacks. A full stove, oven, microwave, and toaster are also available at all times.

VoIP Supply’s office sets an example of great work-life balance and makes their employees feel comfortable coming to work every day.

“We work hard, and we play hard,” said Mary Cheney, VoIP Supply’s marketing supervisor. “We’re a family company, and having everything you’d have at home reinforces that.”

See the original Buffalo Business First post here.

Watch the video below to hear what VoIP Supply’s employees have to say about working at VoIP Supply!

About VoIP Supply

Established in 2002, VoIP Supply is known as a leading VoIP hardware and service solutions provider in North America, delivering valuable VoIP solutions for over 125,000 customers worldwide. Located in Amherst, NY with a full team of marketers, engineers, and salespeople, VoIP Supply also operates an office in Las Vegas to provide fulfillment services. To learn more about VoIP Supply visit www.voipsupply.com or call 1-800-398-8647.

Bicom System Certified Interoperability with VTech ErisTerminal SIP Phones

by Ying-Hui Chen

July 12th, 2017 – Bicom Systems announced that they have completed the certification of four ErisTerminal SIP phones with VTech Communications, Inc. This certification guarantees full interoperability of four VTecg ErisTerminal SIP phones with Bicom System’s upcoming release of PBXware 4.1.2 including:

VSP715 ErisTerminal SIP Deskset
VSP725 ErisTerminal SIP Deskset
VSP736 ErisTerminal SIP Deskset
VSP600 ErisTerminal SIP DECT Base Station and Cordless Handset

“Our diverse product portfolio scales from small offices to enterprise level corporations,” said Ernie Levenson, President of VTech Communications, Inc.. “We’re excited PBXware users will have access to a wide range of offerings that add flexibility and increase productivity in the workplace.”

We are excited to see this great cooperation between Bicom System and VTech Communications. Look forward to seeing how this benefit our customers and partners!

What’s New with Grandstream’s IPVideoTalk? Cloud Recording, Social Live Integration and More!

by Ying-Hui Chen

Grandstream’s IPVideoTalk is a hosted service through Grandstream’s GVC3200 or GVC3202 Video Conferencing System. Already known for its easy and flexible video conferencing platform, IPVideoTalk has now gone one step forward to add more advanced new features. Let’s find out what they are!

Cloud Recording

The cloud recording is available to the host in the web meeting interface. Simple click “Record this Meeting”, your meeting will be recorded and stored directly in your IPVideoTalk user interface. Then, you are able to store, download and delete recordings from the user portal. Recording your meetings has never been easier!

cloud-recording

YouTube and Facebook Live Integration

Another exciting new feature is the social media live integration. This is also available to the host right from the web meeting interface. As for now, IPVideoTalk only integrates with YouTube and Facebook accounts. Select either platform and log in to the designated social media account to complete the streaming access. Be aware that there’s about a five-second delay in the live meeting streaming. This feature will make your meeting more interactive and effective! Be sure to monitor the platform while the webinar is going on for comments and questions that might come in on the social platforms.

More New Features

That’s not all! There are more new features you can benefit from. Find out more details here!

Customizable meeting registration pages
Enhanced customization of meeting emails
Q&A support
Dual video presentation stream (WebRTC browsers)
Pause screen sharing

Questions about Grandstream’s IPVideoTalk? Call one of our experienced VoIP consultants at 1-800-398-8647 today.

How to Set Up a Robust WiFi VoIP Phone System [Checklist]

by Ying-Hui Chen

wifi-voip-phone-system Setting up a wireless phone system can be tricky. Especially when this is the first time you try to set up a phone system. So let’s check it out together and see if you have all you will need for a secure and robust WiFi phone system setup!

WiFi VoIP Phone System Checklist

Internet Connection and Adequate Bandwidth are obviously required to make and receive VoIP calls. You can contact your service provider to inquire how much bandwidth you would need to have a smooth conversation.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is the next necessity to operate your WiFi phones wirelessly. You can use the same network that’s used for your computers and other wireless devices.

Broadband Routers or Wireless Access Points (WAP) will also be needed to connect to a broadband modem and transmits signals to your WiFi phones. How many WAPs will be enough? It depends on the number of users, the range of the WAP and your network area size. A usual range is a maximum of 300 feet but walls and other factors could decrease that range. Check out some popular WAP options here.

Quality of Service (QoS) prioritizes different types of traffic on your network. This will reduce common VoIP issues such as packet loss, latency, jitter, and echo and increase the voice quality. Therefore, having QoS capabilities is important when setting up your network.

Security has been a big topic for VoIP users. There are some specific security solutions that you can implement to secure your network and keep the intruders out:

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Encryption – WEP provides the same level of security as that of a wired LAN.
Change the Default SSID of the APs – Simply changing the default Service Set Identifier (SSID) set by the manufacturers to something unique or disabling the SSID broadcast out to the wireless devices will help reduce some malicious activities.
MAC Address Filtering – Set up your MAC filter to give your network access only to the registered MAC addresses. In this way, you will be able to filter out most of the unwanted visitors.

Now, there you have it! Don’t forget to review your system on a regular basis to reinforce and keep your system updated. If you’d like to learn more about setting up a wireless phone system, download our Free Wireless VoIP Buyers Guide or raise your phone and call 1-800-398-8647 to consult with one of our VoIP experts today!

Skype for Business: Voicemail Transcript for all Cloud PBX Users

July 10, 2017 by Ying-Hui Chen

voicemail-skype4b

The days of having to listen to your voicemails are gone and now more than ever, people are “reading” their voicemails.

It’s not a surprise to see Skype for Business (Lync) add new features. But what’s exciting is that, this time, the new feature will benefit almost everyone from small local businesses to international enterprise. Let’s check it out!

What does Voicemail Transcript do?

Voicemail Transcript automatically transcribes all incoming voicemails and delivers the text version together with the audio file to your inbox.

How does Voicemail Transcript help?

No more missing time-sensitive voicemails: Always miss important voicemails when you are outside somewhere noisy or not able to listen to the voicemails? You can now just read the text message without having to play the audio recording.
No need to write down a phone number: When someone leaves you a phone number via voicemail, the transcript writes it down for you automatically.
Hearing impairment is not a problem: For some that have difficulty listening to a voicemail due to hearing impairment, the transcript will come in handy to communicate in a timely manner.
Instant translation of foreign languages: Voicemail Transcript transcribes messages in the following languages (for the most recent list, click here)
- Chinese
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Spanish

Some of the hosted service providers in our CloudSpan MarketPlace have had this type of feature for a while now and our customers just love it. If Skype for Business doesn’t work for you, check out the CloudSpan MarketPlace and let us do the rest! Call our VoIP experts today at 1-800-398-8647 to learn more!

Finally! FreePBX 14 STABLE Has Been Released Today. What has been updated?

July 7, 2017 by Ying-Hui Chen

In the past year, the Sangoma team has implemented hundreds of new features for FreePBX 13 while continuing to grow their UC product lines. After months of waiting, FreePBX 14 STABLE has finally been released with better user experiences and a more secure setup! Let’s find out what it is all about!

FreePBX 14 highlights four major improvements: Auto-Update Security Releases, Upgrading System in the GUI, New Calendar Module and Upgraded User Control Panel (UCP).

Auto-Update Security Releases

FreePBX 14 is designed to let systems automatically update modules that have security vulnerabilities. When Sangoma releases updates to modules that have security issues, your systems will be updated to prevent those issues in less than 24 hours!

Upgrading System in the GUI

With FreePBX 14, you don’ thave to run distro upgrade scripts or deal with stuck upgrades. All system upgrades are done right through the Graphical User Interface (GUI), in the same place you would normally go to update modules.

freepbx-14-gui

New Calendar Module

Tired of tracking different dates every year? You would love this – FreePBX 14 includes a calendar module that allows you to add any web-based iCal, CalDav, Google or Exchange Web Services calendar. You can also add local calendars with custom events and link the calendars to Time Conditions, Paging Pro groups, Find Me/Follow Me enabled/disable events and more!

To learn more about the new Calendar Module, see:

Upgraded User Control Panel (UCP)

FreePBX has long had the need for a User Control Panel where your end users can change settings related to their accounts, listen to voicemails, or call recordings. After improving the HTML5 in FreePBX 12, now FreePBX 14 gives your users complete control over how your Control Panel looks and feels.

In addition to the dashboards and widgets users can add, remove, resize and organize how they want and users can also have multiple dashboards that have different configurations of widgets. Learn more about UCP here.

freepbx14-ucp

To learn more about the changes and features in FreePBX 14, Click Here.

Download FreePBX 14 STABLE Today!

Will There be FreePBX 15 STABLE?

Yes, it’s in the pipeline! Sangoma is planning to release FreePBX 15 STABLE in June, 2018. This version is going to focus on a redesigned backup module that will no longer be required to restore from the same version you are backing up to. Excited? We are too! Learn more here!

How Does VoIP Connect to PSTN?

July 6, 2017 by Ying-Hui Chen

Finally, you are ready to buy a VoIP system. But you are worried about an unexpected power outage and poor call quality. These are common fears we have heard from our customers all the time. Don’t worry, we have you covered!

May VoIP system owners overcome these worries simply with a VoIP Gateway. Let me tell you more about it.

How Does VoIP Connect to PSTN? Using a VoIP gateway for failover and PSTN calling

To connect your VoIP system to the PSTN, you will first need a VoIP Gateway. An FXO VoIP Gateway functions as a bridge between your IP network and the PSTN. Depending on where the voice traffic originates from, your FXO gateway will convert the voice traffic into the proper form for receipt by the destination network (IP or PSTN).

If the voice traffic is originating from the PSTN, the VoIP gateway will convert the analog voice signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is then compressed using a codec and broken into a series of packets that are transferred across the IP network using a signaling protocol.
If the voice traffic is originating from an IP network, the VoIP gateway will decompress the digital packets into a digital signal that is then converted into an analog signal to be sent across the PSTN.

So even when the power goes down or when the Internal call quality is really bad, you will still be able to use the PSTN to make phone calls and keep your business running as usual. Find a whole list of FXO Gateways HERE.

Is this article helpful? You can also download our free VoIP Gateways Guide to learn more at your own pace or call in at 1-800-398-8647 to discuss with our VoIP experts further!

[Comparison Chart] Featured Refresh IP Phones: Polycom IP335, Polycom VVX500 and Yealink SIP-T24G

Polycom IP335

Polycom VVX500

Yealink SIP-T42G

The VoIP Addict’s Guide – SD-WAN, and You.

How to Speed Dial From a Line Key on the Grandstream GXP1610

How to Speed Dial From a Line Key on the Grandstream GXP1610

Buffalo Business First Featured VoIP Supply’s Cool Office Lifestyle

Bicom System Certified Interoperability with VTech ErisTerminal SIP Phones

What’s New with Grandstream’s IPVideoTalk? Cloud Recording, Social Live Integration and More!

Cloud Recording

YouTube and Facebook Live Integration

More New Features

How to Set Up a Robust WiFi VoIP Phone System [Checklist]

WiFi VoIP Phone System Checklist

Skype for Business: Voicemail Transcript for all Cloud PBX Users

What does Voicemail Transcript do?

Finally! FreePBX 14 STABLE Has Been Released Today. What has been updated?

Auto-Update Security Releases

Upgrading System in the GUI

New Calendar Module

Upgraded User Control Panel (UCP)

Will There be FreePBX 15 STABLE?

How Does VoIP Connect to PSTN?

How Does VoIP Connect to PSTN? Using a VoIP gateway for failover and PSTN calling

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