VoIP Q & A: How Do Grandstream Phones Work with Google Voice and Skype?

November 21, 2013 by Elizabeth Krohn

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.

grandstream-gxp1400-voip-supply

Grandstream GXP1400

Q: Will the Grandstream GXP1400 work with a Google Voice account?

A:  The short, simple answer is, “Yes.”

Google Voice itself is not a phone service, it’s more of a liaison helping to get all of your different phone numbers (work, home, mobile) working together under one Google Voice number/account.

In the words of the About Google Voice  page:

Google Voice works with mobile phones, desk phones, work phones, and VoIP lines. There’s nothing to download, upload, or install, and you don’t have to make or take calls using a computer.

If you don’t already have a SIP provider, the Obihai OBi100 and Obihai OBi110 are analog telephone adapters designed specifically to make calls through SIP or Google Voice. In fact, they’re the only ATA’s that work natively with Google Voice.

This might still leave some unanswered questions about VoIP and Google Voice so check out this article, Google Voice: a cheapskate’s guide to cheap VOIP.

aastra-6757i-675i-sidecar-voip-supply

Aastra 6757i with 675i Sidecars

Q:  Do you have a recommendation for a headset that will work with an Aastra 6757i with a 675i sidecar?

A:  The Aastra 6757i VoIP Phone connects to headsets through the RJ22 jack on the back of the phone. It also is Electronic Hookswitch (EHS) compatible, with the right adapters, for wireless headsets.

Here are some options:

Jabra PRO 9450

This wireless headset is compatible with the 6757i by using a DHSG cable (Model # 14201-10). The Jabra PRO 9450 offers three wearing styles, wireless range up to 450 feet, and 4-way call handling.

Plantronics Savi W730

The single ear Savi W730 is a DECT headset with an over the ear wearing style, a noise-canceling microphone that reduces background noise interruptions, and 3-way connectivity to easily manage and switch between PC, desk phone, and now mobile calls from a single wireless headset.

Plantronics recommends using the Aastra DHSG Cable Kit for Remote Hookswitch.

A warning from the Plantronics website:

DO NOT connect the APS-1/ APS-10 directly to this phone, but via the DHSG adapter cable. Any damage caused by connecting the APS-1/APS-10 to the phone will void the phone warranty.

Or you can make a connection from the Savi W730 to the Aastra 6757i by using the Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter.

Sennheiser CC 520

The Sennheiser CC 520 is also compatible with the Aastra 6757i and is a binaural corded headset with an ultra-noise canceling microphone. The CC 520 has been designed for all day use with comfort pads in the headband and specially padded ear caps. Use the Sennheiser CSTD01 QD Cord to easily disconnect the headset from the cable.

VXI Tria V DC

Lightweight and stylish, the VXi Tria V DC convertible headset also offers three different wearing styles—headband, earhook
and neckband—so you can choose the one that best suits your need and preference.

Grandstream GXV3140

Grandstream GXV3140 Skype Video Phone

Q:  Can I use this phone [Grandstream GXV3140] with a USA number while I am in Mexico for 3 months? If someone calls my Skype number will it ring in Mexico? I will have a cable router and be in a fixed place. Thanks.

A:  The answer is “yes” to both parts of the question.

The beauty of VoIP is that as long as you have an internet connection and your GXV3140 is provisioned to remotely access your VoIP network, you will be able to use your existing, local number anywhere in the world.

In regards to the second part of the question, the GXV3140 is a Skype certified IP video phone so again, as long as your phone is connected to the internet and someone calls your Skype number it will ring wherever you are.

In the words of the Grandstream GXV3140 user manual:

The GXV3140 allows free voice and video calls via Skype simply by plugging it into the network, or through your IP PBX with a user friendly web GUI.

When you receive an incoming Skype call on the GXV3140 you’ll see the Skype call window pop up on the phone. From there you can select “Accept,” “Accept Audio,” or “Reject” before you start talking.  This phone also supports Call Hold and Resume when using Skype so that you can take any other calls that come in.

Keep the Skype application open or simply minimize the window so that you only have to sign in to Skype once and you’ll be able to receive Skype calls as they happen.

First Look: Grandstream GXV3674_HD_VF

November 20, 2013 by Taylor Hamp

Grandstream announced today the release of their new outdoor, day/night IP camera: the Grandstream GXV3674_HD_VF.

What is it?

A few years ago Grandstream began their surveillance line card with a few indoor cameras with no optical zoom and daytime use only. Now Grandstream has expanded their selection of IP Surveillance products to choose from, which is excellent, especially if you already have a Grandstream VoIP system. The latest of their IP surveillance products is the new Grandstream GXV3674_HD_VF outdoor day/night camera.

The GXV3674_HD_VF has 2-way audio and is SIP compatible, meaning if you have a GXV3175 or a GXV3140, you can tune in to your surveillance footage directly from your deskphone (you can also view from your mobile device; Grandstream is flexible like that). The free downloadable surveillance software, Gsurf, is pretty user friendly and identifies the camera automatically, giving you a plug-and-play effect.

GXV3674-rightside1

What’s great about this camera is it’s vari-focal lens for outdoor use. While this camera doesn’t have optical zoom, it gives you the ability to set your camera and walk away, not having to worry about adjusting the focus or having it get knocked out of balance by wind or such. They’re a big time and hassle saver, so if you’re looking for an easily maintainable outdoor camera, the Grandstream GXV3974_HD_VF might be a great one to start with.

Who is it for?

Based upon my own experience handling Grandstream cameras, they’re for everyone. This particular new piece is going to be perfect for outdoor situations where it’s IP66-rated casing can stand up to a little bit of dust blowing around and ran hitting it lightly (such as under an eave). With both day and night functionality and a vari-focal lens, the GXV3674_HD is going to cover most situations where identification and clarity is needed. Grandstream IP cameras include video motion detection, notification alarms, pre- and post-alarm buffering, and several other basic features, so it’s perfect for a small to medium sized business looking to up their physical security around the premise.

Pricing

The Grandstream GXV3674_HD_VF is $369.

GXV3674-leftside

First Look: Digium TE133 and TE134 Single Span Telephony Cards

November 7, 2013 by Taylor Hamp

The TE133 and TE134 are the most recent single span telephony card solution from Digium, and VoIP Supply gives you a first look at the Asterisk company’s cards.

What is it?

The Digium 1TE133F PCI-e and Digium 1TE134F PCI are new telephony cards for seamless PTSN connectivity to VoIP. These single span cards use state of the art technology to increase overall consistent phone quality and system performance, including features such as toll-bypass adjuncts for legacy TDX PBXs, SIP trunk interface for legacy TDM systems and small call center ACDs with T1/E1 trunks.

Digium te134

From these single T1 digital telephony cards, you can expect:

  • Up to 24 (T1/J1) or 30 (E1) simultaneous calls
  • Selectable T1, E1 or J1 Mode / Half-Length, Half-Height, Digital Card
  • PCI-Express (TE133)
  • PCI (TE134)
  • One (1) RJ48 Interface Port
  • Protocol support includes: ISDN PRI, Robbed-Bit, CAS
  • Built-in 128ms Octasic DSP hardware echo cancellation
  • 5 year warranty
  • Risk-free ESP guarantee

Digium TE133 and TE134 cards are designed to support T1/E1/PRI environments and industry standard telephony protocols, mainly Primary Rate ISDN protocol families for voice in North America and Euro standards. Octasic DSP hardware echo cancellation is built directly into the cards which removes the task of echo cancellation from the system’s CPU card, improving efficiency in your VoIP system.

As these cards are created by the makers of Asterisk, you can feel confident about 100% interoperability, straight from the source. Digium wants you to feel comfortable with your purchase, so even though we all know you’ll love it, Digium offers a no-risk ESP guarantee that if qualifying Digium products don’t perform 100% as designed, Digium will refund the product. That’s confidence.

Who is it for?

The TE133 and TE134 are designed for Asterisk and it’s open source drivers, so basically, anyone with an existing legacy system looking to upgrade to VoIP. Digium cards have been tested with major server hardware platforms like Dell, HP and IBM, as well as hardware platforms with chipsets like AMD, Intel, VIA and Nvidia. Being designed by Asterisk, Digium cards are compatible with all version of Asterisk using the DAHDI driver framework. Asterisk and DAHDI are available for free from the Asterisk.org website.

Pricing

Digium 1TE133F MSRP $730.00
Digium 1TE134F MSRP $730.00

Learn About Huawei Switches with VoIP Supply in November 7th Webinar

huawei-voip-supply-webinar
For businesses that want a simple, functional, and affordable communications network, Huawei Switches are perfect.

But don’t just take our word for it.

Join us and Huawei Enterprise USA on Thursday, November 7th at 2PM EST for an overview of Huawei’s next generation network switches built for the needs of the small to medium business.

You’ll learn how the Huawei switch family:

  • Delivers superior switching capacity and scalability
  • Has lower total cost of ownership
  • Offers a solid platform and feature set
  • Provides an energy efficient design

Thank You!

To say thank you for joining us, all attendees will receive a free Starbucks gift card, good for $10 at any Starbucks location.

register-now

 

First Look: Yealink SIP-T19P and SIP-T21P

November 6, 2013 by Tom Costelloe

Yealink SIP-T19P and Yealink SIP-T21PEarlier this year Yealink broke their mold, aesthetically speaking, when they released three new VoIP phones. These new phones featured a new design that looked quite different from the models they have been producing for the last couple of years. This doesn’t mean that they’ve completely changed their ways and to see the proof of this you only need to look at their two latest entry level phones, the Yealink SIP-T19P and Yealink SIP-T21P.

WHAT IS IT?

The SIP-T19P and SIP-T21P are two new entry level VoIP phones from Yealink. As previously eluded to these two models follow the design of the existing T2X and T1X phones. So much so that out of the gate we had a small game at the VoIP Supply office of Spot the Difference between the new SIP-T21P and the existing SIP-T20P. I didn’t fair too well it that game but lets talk about that anymore and take a quick look at the basics of these two new Yealink phones.

Yealink SIP-T19PYealink SIP-T19P – While both of these new Yealink models are entry level phones the SIP-T19P is the basic model of  the two. This new phone is designed to be used in common spaces such as hallways, office kitchens as well as by users who don’t use their phone that much such as warehouse workers. Outside of an office setting it could also be used as a good basic phone for residential VoIP installations.

    • 1 line appearance
    • 132 x 64 pixel graphical LCD display
    • Dual 10/100 RJ45 Ports
    • RJ9 headset port
    • Built-in auto sensing IEEE 802.3 af Power over Ethernet

Yealink SIP-T21PYealink SIP-T21P – As previously mentioned the SIP-T21P has a striking resemblance to the existing SIP-T20p but there are some noticeable difference. The new SIP-T21P features a graphical LCD display, 4 programmable soft keys, and support for IPv6. The target user for this phone is entry level workers who don’t need as many line functions on their phone but still need all of the features.

    • 2 line appearances
    • 132 x 64 pixel graphical LCD display
    • Dual 10/100 RJ45 Ports
    • RJ9 headset port
    • Built-in auto sensing IEEE 802.3 af Power over Ethernet

WHO IS IT FOR?

Both of these phones are targeted at entry level VoIP phone users. These users will primarily be people that don’t use the phone as much, don’t need as many features, or are looking for a lower priced phone. Personally I see either of these phones being able to fulfill the needs of these users but would lean towards the SIP-T21P for users who might need a bit more from their phone.

PRICING

The pricing for the new Yealink models is:
Yealink SIP-T19P – MSRP $75
Yealink SIP-T21P – MSRP $99

AVAILABILITY

Both of these new Yealink VoIP phone models are available to ship from VoIP Supply today. You can shop on-line for Yealink on VoIPSupply.com or contact the VoIP Supply sales team at [email protected] or by call 1-866-582-8591.

The Spectralink Line Formerly Known as KIRK

October 25, 2013 by Taylor Hamp

You won’t find Polycom’s DECT handsets called KIRK anymore. It might be a little confusing, so here is a blog post to help break it down.

A while ago Polycom let Spectralink loose after acquiring them and their handsets in 2007 which has allowed Spectralink to rebrand their own products again, but otherwise Spectralink kept everything the same.

VoIP Supply already posted about Spectralink 8000 Series, so now take a moment for the KIRK transition to the Spectralink 7000 Series.

Following suit as the Polycom KIRK’s, the Spectralink 7000 Series do not come with a charger or a power supply. You’ll need to purchase both options separately. The correct charger options for each series will be available in the Accessories panel on each handset page on VoIP Supply’s website, or listed as a drop down option where applicable. When you decide on which charger you want, you can choose your power supply or USB cable (again, where applicable) to go with it, or if you know you have the correct power supply laying around your workspace somewhere, you can choose not to purchase another one.

There are five sets to this series: 74-series, 75-series, 76-series, 77-series, and the Butterfly Handset Series. Excluding the Butterfly Series, if you’re familiar at all with the old Polycom KIRK DECT phones, you’ll remember the handsets were split into the 40xx Series, 50xx Series, 60xx Series, and 70xx Series, and as you can probably guess, all four series match up. From the KIRK model number, if you drop the third place digit and add a ‘7’ to the beginning, you’ll have the new nomenclature for the Spectralink models. Let’s take a look:

Spectralink 74-Series:
Formerly known as KIRK 40xx Series
Spectralink 7420 = KIRK 4020
Spectralink 7440 = KIRK 4040 (IP54-rated)
Made robust for rough handling and free mobility, with a large alphanumeric backlit display and LED light up for incoming and unanswered calls.

Spectralink 7520

Spectralink 7520

Spectralink 75 Series:
Formerly known as KIRK 50xx Series
Spectralink 7520 = KIRK 5020
Spectralink 7540 = KIRK 5040
Made for use in administrative environments with a large color screen, address book, loud speaking, vibrate for calls, and wired headset connection for the 7520 or Bluetooth headset connection for the 7540. The 75-Series is supported on Microsoft Lync. If you’re purchasing a 75-Series for the first time, you’ll need the Spectralink Single Stand 75-Series Charger with USB Port to program your entire deployment. Only one is needed regardless of how many handsets.

Spectralink 76-Series:
Formerly known as KIRK 60xx Series
Spectralink 7620 = KIRK 6020
Spectralink 7640 = KIRK 6040
An IP64-rated phone, the 76-Series is a durable mobile handset for manufacturing floors, made with an alarm key and headset jack with amplifier. The 7640 also has Bluetooth headset connection, man down/no movement/running detections, and tear-off string. Remember you will need to license the Automatic Alarm Call on your Spectralink DECT system to enable these features. The 76-Series is also supported on Microsoft Lync.

Spectralink 7740

Spectralink 7740

Spectralink 77-Series:
Formerly known as KIRK 70xx Series
Spectralink 7710 = KIRK 7010 (IP54-rated)
Spectralink 7720 = KIRK 7020 (IP64-rated)
Spectralink 7740 = KIRK 7040 (IP64-rated)
The 77-Series is the top of the line with large color icons with customizable texting and prepared for third-party applications, perfect for hospital and nursing home settings. The 7710 has the most basic features, the 7720 adds on a membrane key-pad thats disinfectant resistance for easy cleaning, and the 7740 tops it off with man down/no movement/running detectors, year-off string and alarm key (Licensable on the DECT server), HD Voice Ready and Bluetooth headset connection. The 77-Series is supported by Microsoft Lync.

Butterfly Handset Series:
Formerly known as KIRK Butterfly Handset Series
Available in Black, White, Blue, Red, and Green, the Butterfly Series is still around to provide essential office functions with basic voice and messaging capabilities while contemporary designed to fit in naturally in the hand and identify your employees with some color.

Spectralink is still working the transition from the Polycom DECT phones over to completely Spectralink, so some of the literature for Spectralink 7000 Series phones will have Polycom logos on them and say ‘Polycom KIRK,’ which doesn’t help reduce the confusion. Think of it this way though: there has finally been a take over where one company didn’t mess up a product. While the names have changed, you still have the same great product. Once you remember to drop the third place ‘0’ and begin each part number with a ‘7’, it’s not so bad.

Spectralink for Lync

October 18, 2013 by Christina Smith

SpectraLink Banner

SpectraLink wireless phones are wildly famous. And why not? Their iconic WiFI and DECT phones offer all kinds of benefits to businesses who need mobility and accessibility across a wide area of operation. SpectraLink hasn’t slowed down with their 84-Series Wireless Telephones.

The 84-Series phones are designed with certain industries in mind: healthcare, manufacturing, retail and hospitality to name a few. You can always rely on the SpectraLink 8440, which comes in a black or a blue handset, to keep corridor mobile workers connected while on the job. Previously, your Spectralink 8440 handset would work with most SIP-based call systems as long as you were connecting the handset to the LAN using a Spectralink VIEW certified access point. If you were tech savvy, you may be able to make it work with Microsoft OCS or Lync. Now Spectralink offers specific 8440, 8441, 8452, and 8453 models that are tried and true with Microsoft Lync.

Using the SpectraLink 84-Series WiFi handset with Microsoft Lync brings even greater UC features to your fingertips. When used with Microsoft Lync, the SpectraLink 8440 and SpectraLink 8450 series offers presence, instant messaging, and Microsoft Outlook Calendar integration.

8400 Handsets

The Spectralink base model 8440 handset for Lync comes in either a black or blue keypad face. Unlike the Spectralink 6000 series, the 8400 series handsets will work on any Spectralink VIEW certified WiFi access point. This helps you cut down on infrastructure by using your existing WLAN. The 8440 (and all 8400 series handsets) feature a 2.2in color LCD display with a high 240×320 resolution and four context sensitive soft keys. They offer 2.5mm and Bluetooth headset support and are drop and shock resistant (Do I dare mention MIL STD 810F and IP-64? No, I won’t because that is boring talk, but its all there). When used with the Spectralink desktop speakerphone dock, the Spectralink 8440 also features crystal clear HD voice!

8441 Handsets

The Spectralink 8441 for Lync offers all the awesome features of the 8440 handsets with the addition of security features like “man down” and call alerting. When used with a 3rd party monitoring software, Spectralink 8441 phones can determine if the user is down on the ground, running, or if motion has ceased and notify proper authorities, offering the utmost in workplace safety.

8452 Handsets

The Spectralink 8452 for Lync improves upon the 8440 handsets with the addition of a 1D/2D barcode scanner. Use the Spectralink 8452 with third party software to scan UPC codes or patient identification bracelets. If you are a phone fashionista, the Spectralink 8452 also comes in your choice of blue or black faceplate.

8453 Handsets

Like the Spectralink 8441, the Spectralink 8453 offers security features with the addition of a 1D/2D barcode scanner. The Spectralink 8453 combines the ultimate in versatility and safety, and now it’s updated for Lync.

How to Order

When ordering your new Spectralink WiFi phone, you need to order the handset separately, then choose your battery and charging option. Choose from a single battery and charging cable, a dual charger which charges the phone and a second battery simultaneously, a quad charger which charges 4 batteries, or the 12-bay charger which will cover multiple shift users and is desktop or wall mountable! For the often deskbound professional, Spectralink offers a desktop conference phone charging station which turns your Spectralink handset into an HD Voice speakerphone and charges the battery to boot!

For the complete line of Spectralink covers, clips, and charging devices necessary to make the move to the 84-Series, visit SpectraLink 8440 Accessories and SpectraLink 8450 Accessories.

For more information or if you have any questions, call our VoIP Supply experts at 1.800.398.8647. Let us help you choose the perfect set for your business needs!

Huawei VoIP Switches at VoIP Supply Bring New Networking Hardware Options

October 17, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski
Huawei S1700-8-AC 8 Port Network Switch for SOHO or SMB applications

Huawei S1700-8-AC 8 Port Network Switch for SOHO or SMB applications

Huawei is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of  telecommunications equipment and VoIP Supply is now carrying several series of their VoIP switches:

  • Huawei S1700 Switches for small office/home office (SOHO) applications
  • Huawei S2700 Switches for small and medium-sized businesses (SMB)

Huawei R&D, Good for You and Me

In the United States alone Huawei has 600 employees dedicated to R&D and every year the company invests 20%, or well over $100 million, of its annual revenue to local R&D.

Additionally, Huawei has deployed 800,000 switches with 36 million ports worldwide.

What that means for you is that you get to take advantage of a company that Fast Company named to their Most Innovative Companies List and next-generation switches that are competitively priced loaded with features and flexibility including:

  • Fan-free design
  • Easy operation
  • Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
  • Data security to defend against DoS attacks

“We’re excited to bring on another networking option from Huawei,” said Ben Sayers, VoIP Supply CEO. “Huawei’s commitment to research and development is a big win for our customers looking for switches that are powerful, affordable, and easy to use.”

Adtran: The Next Generation

October 15, 2013 by Taylor Hamp

ADTRAN is a unique company; instead of replacing models, they simply make their existing models better.

ADTRAN’s most recent release is the third generation of the Total Access 900e IP Business Gateways. If you’re not very familiar with ADTRAN, stay tuned; for the people who are familiar with ADTRAN, rest assured all the old Total Access 900e features are still included, and then some.

Adtran TA 900e Series

Total Access 900e IP Business Gateways are known as carrier-class gateways. A traditional service provider such as AT&T or Verizon use TDM switches for their services, and to transform those signals into IP service, you’ll need a gateway with a T1 interface. Here is where ADTRAN comes in. The Total Access line had previously offered a T1 interface, FXS ports, and a single Ethernet interface which gave users IP capability to their existing legacy equipment, along with data connectivity and VoIP functions such as Voice Quality Monitoring and Quality of Service. ADTRAN also integrated a full featured IP router which provided the gateways with this data routing and Internet connectivity. Users could expect the gateway to perform stateful inspection firewall for security and have dynamic bandwidth allocation.

Now take all those features and add-on these:

  • 66% performance increase in router performance
  • Better enabled bandwidth for faster services at 100 Mbps
  • Multiple T1 interfaces: Quad T1/FT1 and RJ-48C and USB 2.0
  • 3 Ethernet interfaces: 1 Gigabit and 2 Fast
  • Hardware-based Network Address Translation (NAT) for IP address concealment and security
  • Supports 802.1q Virtual LAN (VLan) Trunking
  • Optional Enterprise Session Border Control (eSBC) with an additional upgrade
  • Optional outbound FXO lifeline for improved flexibility with hardware configuration

These are just a few of the dozens upon dozens of features of the Total Access 900e Gen 3 IP Business Gateways. Chris Thompson, director of product management for ADTRAN, stated in their press release: “As carrier experts continue to choose ADTRAN for their network, we have raised the bar on the performance and features of the Total Access 900e to address new applications and capabilities needed to take high-performance networks to the next level.”

ADTRAN does it right by maintaining a good product and updating the line when it’s beneficial to the customer. In a world of changing technology, it’s key to have a device that can manage the transition from aged-out analog equipment to VoIP hardware. The Total Access 900e Series can keep your fax machine running while supporting VoIP phones smoothly. If you’re looking for flexibility and scalability, Adtran might be the perfect route for you.

Calling All Entrepreneurs to Startup Weekend Buffalo – October 4th to 6th

September 30, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

If you want a crash course in entrepreneurship then Startup Weekend Buffalo, running October 4th to the 6th,  is for you.

And if even if you don’t have an idea for a business but you still want to get involved, that’s great too because this event is all-inclusive.  You can use your experience to help someone else’s vision become a reality.

Registration costs $50 per person ($25 for students) with meals included and are available for three types of participants:

  • Developer: Software engineers, coders, developers -anybody who can write code.
  • Designer: Anybody with a  background in design (graphics, UX/UI, etc.).
  • Non-Technical: Business, marketing, PR, and anyone with a non-technical background.

About and Prizes

Click here for more details on exactly what Startup Weekend is or, as their homepage explains:

Whether entrepreneurs found companies, find a cofounder, meet someone new, or learn a skill far outside their usual 9-to-5, everyone is guaranteed to leave the event better prepared to navigate the chaotic but fun world of startups.

This is only the third ever Startup Weekend in Buffalo and its popularity has already outgrown its original meeting space at Medaille College and is now being hosted on the UB North Campus at Davis Hall.

Instead of a cash award,  prize packages will be awarded to first, second, and third place finishers that include a range of web, financial, legal, marketing, and business development services.

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