Guest Post: When to Chose DECT over Wi-Fi – Part III

January 20, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski


Note: 
This is a guest post by James Kander, North American Sales Manager for Polycom KIRK, and is the final installment in a three part series.  Click here for Part I and Part II.

Completing this series on when to choose DECT over Wi-Fi,  Jim Kander, North American Sales Manager for the Polycom KIRK line, joins us one last time to provide you with the best practices for installation and advice on things you need to make sure you do and things you should be sure to avoid.

To recap, Part I of this series helped users distinguish the differences between DECT (Polyom KIRK ) and Wi-Fi (Polycom SpectraLink) and Part II outlined what’s needed to make the solution work.

Site Surveys Key to Wireless Installation

VoIP Supply:  Jim, you’ve cleared up the vagaries between DECT and Wi-Fi and provided a short list of necessary system components.  Now how do we get this thing to work?

Can you tell our reader what the best practices are for installing a wireless VoIP system?

James Kander, Polycom:  When dealing with RF [radio frequency], every site is unique. Radio coverage depends on a variety of factors such as:

  • Building architecture
  • Construction materials
  • Number of users and usage pattern
  • Traffic distribution

A floor plan can be submitted to Polycom for an estimate of the base station number and placement. Deployment kits are available from Polycom to perform a thorough site survey prior to installation/turn up.

Each handset is equipped with a built in site survey which allows users to see signal strength, packet loss, channel utilization and other tools for troubleshooting.

LifeSize Software Updates for ClearSea and Connections

January 17, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

LifeSize_logoSeveral LifeSize product updates and availability have been released.

ClearSea

LifeSize ClearSea, the enterprise class client/server video collaboration solution for remote and mobile users, can now be updated to Sofware Version 2.0.12 that includes support for:

  • Customizable banner image in mobile clients.
  • New server-side contacts search and improved LDAP integration.
  • Stability fixes.

Connections Compatibility

LifeSize Connections with the latest Software Version 4.9 update will now work with:

  • LifeSize Express 220
  • LifeSize Team 220
  • LifeSize Passport

If you have either the LifeSize 220 Series or Passport video systems you must download Version 4.9 to take advantage of Connections.

Passport Connect Now Available

LifeSize Passport Connect is now available. Passport Connect is a  revolutionary HD video system optimized for cloud-based solutions, and when paired with LifeSize® Connections, provides:

  • Auto-provisioning and seamless firewall traversal.
  • Intuitive user interface with name-based dialing.
  • Presence icons and search functionality.

Downloads

First Look: Polycom VVX 500 Business Media Phone Review

January 16, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

polycom_vvx_500Unified Communications (UC) touts universal access across all mediums so why not have a little interface unity across those devices?

The Polycom VVX 500 is a sleek new HD voice VoIP phone offering a familiar touch screen experience.  A touch screen experience that’s so familiar I’m confident that even my iPad toting dad can use this phone with little to no training.

Time Saver

Time saving is Polycom’s goal for the VVX 500 through a small learning curve, desktop and mobile device integration, and fingertip access to your information.  The VVX 500’s 3.5 inch touch screen provides a quick look at your synced calendar, contacts, and streaming media (news, sports, weather, stocks) to give you a jump on your day while your computer boots up.

Performance

Billed as a performance business media phone, the VVX 500 targets busy workers that need a phone to keep up with their multi-tasking.  Or, this phone is for anyone who really hates lag time and thinks 15 seconds for a video to load is an outrage.

The touchscreen’s response time is super-fast and very intuitive whether you’re entering data, scrolling through menus, or jumping from app to app.  Navigation is tuned to resemble smartphones.

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Guest Post: When to Choose DECT over Wi-Fi – Part II

January 13, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

Note:  This is a guest post by James Kander, North American Sales Manager for Polycom KIRK, and is the 2nd installment in a three part series.  Part I is here.

Part I of this guest post series talked about Polycom’s two wireless solutions, the Polyom KIRK (DECT) line and the Polycom SpectraLink (Wi-Fi) option including the best way for users to distinguish what the true differences between DECT and Wi-Fi are.

Following up on the previous post Jim Kander, North American Sales Manager for the Polycom KIRK line, joins us this time to talk about implementing a wireless, DECT VoIP solution.

VoIP Designers, Make It Work!

VoIP Supply:  Tim Gunn is famous for telling Project Runway designers to “make it work.”  We hope VoIP integrators don’t have to face the same time pressures and brutally honest judges.

Jim, what is everything our readers need to have or buy to make a wireless, DECT VoIP solution work?

James Kander, Polycom:  There are four basic wireless VoIP solution components:

1.  First are the wireless handsets, which are used to transmit and receive voice and data communication. The handsets transmit information to special wireless infrastructure

2.  Infrastructure which includes KIRK Wireless Servers, base stations, and optional repeaters. In turn, the wireless infrastructure connects with the enterprise or hosted PBX or call control platform.

3.  There are also applications that drive greater productivity for mobile workers. Examples of applications include specific alarms and text messaging. This is all enabled through our open application programming interfaces.

4.  Finally, various optional accessories, including charging and carrying devices are available to maximize the functionality of the KIRK DECT solution.

Learn From My Mistakes

Coming up in the third and last installment are best practices for installation and advice on things you need to make sure you do and things you should be sure to avoid.

 

FaxBack asks, "Are you getting the most from VoIP Faxing?"

FaxBack BannerVoIP Supply is exited to announce that we’ve added FaxBack Fax adapters to efficiently employ VoIP faxing in your organization.

Businesses still need fax machines but they haven’t evolved with your desktop.  Have you ever asked yourself why faxing can’t flow as easily as your online or computer-based applications?  FaxBack is here to provide the answer.

The FaxBack Fax ATA (analog telephone adapter) will add new features to your ordinary fax machine just like VoIP added greater functionality to your phone.

With a FaxBack fax ATA’s you can now receive fax notifications via email and manage your faxes through a control panel that allows fax tracking and archiving.  Even more, with FaxBack you can use any type of internet or data connection including satellite, Wi-Fi, and cellular data connections. FaxBack fax ATA’s are also HTTPS enabled making those faxes you send over satellite, Wi-Fi, or cell secure and reliable.

“FaxBack is bringing faxing into the 21st century,” said Garrett Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at VoIP Supply.  “The FaxBack Fax ATA provides great value by combining both voice and fax calls making it simple to integrate faxing into your existing networks.”

Sangoma Vega Gateways Add VoIP Access Options

January 12, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

Sangoma Vega 2

VoIP Supply has added the new Sangoma Vega Gateways to increase connectivity options for your VoIP application.

Sangoma is “not just a board company anymore.”  Realizing the popularity of gateway appliances and the need for different but equal solutions for varied VoIP application scenarios, the Sangoma Vega Gateway line was launched to provide greater flexibility for VoIP integrators.

Sangoma Vega Gateways provide interconnectivity between the co-existing traditional, analog voice networks and VoIP networks.  Reducing customer’s outlay and preserving ROI on your existing infrastructure, Vega gateways are offered in three highly flexible configurations:

  • Vega 50:  For low density analog or BRI connectivity.
  • Vega 5000:  For high density analog connectivity up to 50 FXS ports.
  • Vega 400:  For high density digital interfaces with multiple T1s or E1s.

“Sangoma is already a leader in providing VoIP connectivity solutions,” said Garrett Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at VoIP Supply.  “Customers now have even more trusted options in the new Vega Gateway line-up that provides great flexibility and cost savings for connecting VoIP service provider access.”

What’s my IP Camera’s Default Password?

January 10, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

The helpful folks at IP Video Market have put together an alphabetical list of the default usernames and passwords for the top IP camera manufacturers to help speed up your set-up time and serve as a quick reference.

Below is a sample list.  For the full list click here, IP Cameras Default Passwords Directory.

Default Username/Password List

  • ACTi: admin/123456 or Admin/123456
  • Axis: traditionally root/pass, new Axis cameras require password creation during first login
  • Cisco: No default password, requires creation during first login
  • Grandstream: a sticker comes with the default password
  • IQinVision: root/system
  • Mobotix: admin/meinsm
  • Panasonic: admin/12345
  • Samsung Electronics: root/root or admin/4321
  • Samsung Techwin (old): admin/1111111
  • Samsung Techwin (new): admin/4321
  • Sony: admin/admin
  • Trendnet: admin/admin
  • Toshiba: root/ikwd
  • Vivotek: root/<blank>

Via IPVM

What’s my IP Camera’s Default Password?

The helpful folks at IP Video Market have put together an alphabetical list of the default usernames and passwords for the top IP camera manufacturers to help speed up your set-up time and serve as a quick reference.

Below is a sample list.  For the full list click here, IP Cameras Default Passwords Directory.

Default Username/Password List

  • ACTi: admin/123456 or Admin/123456
  • Axis: traditionally root/pass, new Axis cameras require password creation during first login
  • Cisco: No default password, requires creation during first login
  • Grandstream: admin/admin
  • IQinVision: root/system
  • Mobotix: admin/meinsm
  • Panasonic: admin/12345
  • Samsung Electronics: root/root or admin/4321
  • Samsung Techwin (old): admin/1111111
  • Samsung Techwin (new): admin/4321
  • Sony: admin/admin
  • Trendnet: admin/admin
  • Toshiba: root/ikwd
  • Vivotek: root/<blank>

Via IPVM

SIP for magicJack

January 9, 2012 by Garrett Smith

magicJack Plus Review - Tom Keating

In earlier posts we looked at several ways for you to use SIP with your device of choice including SIP softphones, SIP for Apple, and SIP for Android.

Wrapping up this series we can’t leave out the “As Seen on TV” juggernaut, magicJack.

A lot of you have heard of magicJack, a phone system that promises free local and long-distance calling in addition to free call waiting, free voicemail, free caller ID – basically, the whole works.

It sounds like a great offer, and certainly the type of offer a startup business would like to use to reduce overhead as much as possible.

But we live in a digital age, and the Internet makes phone calling via computer a top-flight convenience for businesses of any type. It’s hard to weigh which phone system to use.

The good news is that magicJack uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which means you can use the Magic Jack service with a standard VoIP product. Given how cheap Magic Jack is to use – and how easy it is to use SIP and VoIP technology in today’s world – there should be no excuse for any startup to spend a lot of money on expensive phone systems.

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Guest Post: When To Choose DECT Over Wi-Fi?

January 6, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

Note:  This is a guest post by James Kander, North American Sales Manager for Polycom KIRK, and the 1st installment in a three part series.

Polycom has two great wireless VoIP solutions to increase mobility in your workplace; the Polyom KIRK (DECT) line and the Polycom SpectraLink (Wi-Fi) option.  Both scenarios employ wirless handsets that will:

  • Eliminate paging delays and improve operations.
  • Enable faster responses to problems and emergencies.
  • Improve employee mobility, responsiveness and productivity.

What’s the best way for users to distinguish the true differences between DECT and Wi-Fi?  With that question in mind we decided to ask the authority themselves, Polycom.  Jim Kander, the North American Sales Manager for the Polycom KIRK line, gladly agreed to clear up the confusion.  Below is his response.

Why choose DECT over Wi-Fi?

VoIP Supply:  Jim, for our readers, can you paint a scenario of when DECT would be a great solution? Specifically, when would you choose DECT over WiFI?

James Kander, Polycom:  DECT is ideal for customers looking for a cost effective wireless solution that is interference free. The DECT standard operates on a dedicated 1.9GHz frequency band with built-in dynamic channel selection and allocation to ensure that the best channel is used during a call.

It also ensures handover between base stations are handled quickly and efficiently. In addition, KIRK handsets and infrastructure elements are backed by a strong engineering DECT expertise allowing for the highest overall voice quality in the product. DECT is well positioned for those customers wanting to have a dedicated voice network. Our DECT base stations can be flexibly deployed via the LAN network or directly wired to the server.

The DECT standard also allows for lower power consumption thereby allowing handsets to have standby battery life of up to 200 hours and 24 hours of talk time. The KIRK DECT solution has specialized handsets for various verticals such as healthcare, manufacturing, office and retail.

The solution enables third party application integration developers to deliver even greater productivity for mobile workers through open APIs. Finally, the DECT solution integrates directly with Microsoft Lync.

Making the Solution Work

We hope this gets you started on deciding what’s best for your application, DECT or Wi-Fi.  This is only the first installment of a three part Q & A series with Kander.  Coming up next are the prerequisites needed to make the solution work and best practices for installation.

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