Multicast Zoning vs Legacy Channels: What are the Key Differences?

October 31, 2022 by Ying-Hui Chen

Organizations often need to segment speakers into groups, which are often referred to as zones. However, referring to both analog zone controllers as zones or multicast groupings as zones can cause confusion.

To help you clarify the concepts, we will discuss the key differences between multicast zoning and legacy channels in this article. Let’s check them out:

Speaker Grouping in IP Environments: Multicast Zones

The multicast functionality allows a sender to push a message to the network for specific multicast zones. The multicast receivers are configured to listen to broadcasts for any of their pre-configured zones, and automatically play messages that coordinate to that respective zone.

Algo’s 8301 Paging Adapter is a great device to use as the multicast sender for large deployments. Check out a typical set up below:

As self-amplified devices with multicast capability, this allows organizations to group IP speakers independent of an amplifier.

Speaker Grouping in Legacy Environments: Legacy Channels

On the other hand, in legacy paging systems, speaker groups are often created with the assistance of zone controllers and zone amplifiers. Therefore, legacy zoning typically occurs behind the amplifier.

Since these legacy systems are not network-based, the groups are determined by the wiring configuration, Algo refers to the speaker grouping as channels.

Can legacy systems grouped behind an amplifier be integrated into an IP system? Absolutely! That’s where Algo’s 8373 IP Zone Paging Adapter comes into play. As a SIP endpoint, the 8373 will register to the IP system seamlessly while forming a bridge to the legacy amplifier and speaker groupings. See an example below:

Do I have to choose one or the other? A third option is to go hybrid! You can do a combination of both using multicast zones and legacy channels.

Here are the reasons to create a hybrid environment:

You can retain your legacy equipment for part of your environment and deploying new IP equipment for other areas needed
You will have the ability to group speakers with multiple combinations of zones and/or channels

One popular option is to choose to deploy the 8373 IP Zone Paging Adapter to retain legacy grouping via channels as well as register the 8373 device as a multicast sender or receiver.

Click here to visit Algo’s blog post to learn more detail!

New Reseller Updates You Don’t Want to Miss Out On

by Ying-Hui Chen

Don’t miss out on the latest reseller updates! We’ve got new updates about new Sangoma phones, great instant rebates, and an exciting announcement about our new partnership with SkyAMP!

Click here to download the presentation slides

Sangoma P-Series Models – 3 Segments, 6 phones

Check out Sangoma’s new P Series phones, including the P310/315, P320, P325, P330, and P370. This series is a complete line of phones, covering a broader set of market segments than Sangoma has been able to offer previously.

The P Series phones have some natural equivalencies compared to the older Sangoma phone models, check out this chart for more information:

Don’t forget to take advantage of the instant rebate! This promotion ends on December 31st, 2022.

P315 – $10
P310 – $5

VoIP Supply Announces New Partnership with SkyAMP

VoIP Supply is excited to announce that we are a new distribution partner for SkyAMP! Established on August 10th, 2020, SkyAMP strives to provide resilient online connectivity that would continue to operate without failure, even under adverse conditions such as severe weather and local power availability.

SkyAMP created the ultimate wireless contingency that ensures businesses and essential government agencies will have a stable and reliable connection when they need it most.

Key differences:

Unpowered – skyAMP devices require no electricity or batteries
Just set it and get it – no configuration, pairing, or setup process
Range – significantly larger coverage than competing products
Fast – removing noise and interference, resulting in faster data speeds
Secure – no firmware and are not hackable
Tough – tested to be durable, survive drops and harsh environmental conditions

See the applications below:

Before you go – Register for our next VoIP Reseller Webinar in November!

Watch Now: Snom M5XX Series Unboxing Video

October 26, 2022 by Mary Cheney

Have you heard about Snom’s new M5XX series of Multi-Cell KLE devices? Check out VoIP Supply’s exclusive unboxing video to learn more!

During this video, we show you the M500 Base Station, the M55 DECT Handset, and the M58 Desk Phone. We also break down some of the key features of all of these devices and point out a couple of unique selling points!

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

October Hardware Roundup – Algo Device Management Platform, Fanvil’s CS30 Speakerphone, and more!

October 18, 2022 by Mary Cheney

October Hardware Roundup – Fanvil’s CS30 Speakerphone, Algo Device Management Platform, and more!

This October has brought some exciting product announcements by our great partners at Fanvil and Algo. Check out some of the highlights below!

Algo’s Device Management Platform

Algo recognized the demand for their partners to be able to easily manage their Algo endpoints all in one place. They recently launched the Algo Device Management Platform which allows you not only to manage, but you can also monitor and configure all of your registered Algo IP endpoints from the platform.

Some of the Main Key Features:

Easily push to update configuration settings, troubleshoot devices, and upgrade firmware.
Devices can be easily grouped via the tagging functionality to be overseen by district, department, and/or functionality.
Effectively oversee all Algo IP endpoints deployed in a large environment or over multiple locations and networks
Learn more benefits here

Fanvil CS30 Speakerphone

Have you checked out Fanvil’s newest product, the Fanvil CS30 Speakerphone?

Fanvil recently launched a brand new speakerphone to their growing portfolio of products. This compact speakerphone is ideal for small offices, huddle rooms, and home offices. It comes with a carrying case for those individuals who are constantly on the go but need a portable conference solution.

Check out our unboxing video to see what’s in the box and learn about some of the additional key features!

Poly Edge E Series – Zoom Certified

Lastly, we wanted to highlight that Poly announced their Edge E series phones are now certified with Zoom.

For so many of us jumping from one platform to another in our everyday work lives, having the devices we are working on certified across multiple platforms helps to keep us working efficiently without having to fiddle around with settings!

For a full list of Poly integrability and compatibility, check out their useful chart!

[Q & A] Do I Have to Pay for CyberData Design Services?

October 12, 2022 by Mary Cheney

Q: We are looking to deploy a CyberData IP Paging Solution, we need assistance with the design of the solution, do we have to pay for these services?

A: No, CyberData offers free design services. Their Design Services Team can review floor plans and make the best recommendation for your environment!

Through VoIP Supply’s partnership with the team at CyberData, you can be sure you will have the team you need behind your upcoming project.

Take advantage of CyberData’s FREE design services for your next IP Paging solution project.

How to Blind Transfer a Call on Fanvil’s V67 Android Phone

October 7, 2022 by Ying-Hui Chen

Did you know that you can blind transfer a caller to a ring group or another person on Fanvil’s V67 Android Phone without hassle?

A blind transfer makes it easy to transfer calls to a different agent without speaking to that new agent first. This will cut down the wait time and let the new agent decide whether to accept or reject the transfer.

Here’s how to accomplish a blind transfer:

Blind transfer During the call, the user presses the function menu button [Transfer]
Enter the number to transfer or press the contact button or the history button to select the number
Press the transfer key again to a third party.
After the third party rings, the phone will show that the transfer is successful
Once the transfer is complete, the call on your end will drop.

That’s it! How does this feature work out for you and your team? We want to know!

Visit our product page to learn more about Fanvil’s V67 Android phone.

Algo Released Firmware Version 5.2

October 5, 2022 by Ying-Hui Chen

NEW! Algo firmware version 5.2 is now available on all Algo devices except the 8036 & 8039. Featured devices include:

What’s new in Version 5.2?

Compatibility with optional Cloud
Based Device Monitoring ADMP
Algo Device Management Platform
Zero Touch Provisioning
Update Linux system (includes all latest security patches)
Add API command to extract relay input status
Add remote volume subscriber/notifier feature with the Algo 1204
Add configurable SNMP community string
Add option to set multiple schedules in one day (only available on the Algo 8301)
Add DTMF selectable emergency alerts
Add individual volume selection per group in receiver mode for Polycom Group Page
Add configurable option for Check sync reboot behavior
Add option to reboot/sync by weekday
Automatically convert the scheduler file to the new database format during an upgrade (only available on the Algo 8301)
Fix provisioning upgrade issues
Fix web interface password issue
Improved logging for troubleshooting TLS handshake
Minor bug fixes

How do I update to the latest version of the Algo firmware?

Firmware 5.2 is available on the Algo website for immediate download! Products will begin shipping with FW 5.2 in October 2022.

Click here to Algo’s website to learn more details!

Algo has Launched their NEW Device Management Platform (ADMP)

October 4, 2022 by Ying-Hui Chen

Great News! Algo has launched the Algo Device Management Platform, a cloud-based device management solution.

What is the ADMP?

The Algo Device Management Platform (ADMP) is a cloud-based device management solution to manage, monitor, and configure all registered Algo IP endpoints from any location.

Devices are continuously monitored for connectivity, and an email-based notification is issued when a device goes offline. This allows for real-time supervision of device status.

Key Benefits:

Easily push to update configuration settings, troubleshoot devices, and upgrade firmware.
Devices can be easily grouped via the tagging functionality to be overseen by district, department, and/or functionality.
Effectively oversee all Algo IP endpoints deployed in a large environment or over multiple locations and networks
Learn more benefits here

Easily Monitor and Management Algo End Points

The ADMP is a helpful tool for both service providers and end-users to effectively oversee all Algo devices deployed in their environments over multiple locations or networks. The ADMP is available in two license types, Basic and Pro.

The ADMP simplifies the process of overseeing Algo IP endpoints, particularly for businesses that need to manage devices spanned over a large facility, compass, or hospital, and/or service providers who need to manage devices for multiple end users in various locations. Visit Algo’s website to learn more about ADMP!

Are you ready to give it a try? Click here to sign up for a FREE trial today!

Watch Now: Unboxing Grandstream GWN7062

by Ying-Hui Chen

It’s time to unbox Grandstream’s GWN7062! Designed for small offices and/or remote workers, the GWN7062 is the world’s leading Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band Router that comes with powerful features such as:

Blazing-fast Wi-Fi speeds up to 1.8 Gbps
4-times increased data capacity to 64 devices
Smooth 4K Ultra HD streaming, web meetings, video conferences, and more!

Watch this short video as we unbox the GWN7062 and learn about its features and functionality!

VoIP Supply Announces New Partnership with SkyAMP

October 3, 2022 by Ying-Hui Chen

VoIP Supply is excited to announce that we are a new distribution partner for SkyAMP! Let us introduce you to SkyAMP and the products they offer to improve your communication needs:

Who is SkyAMP?

Established on August 10th, 2020, SkyAMP strives to provide resilient online connectivity that would continue to operate without failure, even under adverse conditions such as severe weather and local power availability.

SkyAMP created the ultimate wireless contingency that ensures businesses and essential government agencies will have a stable and reliable connection when they need it most.

What is SkyAMP?

SkyAMP devices are constructed from a mix of metallic materials and assembled under our patented process so that they function similarly to solid-state electronics, harnessing the power of physics and inherent qualities of the materials to make for an effective signal booster.

SkyAMP is a new, game-changing, and patented technology. Forget about annoying cables, wires, SIM cards, configuration, or even pairing or setup requirements – simply set it and get it!

Unpowered Wireless Signal Booster
Models available in DECT, 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, and 4G Cellular
No cables, wires, SIM cards, configuration pairing or setup required
5-year manufacturer warranty
Carrier agnostic

VoIP Supply carries all SkyAMP products and is looking forward to providing the best wireless contingency products to our customers. Visit our web pages to learn more about SkyAMP!