VoIP, IP-PBX & TDM Phone Systems Atlanta

Your business intends to make extensive use of video conferencing and multi-media applications. How do you determine what bandwidth solution (T1, DS3, OCx/Sonet, etc.) would best meet your needs and incorporate that decision into your network cover these applications?

I’d say that it depends on what kind of service and QoS you are looking at. For example, when you say “video” you mean video conferencing and not something like VoD. The Bandwidth requirements will vary according to your service requirements.

For example: For IPTV services, the image quality depends on the encoding deployed: MPEG-2 consumes approx. 3.75 Mbps, whereas MPEG-4 needs approx. 2 Mbps for the same high-quality image production. Also broadcast TV is delivered using IP Multicast which makes the bandwidth required dependent on the number of channels offered and the encoding rate. 200 channels of MPEG-2 in standard definition will take approx. 750 Mbps of bandwidth. VoD, on the other hand, is a unicast per-viewer channel. 1000 standard definition VoD users will need appro. 3.75 Mbps.

The QoS requirements for video conferencing using H.323 (SIP could be different again) can be planned on the “Rule of 75″ as follows: Calculate the minimum bandwidth required by each of your applications ( e.g., video, voice, data). The total of this bandwidth is the minimum requirement for any given link and it should consume NO MORE than 75% of the total available bandwidth on the link. The 75% rule makes allowances for bandwidth required for over head traffic, such as routing, Layer 2 keepalives and other applications, such as, email, HTTP etc.

So, Capacity planning for H.323, should look like something as follows:

Video data + 20% = bandwidth required.

Example:

Video data rate: Bandwidth Required:

512 kbps = 614 kbps
1.5Mbps = 1.8 Mbps …

For issues such as number of concurent users and more stuff on video conferencing you can perhaps consider looking into Cisco’s solutions offered and also TANDBERG boxes.

Cisco considers anything 766Kb to be a “slow link” for VOIP. Also you need to consider the criticality of the sites so you may need two separate connections. All multi-media applications run on top of your other applications so QoS only allows a preference of who goes first.

You need a good baseline of non-multi-media applications (VOIP). So bandwidth needs to be able to handle all necessary applications in the network.

Also, you’ll need to remember that the bandwidth aggregation at the Data Center needs to meet or exceed all inbound remote site traffic. In other words, if I have three remote sites all with T1s. I’ll need more than one T1 at the Data Center to manage the traffic. Remember unless this is a greenfield then baseline, baseline, baseline!

When it comes to streaming video, bi-directional – you are going to have to consider the quality of the compression you are planning to use. If you are planning on using high definition video 1 direction it is recommended to have at least 2MB in the direction of the video being accessed.

So if you are streaming video to your computer then you need to make sure that you get 2MB download capacity. Also, another thing to keep in mind is latency and loss of packets. I would recommend staying away from wireless for this type of application as it will add latency and cause issues later. DS3 bandwidth and anything higher may be over kill, but would easily be able to handle your demands.

Without knowing specifics, it is hard to provide a precise answer, but, one can still specify a systematic method for calculating required bandwidth. Once you know the bandwidth requirement, then it is all about negotiating the most economical way to order that bandwidth from a network provider in the area.

Here is what I would suggest:

1. Calculate the peak external link bandwidth requirements (inter-office data transfer, video conferencing, email transfers. With attachments running in tens of megabytes, email traffic can’t be ignored these days.).

2. Real time applications being mostly jitter and delay sensitive – so you have to make sure that you will have enough bandwidth when they need it. The bandwidth of video depends on the mpeg profiles used (without going into specific, generally 1.5 Mbps can give you very good video on a PC (equal to VCD quality). HDTV images can take about 20 Mbps – but that is domain more reserved for IP TV service providers). Most current users of interactive video communications will be happy with the images coded and transmitted @ 512 Kbps. This includes audio and video as well as control signaling. So, one should provision at least 512 Kbps per video stream, and more the better (I would say 1.5 Mbps is the good if you are a big organization and use a large TV for video conferences)). So, multiply bandwidth for a single stream by the number of parallel streams required. Now that determines the total peak real time usage.

3. There is no specific rule – but wise men with experience advise to keep the peak real time within 60 to 75% of network bandwidth available leaving the remaining capacity for background traffic. In a small organization of 5 people – it is easy to tell people not to download gigabyte attachments when video conferencing is going on , but in larger organizations it is hard to enforce such things except with router policies (assuming they have QoS support), and you can deal with occasional unhappy users.

4. Now, once you know your bandwidth requirements, it is time to talk to the network operator how they can provide that bandwidth in the most cost effective way.

For help in finding just the right bandwidth solution for your video conferencing and multi-media applications …. take advantage of the no cost help provided at DS3-Bandwidth.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications….including DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you’re always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Author: Michael Lemm
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Smiling shark

The body is composed of 60 percent fluids of your total body weight and 70 percent of your muscles. The fluids are comprised of water and other bodily fluids, such as lymph and synovial fluids. During the course of our daily activities, the body constantly loses fluids in perspiration and through urinating. How much of these fluids are lost will depend on our activities and the temperatures that are prevailing at the time. During the summer months especially, we tend to be more active in sports, gardening and traveling more in the heat. The greater the activity we indulge in, plus the higher temperatures will cause us to sweat more. Sweat will evaporate on the skin helping your body to cool down. This will also occur even during the winter months when the temperatures are lower. However, it is during the summer months that the body is at greater risk for it to become dehydrated. The greater the amount of sweating results in a greater amount of the body’s electrolytes being lost. Electrolytes consist of many minerals needed to run the body on an efficient level. Without these electrolytes, the body develops heat exhaustion and rapidly a progression of symptoms will occur lacking the proper hydration. Such occurring symptoms are:

1. Headaches.
2. Thirst.
3. Sweating increases at a profuse level.
4. The skin becomes clammy.
5. The individual can feel chilly and start to shake.
6. The individual will become nauseous.
7. They develop dizziness.
8. The heart rate increases.
9. The muscles will start to cramp.

All of the above develops when the body cannot maintain its core temperature of 36 to 38 degrees C. and heatstroke becomes imminent. As you can see there is a very narrow band that the body must maintain its normal temperature range, and to maintain the normal range, you must replace the fluids that are lost. To replace the fluids it is important that you drink enough water throughout the day. It is not necessary to drink a glass at one time. You should sip more throughout the day, drinking at least 32 ounces daily. If you engage in strenuous activities and sports, you should drink even more. If you are very actively engaged in a sport, and are sweating profusely, you should drink at least 8 to10 ounces of water every 10 to 15 minutes. Some athletes will take salt tablets, but that can be an irritant to the stomach. It is much better to use a sports drink such as Gatorade that contains the needed electrolytes. If you know you will be engaging in strenuous sports or other activities, start hydrating before hand, and keep drinking while you are engaging in these activities. Be sure to wear the lightest possible clothing. A mesh type of material will allow more circulation of air. The clothing should be loose fitting and allow the sweat to evaporate. Choosing the time you engage in the sports or other activities is very important. The greatest risks are during the middle daylight hours when the sun is at its peak. Therefore try to confine you activities during the early morning and late afternoon hours when temperatures will be cooler. Drinking enough water has a great many benefits that will enhance your health other than preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These benefits include:

1. Prevention of constipation by softening stools.
2. Prevention of kidney stones by constantly flushing the kidneys and diluting acids and the calcific deposits that are the causative factors in forming these stones.
3. The dilution of these acids will also prevent gout.
4. Water nourishes the largest organ of our body, the skin. It keeps the skin supple and clear by replacing needed moisture.
5. Water helps regulate the body thermostat and keeps the temperature regulated. It also balances the body’s electrolytes.
6. People who constantly have dryness of the mouth, eyes and mucous membranes will find it very advantageous to sip water all through the day.
7. Helps in the digestion of foods and the absorption of the nutrients that the body derives from the food we eat.
8. Can prevent muscle cramps even when not engaging in strenuous activities.

Hydration is simply one of the most important things that are needed by our body to maintain its optimum health, appearance and ability to function at a vigorous level.

Dr. Emanuel M. Cane, D.C.
http://www.doctorsexercise.com
doc1@gate.net

Author: Emanuel Cane
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canada duty tariff

There are still a few wrinkles which need to be worked out in VoIP mainly because it’s a relatively new technology and the standards for its operation haven’t been set yet. Businesses and retail users have very different patterns of VoIP implementation and the problems faced by the two are different. In this article, we look at some of the common issues faced by both.

Bandwidth
Most individual home users have more than enough bandwidth to be able to handle the VoIP traffic. Even so, they need to be careful when downloading large files as this can compress the available space for VoIP to a trickle. The real problems come when working with businesses who have multiple IP phones because it’s so easy to over stress the system. Bandwidth denial must be the first problem you check for.

It’s advisable to manage VoIP traffic using network tools such as a Virtual LAN or VLAN and implement QoS parameters such as jitter, packet loss, and latency. Certain hardware such as Cisco’s will help you do this automatically.

Configuration problems
For home users, this is the most common headache. Because VoIP isn’t “built in” to the infrastructure, we have to do a bit of setting up ourselves and depending on your Internet configuration, firewall and operating system, many things can go wrong. Ports for example have to be opened up depending on what provider you’re using. Without this, your firewall won’t know what the traffic is and may block it.

When you’re using an SIP proxy, you have to be sure you’ve entered the IP address or the server name correctly. Every SIP client for example has a configuration setting where this has to be entered and since there are so many clients, so many providers, so many mobile phones and operating systems, there’s no single way to inform users how to do this.

Power Issues
One often overlooked drawback of VoIP is that it’s entirely dependent on your Internet connection. When your power shuts down for example, your VoIP system goes down too. Most power outages are only for a few minutes and if you’re a business you surely have a good UPS system in place, but for home users it means being unable to contact anyone in an emergency if the lights are out.

In spite of these issues, VoIP is fast gaining acceptance and standardization is also taking place across the board. In the foreseeable future, VoIP will be just as widespread as the PSTN phone system currently is, leading to a cheaper and more flexible communication regime for all of us.

Bhagwad is an expert consultant on PBX VoIP Phone Systems. He also specializes in IP Phone System Reviews

Author: Bhagwad Park
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canada duty rate

You need to know of the pulse of the online audience to host the best website which can draw attention of millions of the internet users. Remember that the reader does not spend more than a few minutes on any webpage unless it is highly informative indeed. Do not worry if you are not an expert of website hosting. There are many managed hosting service providers available, whose expertise can be made use of to benefit your business. You can read further on to know how to use these services to manage the data on your website.

Areas of interests: The webhosting service provider makes sure to do some research about the target audience, their purchasing preferences and styles, the areas in which they would search for what they need and the types of colors and material combinations that will interest them. Based on their past experiences and expert knowhow about the targeted readership, they design the website to cater to the needs of the end users. The forms are also placed in different web pages which encourage the viewers to place their queries, business requests, orders, etc.

Content validity: They make sure that the content in each of the webpage is valid and creates the right impact and vibes in the reader. This is done through many test runs on different target audience from various market strata. The information is placed in a combination of various multimedia tools to ensure that it reaches all types of audiences such as visual (more of visual information than sounds and interactivity), auditory (music, animations and other sound bits) and kinesthetic (interactive animations, excellent graphic-user interfaces, intriguing transitions) viewership.

Reviews and revisions: The content is periodically reviewed and is updated according to the changes in the business, strategies and policies. The sales and marketing campaigns, important findings about the products etc are studied thoroughly and the content is revised to make the website interesting. Changing the designs periodically also sows awe and intrigue in the minds of the readers.

Hit ratio: The ratio of hits that each webpage received is recorded and analyzed along with the inputs given by the business owners. With these reports, you can know the interest rates of each of the content pages and learn about what keeps your audience most interested. Also the hit-to-order ratio of each page can be analyzed and the next better version can be built based on these inputs.

The managed hosting is economical when its value added services are considered. You can invest your energies in the core business activities while managed hosting provider takes complete care of your portal.

Author: Rosaline N Woods
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
iphone 4 antenna problem

The virtual assisting industry has grown by leaps and bounds in the past several years, with more businesses outsourcing and more folks looking for ways to work from home. This is great news for VAs, who are now becoming the “go to” businesses for corporations who are outsourcing or downsizing, and entrepreneurs whose businesses are growing. So, how do you stand out and build your brand? Find a niche and focus your marketing there to become the sought-after expert!

Think about a niche as the intersection of your experience, skills, and talents, and the specific needs of a particular industry. VAs are already part of a niche industry, serving a segment of clients who need assistance, but are not ready or able to hire in-house employees.

How does one create a niche? Hone in on one or two services that you really do well. Perhaps you’re an online marketing whiz, a speedy and spot-on transcriptionist, a talented copywriter, a super systemizer, or a technology master. Research the industry that most intrigues you, and find out where they have specific challenges and needs that would benefit from your talents. This may mean you start parting ways with clients who don’t “fit” as you take on new ones who do. It can be a scary thought, but really, paring down is actually like pruning a shrub – you are creating the space for more business to bloom. Focusing on providing a particular service to a particular type of client also creates a more sustainable business model. Nobody can offer a huge menu of services for a huge variety of clients and do it all well.

Once you have decided upon your direction, begin to shift your marketing focus in that direction. Ask for referrals from the clients you already have who fit your niche. Find out where they network, and create a presence there for yourself, whether it be through in-person networking, social media, advertising. Write and market articles relating to your niche online, submit them to trade magazines that fit your niche, and post them to your blog. Create a Facebook fan page and connect with businesses you would like to use your services. Post to your Facebook page on a regular basis with valuable tips, links and info that your target market wants and needs – not sales pitches.

Stuck on finding a niche? Here are a few growing areas that VAs could look into:

Speakers / Coaches: These entrepreneurs need help with article proofing and marketing, website and shopping cart set-up and maintenance, newsletter editing and e-mail marketing, social media marketing, blog posting, set up podcasts, e-book proofing and formatting, calendar management, teleclass coordination, proposal word processing and editing, copywriting, event coordination, database management, billing, and mailings.

Natural health practitioners: Nutrition counselors, chiropractors, acupuncturists and therapists – may need appointment setters, chart note transcription, word processing journal articles, and help with promoting their services through website, e-mail/online marketing, blog posting, patient mailings, and event coordination.

Education: Busy students and professors need help with interview transcription, proofing, editing and word processing for theses, dissertations, journal articles, research papers, scholarship, fellowship and university applications, research database management. Educational services companies, such as tutoring services, need database management, website and online marketing services, mailing services, invoicing, and appointment setting services.

Job Seekers: The current economy has created a large market of job seekers who are in competition for few positions, and need the perfect dossier. They need skilled writers, editors and designers to edit and design resumes and format supporting documents, create powerpoint and video presentations, websites and blogs, and complete job applications in a polished, professional and eye-catching way.

Creating a niche is as simple as finding what you love to do and do well, and matching it with a need in an industry that interests you. Begin to work with clients in that area, pare down the clients who no longer “fit,” focus your marketing efforts on your particular niche, and you’ll soon be considered an industry expert. As word spreads about your fantastic work, you’ll find you’re the sought-after VA in your niche, doing work that you love!

Donna Toothaker is CEO, founder and coach of Step It Up VA Coaching. These highly sought-after VA coaching programs have been created for established, successful VAs who wish to create the 6-figure business of their dreams. Visit http://www.stepitupva.com to receive the free report, Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid in Creating a 6-Figure VA Business.

Author: Donna Toothaker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Netbook, Tablets and Mobile Computing

After seeing terrific growth in many large businesses and organizations, internet telephony or VoIP services now motivating small and medium sized organizations to make the most of the same. No doubts, VoIP services can prove remarkably handy for entrepreneurs to add considerable profits to the balance sheets of their businesses. Besides huge savings on business related communication, it can make your employees more productive and useful.

Thousands of providers are working out there. With such a multitude of choices, more often it becomes difficult to choose the right service provider for your business. Many business owners often ask what they need to consider when choosing such services.

Here are some points that business owners must keep in mind when choosing a provider for their business:

1. Reliability: When choosing a VoIP provider, you need to gather maximum information about the service provider you are going to choose for your company. You need to read through customer reviews on their services and ask your friends to help you select a reliable service provider for your business. Better choose a service provider that can provide you with money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their services.

2. Quality: Want to reap the full advantages of this service? Never compromise on quality! Look for the companies that can provide you with broad bandwidth. In fact, voice service quality and data transfer can be very effective with broad bandwidth.

3. Features: VoIP is a very competitive market and this competition is getting tougher and tougher with every passing day. Considering this factor, many service providers are offering an array of features to stay competitive in the market. Call transferring, caller ID, 3-way calling, call waiting, repeat dialing are some bundled services that many companies are offering these days. Pick the service that offers loads of features at affordable prices.

4. Charges: This idea in rife that the more you spend; the better you get. Though more often quality services are available at considerably higher prices, it doesn’t mean you can’t get reasonably priced quality services. However, you need to do ample research in finding quality services with minimum tariffs.

5. Distance: Businesses that have to depend a lot on longer distance and international calls must choose a service providers that can provide you with local area codes for some particular region.

Considering these 5 points before choosing a VoIP company can definitely make it easier for you to pick a company quite according to your business needs.

Tech is my third and last love and give vent to this love by writing articles on many different popular technologies of these days.

Author: Aftab Bashir
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital TV, HDTV, Satellite TV

VoIP adapter:

VoIP adapter is a device that changes analog voice signals into digital IP packets for transfer over an IP network. This device also changes digital IP packets in analog voice streams. This standard VoIP adapter connects to analog telephones through an FXS port. Then VoIP adapter connects to the Local Area Network (LAN) through Ethemet cable and an RJ45 port. There are various adapters also mark an FXO port so that you can connect to the PSTN.

FXS and FXO Ports:

It is very essential to understand the FXS and FXO ports. An FXO port is a line that connects you POTS line to a VoIP adapter whereas FXS port is a line where it connects station devices like your PBX or phones to a VoIP adapter.

How does it work?

VoIP adapters functions as a link between as analog station device (desktop telephone), the PSTN and IP network. It depends on where the voice traffic begins from a VoIP adapter will change voice traffic in the appropriate outline for receipt by the destination network.

If the voice traffic is instigating from an analog telephone or the PSTN a VoIP adapter will change the analog voice signal in a digital signal. Then this digital signal is compacted by employing a codec and bust into a series of packets that are transported crossways the IP network with a signal protocol. Or if the voice traffic is instigating from IP network the it will decompress the digital packets in a digital signal then it transferred in an analog signal for delivery by the station device or send across the PSTN.

VoIP adapter protocols and codecs:

It is very important to understand the basics of VoIP protocols and codecs, even if you are not technical, so that your adapter work accurately, it must to make use of a protocol and codec that is very well-matched with your VoIP phone system and service as well. This protocol and codec very beneficial as it helps you to increase or decrease the call quality.

VoIP protocols:

A VoIP protocol verifies how your voice packet is transferred across a network. The most popular VoIP protocols are Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), it is a standards-based protocol which is used and maintained by the huge popular of VoIP phone systems and services. Cisco Skinny Client Control Protocol (CSCCP), it is a proprietary protocol which is used by Cisco’s Call Manager and IP phones. MGCP and H.323, they are similar to each other and they are the elder VoIP you might come across. It is no longer generally use.

Voice codecs:

A voice codec is dependable for the firmness of your voice stream in a digital packet. It also verifies sound quality and bandwidth needed to send the packet. The most popular voice codecs are GSM-13 Kbps, iLBC-15Kbps, G.711-64 Kbps, G.722-48/56/64 Kbps, G.726-16/24/32/40 Kbps, G.728-16Kbps and G.729- 8Kbps.

The types of VoIP adapters

There are mainly three types:

Single FXS, it permits you to connect single telephone and it is announced with either single or double Ethernet ports.

Dual FXS, it permits you to connect up to dual telephone and it announced with either one or two Ethernet ports.

FXO/ FXS, it is a type where it permits you to connect one telephone and a one POTS line. These permutation adapters are normally used to offers fail-over or life-line capabilities.

www.topvoipservices.com is the one who provides one stop solution for all your VoIP services. Click here to find out more about the Top VoIP Services.

Author: Shaina Kaur
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Android phones