Internet Telephony Test (VoIP)

Tests

"Siemens Gigaset S685IP VoIP phone"

1 cordless phone with answering machine (approx. £100)

Published on 3/2009

On test: Siemens Gigaset S685 IP

Ease of use and features make Siemens' Gigaset S685IP with both VOIP and landline connectivity a phone that puts more expensive models to shame. Outstanding and with advanced features, what's not to like? Review details: Single Test. One VoIP phone was reviewed then rated for features, performance and value for money. → Test results

"3CX Phone System Free Edition IP telephony"

1 Telephone

Published on 3/2008

On test: 3CX Phone System for Windows

The 3CX Phone System for Windows is a software-based IP telephony solution that can make and receive calls over the internet and provide a range of common PBX features. Review details: Single Test → Test results

"3CX Phone System for Windows review"

1 Telephone

Published on 2/2008

On test: 3CX Phone System for Windows

In many ways the 3CX Phone System for Windows is much like other IP telephony solutions in that it enables companies to replace a conventional PBX with equipment to make and receive calls using VoIP (Voice over IP). In others, however, it’s quite different, with a number of unique features that really do make it stand out. Review details: Single Test → Test results

"Solwise V500-DS IP Telephone"

1 cordless phone

Published on 12/2007

On test: Solwise V500-DS IP Telephone

You're spoilt for choice if you want a basic mobile Skype phone. Most networking vendors are offering a solution although these are, in reality, nothing more than variations on the same theme. We've even seen the latest 3 Skypephone, which combines a standard mobile and Skype services, although we weren't overly impressed with it for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, none of these address the needs of the home user that want access to Skype and standard PSTN landline services from the same handset. Netgear was one of the first to tackle this with its SPH200 but now Solwise moves in to keep it company with its V500-DS IP Telephone. This is essentially an Aztech V500DS-S1 and although in function it's very similar to the Netgear in form there are substantial differences. Review details: Single Test → Test results

Internet Telephony (VoIP)

Voice over Internet Protocol is a new way of staying in contact with friends and family by utilising the extra bandwidth of an internet connection to make voice calls, much in the same way as an instant messaging programme allows with text-based chat.

The explosion in popularity VoIP has experienced can be clearly seen in the fact that it has been only three short years since the first beta release of Skype (arguably the biggest name in VoIP services) to the release of wireless, hardware-based handsets being sold in Tesco stores in the UK.

The quality of a VoIP call will depend on the speed of the internet connection, the compression algorithm used and the distance between callers. Drawbacks of VoIP include problems with lag and jitter. This means that each party may have to wait an uncomfortable amount of time before their voice is relayed. Other drawbacks include the fact that as a VoIP phone relies on either a computer or mains power and a router, in the case of a power-cut, the VoIP service will be unavailable. A normal fixed-line phone will not suffer this same fate as power is supplied over the telephone lines and backed up by generators and batteries at the telephone exchange.

Of course, these failings aside, VoIP remains a tempting prospect for many owing to its very cheap local and international call prices. Another great aspect is free calls between VoIP users, these remain free no matter where in the world the callers may be and as hardware solutions retain user information, they can be plugged into any computer or used on any wireless network to make cheap calls at any time and in any place.

Handsets cost as little as £20 and call plans for free local, national, international and customer to customer calls start from under ten pounds.

This category contains tests on VoIP Phone, Voice over Internet Protocol, Voice over IP , Internet Telephone Service, Online Phone, VoIP Phones, Voice over IP, Online Phones.

Internet Telephony (VoIP)

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Internet Telephony (VoIP)