Updates, FAQ and Knowledge Base

First defined in 1988, the ISDN standard (which stands for Integrated Services Digital Network) was established to carry voice, video, data and other network services on the traditional telephone company network.  ISDN is a set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services over the traditional circuits of the public switched telephone network.

After some time SIP trunking came along to challenge the status quo.  Whereas ISDN was designed to enable voice networks to carry data, SIP was designed to enable data networks to carry voice – including advanced communications features ISDN never dreamed of.

This paper uses SIP trunking to describe using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Real-Time Protocol (RTP) to connect Office Communications Server 2007 R2 directly to an ITSP over an Internet Protocol (IP) connection for the purpose of originating and terminating telephone calls. 

SDN is a circuit-switched telephone network system, which also provides access to packet switched networks, designed to allow digital transmission of voice and data over ordinary telephone copper wires, resulting in potentially better voice quality than an analog phone can provide. It offers circuit-switched connections (for either voice or data), and packet-switched connections (for data), in increments of 64 kilobit/s. A major market application for ISDN in some countries is Internet access, where ISDN typically provides a maximum of 128 kbit/s in both upstream and downstream directions. 

• The basic advantage of ISDN is to facilitate the user with multiple digital channels. These channels can operate concurrently through the same one copper wire pair. 
• The digital signals broadcasting transversely the telephone lines. 
• ISDN provides high data rate because of digital scheme which is 56kbps. 
• ISDN network lines are able to switch manifold devices on the single line such as faxes, computers, cash registers credit cards readers, and many other devices. These all devices can work together and directly be connected to a single line. 
• ISDN takes only 2 seconds to launch a connection

• The disadvantage of ISDN lines is that it is very costly than the other typical telephone system
• ISDN requires specialized digital devices just like Telephone Company. 

SIP is used to create and control the communications sessions that are the basis of VoIP telephony. SIP is also used for instant messaging, presence updates, multimedia, conferencing, and other real-time services that can traverse a SIP trunk.

The “trunk” in SIP trunking is a term from circuit-switched telecommunications. It refers to a dedicated physical line that connects switching equipment.

Deploying SIP trunking can be a big step towards simplifying your organization`s telecommunications and towards preparing for the latest real-time communications enhancements, but the biggest motivation for most organizations is immediate and substantial cost savings.

• Save money on long distance service Long distance service typically costs significantly less with a SIP trunk connection.
• Eliminate IP-PSTN gateways (or even your entire PBX) Because SIP trunks connect directly to your ITSP without traversing the publicly switched telephone network, you can get rid of IP-PSTN gateways and their attendant cost and complexity. Some ITSPs will even host a PBX for you, taking over both the PBX hardware and user administration if you choose, with substantial cost savings from reduced complexity, maintenance, and administration.
• Eliminate a redundant network  Deploying SIP trunking is a logical step towards the goal of having a single, IP-based network, rather than redundant telephone and data networks.
• Eliminate BRI and PRI subscription fees With a SIP trunk connected directly to an Internet telephony service provider, you can dispense with costly BRIs and PRIs, replacing them with service that can cost significantly less. Furthermore, with SIP trunking you don`t need to buy lines in blocks of 24 or 32. Instead, you can buy the bandwidth you need, in smaller increments, and at better prices.
• Extend the capabilities of Office Communications Server with new services from ITSPs
  With a SIP trunk in place, you can extend existing capabilities with additional services, such as E9-1-1 emergency calling.

Possible reliability issues

• ISDN infrastructure has been around for many years and is highly reliable and consistent, whereas SIP trunks require the use of a reliable broadband connection – something that not everyone enjoys.
• Without access to broadband with a high bandwidth, the quality of the calls made within an SIP trunk network will drop significantly.

ISDN is an acronym of Integrated Services Digital Network, which can be defined as a series of communication standards that allows the simultaneous digital transmission of data, voice, and other services over the public switched telephone network. The introduction of ISDN technology represented a move from analogue connectivity to digital, which offered significant improvements in quality. Although SIP (session initiation protocol) has been around for several years, it is only recently that advances in technology that have now made SIP an viable alternative to ISDN.

The main barrier for any business that wishes to implement SIP into their organisation is whether or not their public branch exchange (PBX) is SIP enabled. If your PBX is SIP enabled, then there are some extremely compelling benefits in switching from ISDN to SIP. If however, your business doesn`t have a SIP based PBX, then SIP should be something that you explore when your PBX is due to be replaced, as all modern PBX equipment is SIP enabled. Some of the advantages that SIP has over ISDN can are explored below:

Lower call costs – SIP trunk providers are usually able to offer lower call costs than ISDN providers, but this will vary on a case by case basis, and the lowest charges are typically offered to customers delivering the highest call volumes.

Free call routing between sites – It may be of particular interest to businesses that operate from multiple sites to know that almost all SIP providers offer all calls made between these site free of charge.

Scalability – SIP Trunks are extremely flexible as they can be scaled up or down to the exact amount of channels that are required by the business. In comparison, provisioning new ISDN lines increase the amount of channels by 10 at a time, which may be a lot more than what is actually needed by a business.

Number portability – One of the most frustrating elements of business telecoms is the fact that if a business is connected to the PSTN via ISDN, then they will be unable to keep the same telephone number if they move outside of their local exchange area. But if the business in question connects to the PSTN via SIP, then the number can continue to be used regardless of the location of the business.

There are also further benefits, such as the ease with which it can be implemented without having to replace all your legacy equipment and factors surrounding scalability and being able to make use of further developments in IP voice technology.

If you want even more information on SIP trunks, ISDN or pricing feel free to contact us at 0844150120 or email info@orbex.co.uk.

Technology is constantly evolving and being adapted to make things easier for us, to make tasks more efficient – and even automated in some cases. Technology is one industry that moves at an overwhelming speed. You can buy a computer or telephone today, and then next month or next year new and improved components could come out making your device no longer `state of the art`.

It plays a huge part in business too, without technology in business, the world as we know it would not exist! Communication technology helps businesses and organizations in a number of ways. It helps them to collaborate, it helps to manage time and productivity, it can help to manage products and inventory, and it dramatically reduces the costs and time involved in certain tasks – like marketing, collaboration, meetings, invoicing and so much more.

VoIP  (Voice over Internet Protocol) a category of hardware and software that enables people to useVoIP system actually converts the analog signals to data packets so that the voice transmission can happen properly. This is very important that the voice transmission is clear and VoIP system ensures that. You do not really need any complex hardware for the whole set up and that is a big benefit of using the VoIP telephone system. You can even use this service for long distance calls at a cheaper rate. This is really money saving when you need to pay just a fraction of the original cost what really goes in hand if you are a business owner or at large company that makes a lot of calls, ether local or long distance.The Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls by sending voice data in packets using IP rather than by traditional circuit transmissions of the PSTN.

The ISDN (Integrated Services for Digital Network) is a set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services over the traditional circuits of the public switched telephone network. ISDN is a circuit-switched telephone network system, which also provides access to packet switched networks, designed to allow digital transmission of voice and data over ordinary telephone copper wires, resulting in potentially better voice quality than an analog phone can provide.

VoIP

• Overview: Uses software installed on your computer or mobile phone to place your call over the internet. It supports real-time, two-way transmission of conversations over Internet Protocol. It is represents the best solution business users as well as personal users, and can alsoinclude participants using a standard telephone.
• Required Equipment: You will need VoIP Software, a computer with internet access, computer audio system and microphone.
• Benefits: VoIP allows you to access calls anywhere there is an internet connection, it is often much cheaper than teleconferencing, and often includes additional features and functionality like video conferencing or IM and file sharing features too.

ISDN

• Overview: Requires a conferencing service provider and places calls through telecommunication networks using a landline phone.
• Required Equipment: You will need any standard telephone, a telecommunications service provider (you can also get special conference phones for meeting rooms if you need them).
• Benefits: Telephone conferencing delivers the same audio quality as a regular telephone call, it is as easy as placing a regular phone call and it works without an internet connection. Often these services include recording and playback services, and they are not impacted by internet usage limitations. 

As you can see, VoIP conferencing and telephone conferencing both allow you to do the same thing, and perform the same functions, but different requirements are needed for each. But considering the technology and constant development of communication services and internet the advantage goes to VoIP lines.

There are a few reasons to do this. The first are cost savings. Line rental is considerably lower, there are no installation costs or tie-ins when adding or removing lines, and calls to other VoIP users on the same service are free. There is another advantage of VoIP. Rather than being limited to fixed groups of numbers in your local area code, you can add as many numbers as you like. These can be in any dialing area, including overseas numbers and non-geographic numbers. You’ll normally have existing numbers that you want to keep. These can be “ported” to your VoIP lines and added to any new numbers you need. Once you have done this, you`ve broken free of the constraints of ISDN lines where your telephone lines are physically located. Calls to your numbers can connect anywhere with an internet connection. This makes moving office extremely easy and in case of emergency calls can be instantly routed to your  emergency  number or recovery site.

There are considerable advantages to VoIP over ISDN, and recommend you look into these advantages for your business and we are sure that with Orbex Solutions you can make a step forward in your business communications.

Orbex.co.uk can supply the widest range of communication services with a VOIP telephone system or PBX telephone system available for your business to give you the right solution for all your business needs.

Since its inception in 1991, internet is flourishing tremendously and cheap web hosting providers are responsible for all this development. Immense development has been achieved over the course of last 11 years. Its relation with World Wide Web is also very important. We can say that with the e-commerce, entertainment and plenty of opportunities, web hosting is one of the greatest technical innovations of our time. World Wide Web revolutionized the internet world within short span of time.

Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server owned or leased for use by clients, as well as providing Internet connectivity, typically in a data center. Web hosts can also provide data center space and connectivity to the Internet.

There are a fiew tipes of  Web Hosting Services;

Many people put up their first websites through their ISPs, because it’s generally easy and inexpensive. Most ISP service packages include a small amount of free web space, along with tools to create and upload websites quickly and easily. ISP websites are perfect for people who want to put up small sites with low amounts of traffic. However, there are usually rate restrictions, and most ISPs don’t offer a lot of features, so they might not be the best choice for a thriving business website.

With paid hosting, you pay a fee for space and services on a web hosting provider’s server. Monthly fees can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Obviously, the more you pay, the more features you should have at your disposal. Services can include CGI access, database support, ASP, e-commerce, SSL, additional space on the server, extra bandwidth, and more.

A good option for small businesses is to pay for domain hosting. Domain hosting allows you to host your site anywhere you like: on an ISP, a free hosting service, or even your own server. You buy a domain name and have the provider forward all requests for that domain to the actual web location. This is often less expensive than buying both the domain and the hosting service, and it allows businesses to brand their URLs.

Collocation is an option for businesses that want to run their own web servers and machines, but don’t want to have to maintain them directly. With collocation, the website owner places its own server on the premises of its ISP or other host, where it is stored, maintained, and provided with an uninterrupted power supply. Collocation provides security and protection for your server while still giving you control of your own equipment.

Hosting your site yourself offers you the most control over your web server. Companies with large data centers or that require high security in every aspect of their web and Internet access should look into this type of hosting.

And much more…

When choosing a web host, it’s important to keep your personal or corporate goals in mind. If it’s your own personal website, you might not mind if the web host puts banner ads on it. However, if it’s a corporate site you’re preparing, you might want your website to look as professional as possible. Orbex Solutions Ltd hosting provides a high quality service that meets your all your needs. Contact us about hosting packages to suit your requirements.

The world of internet does not only comprise of benefits for the end-users; it also offers certain problems to them as well. These problems exist in the form of viruses and malicious software which may destroy your systems if they get infected. In order to keep your computer system protected from these unwanted viruses, technological experts have discovered several ways and solutions. Antivirus software is the most effective solution for such viral problems.

Antivirus software: is an effective remedy that does not only cleans out the virus from your system but it also protects the system against virus attacks. If you have an antivirus program installed in your system, you will be able to create a strong protection for your computer system against the viral problems. The best thing about these antivirus programs is that they are easily downloadable and can be installed in your system without any charge.

However, there are certain users of antivirus software who claim that this software gave no advantage to them. There may be several reasons behind this claim, however, one reason might be that their software might be disabled by the malware operators. This is common among users of this antivirus program as computer viruses are fast becoming more sophisticated and the most challenged cyber Malware threats to computer security. viruses now involve more system elements than ever before. In addition, there are some users who do not understand the worth of this software and do not utilize it in the best way possible. This leads to dissatisfaction and disappointment. The third reason might be that the expiry date of your software has passed and you forgot to update or renew the subscription on time. These reasons play a crucial role in your complaint against the effectiveness of this antivirus program.

Internet technological experts recommend that all end-users download and install this software in their computer systems and to make sure that the software is kept updated at all times to avoid the risk of PC virus infection that often leaves the outdated antivirus software defenseless and the end-users virtually helpless. You can easily find this software on the internet.

There are certain antivirus programs that are easily accessible and are free of charge. However, one needs to be careful when downloading free antivirus software as there are several rogue or fake antivirus programs out there. Similarly, there are certain other types of software which have to be purchased for utility. However, the firms offer specific trial periods to end-users, which help them in testing the efficiency of the antivirus system. If you do not feel satisfied, you can revert to some other antivirus program for your computer system.

It would be best that you use your antivirus software effectively and beneficially. If you have downloaded an antivirus software into your system, then it is your responsibility to check and make sure your system is working optimally and the antivirus software is up to date. If not, then update it frequently to protect your system from viral problems. It is suggested that you purchase and install antivirus software from a known vendor. It will protect you from all sorts of inconveniences now and in the future.

If you want to protect your system from malicious viruses, then you must install trusted antivirus software into your system. This way, you will be contented and greatly satisfied with the optimal protection of your operating system for a longer time period.

Firstly, to explain some of the terminology: ADSL (asymmetric digitalsubscriber line) uses the copper core present in telephone lines. It differs from old dial-up broadband in that it uses frequencies that aren`t used by voice phone calls.

ADSL filter is used to allow both voice phone calls and internet connection to share the same line. In the past there have been some problems with other services sharing the same line, such as faxes, though these have been largely alleviated by better filtering and, to an extent, people not using traditional fax anymore, preferring web-based services instead.

Fibre is able to transmit data much faster over greater distances and because the cable is smaller in diameter and weighs less, it makes an ideal alternative for a wide variety of cabling solutions. Since the conductor is glass and cannot generate electricity, fibre is immune to all sorts of interference.

Telephone companies have been using fibre optic connections since the late 1970s to make long distance connections between exchanges.

The concept of a fibre optic cable is quite simple. As opposed to a copper wire, which uses electrical impulses to transmit data, a fibre optic cable carries light impulses (from an LED or laser), which bounces down the inside of a very thin glass fiber tube. The `tube` can flex (because it`s very thin) and the light impulses will still transmit. Fibre optic broadband takes advantage of fibre optic cable replacing the old copper cables between the exchange and the subscriber.

• Speeds achievable are much higher than ADSL via Copper based medium. Typically Fibre services can reach up to 100Mbps or approximately five times faster than ADSL.
• Increased reliability and consistence speeds as optical fibre is more resilient to degradation and other environmental factors.
• Lower latency means a higher degree of Voice over IP (VoIP) quality and other latency dependent applications.  

• Internet connection access by existing copper lines.
• Using telephone lines for both Internet & landlines.
•  Always active connection at a fixed monthly rate and cheaper installation

The stability of fibre speeds are generally due to the consistency of glass compared to copper. The outing coat of an optical fiber cable is similar to copper that is used with ADSL however the inside is made from strings of glass. This cause light to run through the glass which is faster than copper.

One final consideration is that ADSL connections are being phased out (gradually) anyway, which means all internet packages will get faster eventually, but choosing between cable, DSL and fiber all depends on your needs. If you only need to use the internet casually or want to save money, DSL is probably the best option.

Fibre would make the best choice for obtaining the fastest possible speed but the coverage and costs are always questionable.

Orbex Solutions Ltd provides a high quality service and installation of both ADSL and Fiber Optic services at a competitive prices. At Orbex Solutions Ltd we will give you a quality products and professional services to fulfill your business communication requirements so do not hesitate and contact us…

In the past few years CCTV has become quite popular and most people are using it to enhance security in their business premises or homes. They are also used in train stations, airports, major highways and many other public places. In they known as closed circuit television camera and they give video surveillance. No one will dare do some wrong in area that is under CCTV surveillance. You will enjoy numerous advantages when using these cameras. Below are some advantages of using CCTV systems in your business

As a business owner, you need to take care of your customers and staff because that is one of your responsibilities. CCTV enables you to that easily; you use various but effective ways to do so.   One way is to ensure that if they are attacked inside your premises, the assailant can be found using the images caught in the camera. The video of is usually handed over to the authorities/. CCTV can also discourage people from stealing in your shop. They can be used clear misunderstanding of wrong merchandise or change to give to a client.

A more great advantage is that your business is safe from clients there are customers who have bad ideas like spoiling products to get another one for free. Some will add impurities like pests and glasses in food to demand for another one. Other will claim to have slipped and fallen in your business premises and claim for compensation. CCTV camera can help establish the cause of accident.  They monitor any fraudulence activities and protect your business from any lawsuits. You employees also remain safe and customers can not accuse them falsely.

It is not always to trust employees completely.  A bad apple will spoil all the others and it is necessary to monitor them. This will prevent any theft of products from your company and avoid unnecessary losses. Apart from ensuring that your employees are honest, you will get to know who works hard and efficiently. They can be rewarded accordingly.

With the CCTV digital camera video monitoring system you are able to monitor any kind of fraudulence happening, and avoid you or even your workers from becoming accused associated with false allegations or bogus lawsuits.

CCTV is a sure way to prevent crime; no one wants to be caught on camera involved in suspicious activities. Many criminals have caught on camera; it is a good way to indentify them.

CCTV is important in public places just like in private premises.  It helps to ease traffic jam and also record any motor vehicle accidents. In cases of hit and run, the car can be easily identified.  They help keep the public safe even in crowded areas like airport and train station. They can monitor areas where authorities walking around can not reach.

The above advantages of using CCTV systems only confirms to you that you need to have them installed in your home or business premises. At Orbex Solutions Ltd we will give you a quality products and professional services to make sure the systems are installed properly.

Telecommunication is very important for any business. Today VoIP system has become the backbone of all types of telecommunication system. It helps immensely to improve the productivity of the business. Many people do not understand how VoIP systems work and for them we are going to VoIP telephone system in the following article.

You will then understand how Business telephone system can play a crucial part to expand the business and increase th e productivity. The traditional phone system is out of the trend now and VoIP has become the rage with improved services. If you too want to be successful then you need to improve the customer care and business productivity. If you understand the VoIP system then it will be extremely good for your business productivity. To know and explore the VoIP telephone system more you need to check out the following article once for sure.

You need a broadband internet so that you can connect multiple phone lines. The VoIP system actually converts the analog signals to data packets so that the voice transmission can happen properly. This is very important that the voice transmission is clear and VoIP system ensures that. You do not really need any complex hardware for the whole set up and that is a big benefit of using the VoIP telephone system. You can even use this service for long distance calls at a cheaper rate. This is really money saving when you need to pay just a fraction of the original cost. This is something really beneficial for you. Now you need to think and decide whatever you want. The best facility of the VoIP telephone system is surely the multiple call handling and your work becomes smoother and easier for sure.

If you check then you will find that people rarely use the conventional phones now. VoIP system is making the work easier and nobody feel the urge to use the conventional phone at all. The telecommunication cost is really high now and that can be saved using the VoIP telephone system. Business telephone system is already cost and that is why more people are showing interest in Voip telephone system. In case of VoIP the data transmission and vice transmission happen together. The whole user friendly menu option is making the operating easier. People who are not much tech savvy are also showing some interests in it.

There are various premium services offered by some organizations. You can avail those services as they often offer multiple services like fax, voice mail, caller ID, call forwarding and various other services. VoIp ensures the best quality and uninterrupted services at the minimum charges. Even a few years ago people were not aware of this and now most of the companies are opting for VoIP business calls for its benefits. You need to check out the VoIP service providers and their services properly. Only then you will be able to choose the best deal for your company.

Orbex.co.uk can supply the widest range of communication services with a VOIP telephone system or PBX telephone system available for your business to give you the right solution for your needs.

Why VoIP (Orbex) solutions? The reason is very simple: to save money. For example, we can  present phone call cost reductions for companies up to 60%. VoIP gives you a unique opportunity to dial local numbers to almost any country in the world.

One of the more interesting aspects of VoIP is that we also have the ability to integrate a stand-alone telephone or videophone with the personal computer.

One can use a computer entirely for voice and video communications (softphones), use a telephone for voice and the computer for video, or can simply use the computer in conjunction with a separate voice/video phone to provide data conferencing functions, like application sharing, electronic whiteboarding, and text chat.

VoIP allows something else: the ability to use a single high-speed Internet connection for all voice, video, and data communications. This idea is commonly referred to as convergence and is one of the primary drivers for corporate interest in the technology.

The benefit of convergence should be fairly obvious: by using a single data network for all communications, it is possible to reduce the overall maintenance and deployment costs. The benefit for both home and corporate customers is that they now have the opportunity to choose from a much larger selection of service providers to provide voice and video communication services. Since the VoIP service provider can be located virtually anywhere in the world, a person with Internet access is no longer geographically restricted in their selection of service providers and is certainly not bound to their Internet access provider.

In short, VoIP enables people to communicate in more ways and to have one secure and safe point of contact.

The history of communication dates back to prehistory, with significant changes in communication technologies (media and appropriate inscription tools) evolving in tandem with shifts in political and economic systems, and by extension, systems of power. Communication can range from very subtle processes of exchange, to full conversations and mass communication. Human communication was revolutionized with speech approximately 100,000 years ago. Symbols were developed about 30,000 years ago, and writing in the past few centuries.

The history of telecommunication – the transmission of signals over a distance for the purpose of communication – began thousands of years ago with the use of smoke signals and drums in Africa, America and parts of Asia. In the 1790s the first fixed semaphore systems emerged in Europe however it was not until the 1830s that electrical telecommunication systems started to appear.

Afer discovering electrical telecomunication systems it all devoloped relatively fast keeping in mind that it took us couple of thousand years to develop alfabet.

Chronology is as follows;

• 1893: Wireless telegraphy
• 1896: Radio
• 1914: First transcontinental telephone calling
• 1927: Television
• 1927: First commercial radio-telephone service, U.K.-U.S.
• 1930: First experimental videophones
• 1934: First commercial radio-telephone service, U.S.-Japan
• 1936: World’s first public videophone network
• 1946: Limited capacity Mobile Telephone Service for automobiles
• 1956: Transatlantic telephone cable
• 1962: Commercial telecommunications satellite
• 1964: Fiber optical telecommunications
• 1969: Computer networking
• 1973: First modern-era mobile (cellular) phone
• 1981: First mobile (cellular) phone network
• 1983: Internet
• 2003: VoIP Internet Telephony

In the future we can expect further development of the VoIP telephony as the 4 and 5G technology. Wireless communication and video calls will be the main point of developers focus and to point almost all of the communication over the internet through VoIP and IT systems.