Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Is UC training necessary for end-user adoption?

  If UC is supposed to be intuitive, why do users need training? UC analyst Blair Pleasant explains best practices to follow and why UC training is necessary for any deployment.  Continue Reading

• How can your infrastructure support changing UC mobility needs?

  How can you make sure your UC infrastructure can keep up with mobile device software and hardware updates? Expert Carrie Higbie explains how to prepare your network for ever-changing UC mobility needs.  Continue Reading

• Should you deploy SIP trunking or hosted telephony?

  How do you decide between SIP trunking and hosted telephony? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how organizations can determine if SIP trunking or hosted telephony can meet their needs.  Continue Reading

• How can our VoIP phone system keep pace with our company?

  How can we make sure our VoIP phone system can grow with our company? Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains how the flexibility of VoIP allows it to keep pace with growth.  Continue Reading

• How do you decide when to use hybrid video conferencing?

  How do you decide whether your organization should go with a hybrid video conferencing deployment? Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how to determine if hybrid video is right for you.  Continue Reading

• How do you deploy and secure Lync for mobile?

  How do you extend Lync to mobile devices and ensure its security? Unified messaging expert Richard Luckett explains how to make Lync mobile and secure.  Continue Reading

• Do you need to invest in a VoIP router?

  Does my company need to invest in a VoIP router to provide voice service? UC expert Carrie Higbie explains how a VoIP router can improve voice traffic.  Continue Reading

• How can I enable UC features like click-to-call in our applications?

  How can I go about building communications-enabled applications such as click-to-call and click-to-video? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains how enterprises can enable UC features in their applications.  Continue Reading

• Is WebRTC video really a game changer for conferencing?

  I've heard a lot about WebRTC video being a game changer for conferencing. Is it true? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains why there has been so much attention focused on WebRTC.  Continue Reading

• How can I take advantage of SIP trunking cost savings?

  What SIP trunking cost savings are gained when migrating from the PSTN? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains why cost savings are SIP trunking's biggest benefit.  Continue Reading

• Should an IP-PBX system be on-premises or cloud-based?

  Should we replace our PBX with an on-premises IP-PBX system or cloud product? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains how to determine which implementation suits your enterprise best.  Continue Reading

• What are VoIP over Wi-Fi best practices?

  What are some best practices for running VoIP over Wi-Fi? UC expert Zeus Kerravala explains the steps enterprises can take for a smooth deployment.  Continue Reading

• How does Lync support external communications?

  How can a Lync Server be used for external communications? Expert Richard Luckett explains the different configurations.  Continue Reading

• What are the SIP trunking basics?

  What SIP trunking basics should you know before you deploy? SIP trunking guru Chris Partsenidis explains what you need to know about SIP trunking before deploying it in your voice system.  Continue Reading

• How do VoIP-TDM gateways differ from SBCs?

  How do VoIP-TDM gateways compare with session border controllers? How do they differ? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how the two perform similar, but separate, functions.  Continue Reading

• Why should you enhance WebRTC security?

  If WebRTC is natively encrypted, why would anyone need to improve on WebRTC security? Expert Carrie Higbie explains why it's smart to complement WebRTC with additional security measures.  Continue Reading

• What is the function of a SIP trunking service?

  What is the function of a SIP trunking service? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how SIP trunks support IP-based voice communications.  Continue Reading

• What does 'per-seat' licensing mean in UC?

  Expert Jon Arnold explains the meaning of a per-seat license in terms of how it applies to unified communications software.  Continue Reading

• Do we need a PBX system to use VoIP?

  Is a PBX system required when organizations move to VoIP? Or do they need to replace it? Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the options available to organizations.  Continue Reading

• How can Cisco IP phones work with Microsoft Lync Server?

  While Cisco IP phones are not directly compatible with Microsoft Lync Server, there are ways to make them compatible. Lync guru Richard Luckett explains.  Continue Reading

• Cisco vs. Lync: Is there an apples-to-apples comparison?

  In the debate of Cisco vs. Lync UC products, is there a direct comparison? Expert Richard Luckett explains how to break down product features.  Continue Reading

• Is a UC user dashboard the same as a single pane of glass?

  Vendors have many names for the user dashboard in a UC system. Expert Carrie Higbie explains how it compares to a single pane of glass.  Continue Reading

• How to determine enterprise video conferencing network requirements

  Learn how to determine if your network can support conferencing and what video conferencing network requirements you need to meet.  Continue Reading

• What is a jitter buffer used for?

  Telecom expert Matt Brunk explains the uses for a jitter buffer on a VoIP network and the importance of configuring it properly.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of high-definition video conferencing?

  Irwin Lazar explains why high-definition video conferencing is the way to go for enterprises and which technology supports HD video.  Continue Reading

• What options are available to connect VoIP systems to branch offices?

  There are many ways enterprises can connect their VoIP systems to branch offices. Expert Michael Brandenburg explains what options are available.  Continue Reading

• Can UC technology be tied to a smart grid system?

  Can utility companies tie UC technology to a smart grid system? Expert Carrie Higbie explains how they already have.  Continue Reading

• How does bursty traffic affect quality of service on a VoIP network?

  UC expert Matt Brunk explains what 'bursty traffic' is and how it affects quality of service on a VoIP network.  Continue Reading

• What are the differences among voice protocols, codecs and standards?

  VoIP expert Jon Arnold explains the differences among voice codecs, voice protocols and voice standards.  Continue Reading

• How do media servers differ from media gateways?

  Expert Carrie Higbie explains how media servers differ from media gateways and how media servers are useful in video and voice environments.  Continue Reading

• Is an SBC and an E-SBC the same thing?

  Is there a difference between SBCs and E-SBCs? IT expert Michael Brandenburg explains how the industry differentiates between the two terms.  Continue Reading

• How does a volts direct current signal relate to telecom?

  Expert Matt Brunk explains how a volts direct current signal is used in telecommunications.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between H.248 and H.323 protocols?

  H.248 and H.323 are protocols associated with VoIP. IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the difference between the two in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• How can UC&C advance project management?

  UC strategies expert Matt Brunk explains how unified communications and collaboration can advance project management.  Continue Reading

• How do you calculate the bandwidth of a mobile video conference system?

  Videoconferencing expert Steve Campbell explains how to measure bandwidth of a mobile video conference to size for your video system deployment.  Continue Reading

• What are unlicensed wireless point-to-point networks?

  What are private, unlicensed wireless point-to-point networks? UC strategies expert Matt Brunk explains how enterprises can use them to mobilize UC.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between social media and collaboration?

  Social media and collaboration overlap, but are not the same. Unified communications expert Dave Michels explains the difference between the two.  Continue Reading

• What is a UC client?

  What do vendors mean when they refer to a UC client? Learn what a UC client is and how it is used.  Continue Reading

• What last-mile communications media options do companies have?

  What are last-mile communications, and what services make the most sense for businesses to adopt? Telecommunications expert Matt Brunk explains.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a SIP-flood attack and a TDoS attack?

  While SIP-flood attacks and TDoS attacks have similar goals, their attack vectors are very different. Industry expert Michael Brandenburg explains.  Continue Reading

• UC vs. telecom: How do these communications terms differ?

  UC vs. telecom -- how are these two communications terms interconnected? Our telecommunications expert explains in this response.  Continue Reading

• Can unified communications make simple project management?

  Our general unified communications expert explains how the technology can be used to make project management simple.  Continue Reading

• What is a concierge video service? Are white glove services the same?

  When it comes to video conferencing, what can you expect from a managed service provider offering white glove or concierge services? Find out here.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between Web, audio and video conferencing?

  Understand the differences between Web, audio and video conferencing from our videoconferencing expert, Stephen K. Campbell.  Continue Reading

• Are there still PSTN lines or have telecoms moved on?

  PSTN lines are still required by some organizations and 'killing' the PSTN is not a simple task, telecom expert Matt Brunk said.  Continue Reading

• Are wearable PoV cameras vulnerable to privacy issues and misuse?

  PoV cameras have the potential to be mishandled, but the same is true for all technology, according to unified communications expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of SIP trunks versus analog circuits?

  SIP trunking is not perfect, but it has more options and features compared to what traditional phone companies offer, says UC expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• How do SIP providers handle E911 service calls?

  SIP providers approach E911 service calls in varying ways, according to VoIP expert, Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• Virtualized session border controllers: Are there drawbacks?

  As more virtualized session border controllers are announced, it's helpful to understand the strengths and weaknesses of this delivery model.  Continue Reading

• What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?

  UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What is voicemail and how does it work?

  Our unified communications expert explains what exactly voicemail is and how it works in this Ask the Expert response.  Continue Reading

• What are the different types of private branch exchange systems?

  The types of PBX systems available shifted after the advent of Internet Protocol, according to IP telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• Are there advantages to using the public switched telephone network?

  You may have to sacrifice some advantages of the public switched telephone network if you switch to VoIP, says telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• How can I easily switch between an external webcam and a built-in one?

  Video expert Steve Campbell answers a question about built-in and external webcams. Certain factors affect the quality of your experience, he says.  Continue Reading

• Can I share my webcam with multiple programs simultaneously?

  There are a few ways you can share your webcam with multiple programs at once, but you have to beware of malware, says video expert Steve Campbell.  Continue Reading

• Why is SIP trunking better than PRI and BRI?

  SIP trunking is preferable over PRI and BRI based on flexibility and cost benefits, says telephony expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• When does it make sense to employ an external webcam?

  The decision of whether to use an external webcam depends on what you intend to use video conferencing for, says video expert Steve Campbell.  Continue Reading

• What options do businesses have when choosing VoIP telephony systems?

  Businesses looking to use VoIP telephony technology have many options. Expert Jon Arnold outlines factors to consider when picking a VoIP system.  Continue Reading

• What hurdles do enterprises face in adopting collaborative software?

  Enterprises looking to maximize productivity may need to adjust their way of looking at collaborative software, says networking expert Zeus Kerravala.  Continue Reading

• How does VoIP performance differ over LAN, WAN and other networks?

  Environment affects VoIP performance, so it's important to consider how VoIP best fits in your environment is important, our UC strategies expert explains.  Continue Reading

• What is the SVC Codec and how is it used?

  The SVC codec is an extension to the H.264 standard for video encoding used by many equipment manufacturers, explains our video conferencing expert.  Continue Reading

• Can keeping traffic on separate VLANs counter VoIP security risks?

  Although keeping data and VoIP traffic on separate VLANs can counter VoIP security risks, it can be a tough sell, says VoIP expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• What does it mean when people refer to 'cloud UC?'

  Understanding "cloud UC" stems from having a solid understanding of each term individually before tackling them together, our telecom expert explains.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between social media and social networking?

  Many people view the terms social media and social networking as interchangeable. UC expert Paul McMillan offers his definitions of the two terms and advice on their proper use.  Continue Reading

• Configuring VoIP for an office using a VSAT Internet connection

  UC expert Matt Brunk offers recommendations for a reader considering VoIP over a VSAT Internet connection in his office. His first tip: Ask yourself why you really want to do it.  Continue Reading

• How to handle softphones when keeping voice and data on separate VLANs

  Unified communications expert Matt Brunk answers a reader's follow-up question about handling softphones when you've decided to split voice and data traffic on two separate VLANs.  Continue Reading

• Is it possible to connect the IP PBX to a wireless connection?

  IP telephony expert Jon Arnold uses an inquiry about IP PBXs and wireless networks to discuss the value of extending the LAN to mobile devices through fixed-mobile convergence.  Continue Reading

• The value of toll bypass in the enterprise

  IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the value of toll bypass in an IP telephony setup, detailing why enterprises should consider it as an option while tempering cost-savings expectations.  Continue Reading

• A step-by-step guide to identifying and resolving background noise and echo

  Matt Brunk provides a detailed, step-by-step strategy to accurately identify, address and resolve voice background noise and echo problems  Continue Reading

• How do I resolve a "presence unknown" display issue when trying to build an OCS Access Edge?

  Integration and collaboration expert Hugh Marlor explains how to avoid the Windows 2008 issue of encountering a "presence unknown" display when trying to build an OCS Access Edge.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits and limitations of IP phones and digital phones?

  Our IP telephony expert details the differences between IP phones and digital phones, identifying their unique capabilities and noting the tasks for which each are best suited.  Continue Reading

• When it comes to PBX systems, how would you compare IP EPABX to digital EPABX?

  Learn the differences between IP and digital PBX systems, as well as which type of system would make more sense for a small office of 30 employees in India.  Continue Reading

• How can my company reduce telecom costs?

  Learn how analyzing service expenditures can not only help your company reduce telecom costs, but also significantly impact your bottom line.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between E&M and junction lines, and do you have any advice on how to check fa

  Learn about E&M lines and how to check faults in them.  Continue Reading

• How can MPLS help in VoIP implementation between a parent company and its branch offices?

  Find out how MPLS helps in VoIP implementation between a parent company and its branch offices.  Continue Reading

• What is the relationship between SIP and unified communications?

  Learn about the relationship between Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and unified communications (UC) in this expert response from Paul McMillan.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose between PBXs, hybrid VoIP systems and TDM?

  To determine the best telephone system for your company, expert Matt Brunk suggests devising a UC strategy.  Continue Reading

• Are unified messaging and instant messaging the same thing? How are they distinguished from one anot

  Learn the differences between unified messaging (UM) and instant messaging (IM) from UC expert Tony Bradley.  Continue Reading

• Can I keep my PBX while migrating to VoIP?

  Learn how you can keep your traditional PBX while you upgrade to VoIP gradually.  Continue Reading

• Is there a difference between VoIP and IP telephony?

  VoIP and IP telephony are two terms used sometimes interchangeably -- but are they really the same thing?  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between collaboration and web conferencing?

  Although the terms "collaboration" and "web conferencing" are similar, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can better help you understand what they are and what they do.  Continue Reading

• How should we go about creating a plan for unified communications within our organization?

  Once you understand the needs of your customer, selecting the right unified communications platform for your business will be easier and less risky.  Continue Reading

• Push-to-talk implementation using SIP protocol

  How can you implement push-to-talk using SIP protocol without using a push-to-talk server? Read Carrie Higbie's suggestions for our readers in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Comparing and contrasting enterprise 2.0 and web 2.0 within the context of unified communications

  Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0 both deal with the state of maturity of the Web as an information delivery system, although in varying degrees. Learn more about the "2.0 mentality" in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?

  This expert response outlines the basic differences between a VoIP phone and a POTS phone.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between B2BUA and proxy in SIP protocol?

  Find out the differences between a B2BUA like Asterisk, and a proxy when installed in a SIP protocol.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between analog phone equipment and an IP phone?

  SearchVoIP.com expert Carrie Higbie answers a user submitted question about the differences between analog and IP phone systems.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a VoIP client and an IMS client?

  SearchVoIP.com expert Carrie Higbie answers a user submitted question about the differences between VoIP and IMS clients.  Continue Reading

• What is an E&M line? What is the difference between a 2 wire and 4 wire E&M?

  What is an E&M line? What is the difference between a 2 wire and 4 wire E&M?  Continue Reading

• Why is UDP used more in VoIP than TCP?

  If UDP is unreliable, why is it used more in VoIP rather than TCP?  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between VoIP, CTI and IP telephony?

  What is the difference between VoIP, CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) and IP telephony?  Continue Reading

• Does Spanning Tree Protocol have an adverse effect on VoIP?

  Do you know if Spanning Tree has an adverse effect upon VoIP? If so, what is the best way to provide LAN-based switch redundancy to VoIP gateways?  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between VoIP and VoFR?

  What is the difference between VoIP and VoFR?  Continue Reading

• How do we fix 'echo', 'static' and background noise on our new VoIP system?

  Our organization has just implemented a VoIP system on 40 - 50 test phones. However, our users have been complaining of echo, static and amplified background noise during phone usage. The noise can only be heard on our end. Can you please give some...  Continue Reading

• How to set up a simple VoIP network on an existing LAN

  Setting up a VoIP network on an existing LAN requires some IP PBX familiarity. Learn how to implement your new VoIP network with this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a SIP-enabled phone and an IP phone that is not SIP-enabled?

  Learn about the differences in programming a SIP-enabled phone versus a phone that is not SIP enabled, and the costs and benefits of each.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between ground start signaling and loop start signaling?

  Learn about the fundamental differences between ground start signaling and loop start signaling in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Difference between IP PBX and VoIP box

  What is the difference between an IP PBX and VoIP box?  Continue Reading

• Cisco tools vs. Prognosis

  What network management IP telephony vendors do a good job with Cisco Unified Call Managers? What are the pros and cons of using Integrated Research's Prognosis vs. Cisco's own tools?  Continue Reading

• What kind of compression is used in VoIP?

  Our voice expert explains what kind of compression is used in VoIP, in this expert response.  Continue Reading