| So many people using various VoIP (Voice over | | | | him to come out and fix a lighting problem they said |
| Internet Protocol) services come to me to try and | | | | they were having with their new entertainment center. |
| figure out how to install or troubleshoot their new | | | | When he asked them what seemed to be happening, |
| service. I will get questions anywhere from how to | | | | they said that the light in the entertainment center |
| connect their VoIP equipment to wireless routers or to | | | | would only turn on periodically, and they were very |
| their existing home wiring, or for troubleshooting tips on | | | | quick to point the finger at the furniture store that they |
| how to get rid of static on lines, one way audio, voice | | | | purchased this furniture from. My husband, diligent as |
| delays, etc. I've even seen some try to use dial-up | | | | he is, looks everything over thoroughly before replacing |
| internet rather than broadband and then wonder why | | | | a part, and with this lighting system he couldn't see |
| their calls sound so bad or can't connect. | | | | anything wrong. He thought he would check the cord |
| People get VoIP with the expectation that their service | | | | running from the system to the outlet and asked the |
| should be flawless, and for the most part it is, but what | | | | customer where they had plugged the light in. The |
| they don't understand is that there are so many | | | | customer said that they had it plugged into the back of |
| factors involved when using this type of technology. | | | | their DVD player rather than the outlet in the wall. My |
| When having a voice call problem, many people will | | | | husband turned the DVD player on and...voila, the |
| quickly point the finger at the VoIP provider or device | | | | lighting turned on at the same time. The source of the |
| manufacturer and say it's your network or device that | | | | problem: incorrect setup. |
| is the cause of the problem. But is it? | | | | Incorrect setup is only one cause of VoIP related |
| The very first thing I have someone check when they | | | | issues, but a problem with voice quality can come from |
| can't figure out why the Internet light or phone light on | | | | any number of sources. The best thing to do before |
| their equipment is not working is how they have their | | | | choosing any VoIP provider is to run a battery of tests |
| VoIP device connected in their lineup of devices. I | | | | to make sure that your network is suitable for that |
| know it probably sounds like I am being condescending, | | | | type of service. The three most important tests are a |
| but sometimes it can be as simple as an incorrect | | | | ping test, speed test, and MOS test. If you get good |
| setup. This brings to my remembrance a story about | | | | results, then it's time to contact a good VoIP provider. |
| incorrect setup. | | | | When you've done your homework, you may very |
| My husband, an upholstery technician, works with | | | | well find that you can have a flawless VoIP service. |
| wood, upholstery, and leather furniture. He received a | | | | © 2008 Mconnect, Inc. |
| call one day from a customer who said they needed | | | | |