Unlike conventional telephony infrastructure, which was developed and tailored to be used exclusively for voice, today’s telecom networks accommodate a multitude of different data traffic types, of which VoIP is just one of many. Because of this, it can be challenging to adapt a network to accommodate voice.

One of the most common challenges involves a technology called Network Address Translation (NAT), which for data networks has been a godsend, but if not configured carefully, could cause problems for voice applications. In particular, NAT is a common cause of one-way and no-way audio on VoIP calls.

In this article, we dive into how NAT can impair voice sessions, cite some common symptoms that indicate NAT may be at the root of your call audio problems, and address how to resolve the issues. 

By Phil Bowers, Senior Marketing Manager, Grandstream

A new trend is beginning to develop within the business communications industry. Being driven largely by enterprises looking to streamline internal networks by eliminating wiring, voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) could be the next major advancement within the VoIP industry. It features the same exact backend hosted, cloud, or SIP trunk services as any wired voice-over-IP (VoIP) network, but with the connections being extended to endpoints through an immersive Wi-Fi network rather than an endless maze of Ethernet cabling.

Here at Grandstream, we are leading the Wi-Fi voice trend through a variety of initiatives and solutions designed to allow businesses to build powerful VoWi-Fi networks that increase productivity, streamline installation and management, and offer eco-friendly benefits. This article will introduce the Wi-Fi voice trend, cover the reasons many businesses are adopting Wi-Fi voice networks, combat a major Wi-Fi voice concern, and highlight the Wi-Fi voice solutions we offer at Grandstream.

Article contributed by Yeastar*

Thought you knew Yeastar's Cloud PBX well? We are sure there are some useful features you have yet to discover. Below are 10 sweet features of the Yeastar Cloud PBX that might not be on your radar. Learn more about Yeastar's Cloud PBX (and stay for lunch) next July 24 in Austin, Texas. Dealers who attend are eligible for three months of Free Yeastar Cloud PBX! Click here to register. 

Product Review

Netgear, a company with a heritage spanning over 22 years (an eternity in the telecom market), is steadily gaining prestige and recognition for the quality of its products and their attractive quality/price ratio (QPR). 

In this article we review Netgear's Insight Managed Gigabit Ethernet/10G SFP+ Smart Cloud Switches, which are incredibly feature-rich considering their affordable price point!

Product Review

Until recently, acquiring a video surveillance system for your home or business required recruiting expert personnel, specialized proprietary equipment and a hefty budget allocation. Only over the past few years have there been systems available on the market that are not only inexpensive, but configurable and installable by even the most modestly technologically adept individuals. 

Today, obtaining, installing and configuring a security system has become even easier with the introduction of Netgear’s Arlo video surveillance systems.

This week we focus on ADTRAN, a global provider of telecommunications networking equipment and internetworking products that has stood the test of time in a volatile and dynamic market by maintaining a solid level of market innovation and reliability. In this article we review ADTRAN’s network switches, routers and media gateways.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a field of information and communications technology (ICT) that has been increasing exponentially for the past few years, with the number of connected devices now exceeding the world’s human population.

But many IoT device users may not be aware of the inherent security risks of their internet-connected devices, according to a January 2018  study by the Cybersecurity Research Institute. According to the report, hackers have already proven themselves adept at discovering flaws in these devices and turning them into botnets (botnets are a collection of connected devices infected with malware and controlled without the owners' knowledge).

In this article, we review some of the vulnerabilities inherent in connected devices and steps you can take to secure your network and protect against hackers.

Product Review

Wireless networks have evolved into an almost ubiquitous service. Coffee shops, restaurants and shopping malls are all expected to provide Wi-Fi connectivity as part of the customer experience. For many establishments such as hotels, the existence and the quality of a wireless network can make or break its ratings on travel websites. Large corporate enterprises, educational institutions and conference centers all have extensive facilities where large-scale Wi-Fi networks are not only desirable, but absolutely necessary.

With the needs of the market so great and the breakneck speed at which this technology keeps advancing, a solution which is innovative, cost effective, futureproof and easy to deploy and manage is a must.

TP-Link, a company which entered the international market in the mid-2000s, has become a major contender to provide just what the market needs. In this article, we review the new EAP225V3 indoor and EAP225 outdoor access points,  TP-Link’s smart PoE switches and its world-class EAP Controller Software.

...Especially if they have lousy internet service

Because of its name, most people think of SD-WAN as being relevant only for companies with multiple sites. But SD-WAN can do wonders for many types of companies – even a single-site business located in a remote area with an unreliable internet connection. If you work with a company that fits this description, SD-WAN can resolve a lot of their VoIP issues.

Product Review

Yealink’s W41P IP DECT phone solution brings a new level of flexibility to cordless phones in the workplace. The W41P package includes a W60B DECT base station, a T41S IP desk phone, and a DD10K DECT USB dongle that allows the IP phone to double as a DECT handset, so you get all the rich features and functionalities of VoIP combined with the convenience and mobility of DECT.