I'm excited to have lunch while discussing my upcoming venture in the field of VOIP. I'm eager to gain a deeper understanding of VOIP and its intricacies.



As a newcomer, I possess some basic knowledge about VOIP. I would greatly appreciate your guidance on the essential requirements for starting a VOIP business, including hardware, software, and other necessary components. Generally, I handle around 30 simultaneous calls, so I am curious to know which provider offers the best dedicated server solution.

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

I have doubts about your level of experience in starting your own VoIP business. Are you conveying to customers that you are a trusted professional or admitting that you are new to this field?

I apologize if my response seems harsh, but it is concerning to me that you would embark on a business venture solely to learn about the technology.

Types of IP telephony
There are several types of IP telephony based on different design solutions:

1. Standard IP telephony: Offers regular telephone communication with additional features, suitable for home and office use.
2. Wireless IP telephony: Enables connection to the internet via special software on devices like phones, computers, or tablets using a modem or Wi-Fi router.
3. Virtual IP telephony: Allows IP communication without additional equipment or PBX installation. Internet access is achieved through a stationary computer at home or in a small organization.

Requirements for IP telephony
As a rapidly growing and promising technology, there are certain requirements for IP telephony, including:

1. Integrated voice and data transmission over the network.
2. Secure access to the VoIP service, ensuring the security of company data and the ability to handle encrypted traffic.
3. Scalability and easy maintenance, enabling geographical expansion and smooth media information transfer between subscribers.
4. Enhanced performance of the IP PBX.
5. Compatibility with various signal transmission protocols and versions.
6. Support for call accounting.
7. Network infrastructure capable of supporting round-the-clock continuous operation of IP telephony.

Connecting IP telephony
To initiate calls using IP telephony, you need to connect a PBX and a virtual multichannel number. The system can be configured by the MTT provider within a day, or the client can do it independently through their personal account. In case of difficulties, round-the-clock support is available.

To make and receive calls, various devices can be used, such as:

1. IP phone: Requires internet access and can be connected to an IP gateway, Wi-Fi router, or stationary computer.
2. Phone with an IP gateway: Voice is converted into a digital signal through the gateway.
3. PC or smartphone with a softphone: Calls can be made through the installation of a softphone on a Windows computer or Android/iOS phone.
4. Mobile or smartphone with an MTT SIM card.

Organizations have the flexibility to choose from different devices according to their needs and preferences.

You're not gonna need a ton of fancy schmancy equipment, but you'll need enough to get the job done. A good ol' reliable computer with a decent processor and enough RAM to handle your calls is a must. You'll also need a reliable internet connection, preferably with a static IP address. And let's not forget about the phones, you'll need some of those too. You can go the traditional route with desk phones, or opt for softphones, which are basically phone apps for your computer. It's a jungle out there, so choose wisely.
Now, software. This is where things can get a bit tricky. You'll need a VOIP PBX, which is essentially a virtual phone system that routes your calls and handles all the fancy call features like voicemail, call waiting, and call transferring. There are plenty of options out there, both open-source and proprietary. Some popular choices include Asterisk, FreePBX, and Elastix. But remember, each has its own learning curve, so choose one that suits your technical prowess.

Next up, we've got SIP trunks. These are virtual phone lines that connect your VOIP system to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), allowing you to make and receive calls from traditional phone numbers. You can get these from VOIP providers, and there are plenty of them out there. Some popular ones include Twilio, Bandwidth, and Plivo. But be warned, some providers are better than others, so do your homework.

Now, let's talk about dedicated servers. You're handling around 30 simultaneous calls, so you'll need a server that can handle the load. Here's where it gets interesting. There are plenty of providers out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some will promise you the moon and the stars, but when it comes down to it, they can't deliver. So, who's the best? Well, that depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for raw power, you might want to check out providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. But if you're looking for something a bit more specialized, you might want to consider providers like Telnyx, Sonetel, or VoIP.ms.

But here's the thing, none of these providers are perfect. They all have their pros and cons, and it's up to you to weigh them and decide which one is right for you. And don't forget, just because a provider is popular doesn't mean they're the best. Sometimes, the best provider is the one that fits your specific needs.
Starting a VOIP business can be expensive, especially if you're not careful. You've got to pay for your hardware, your software, your SIP trunks, and your dedicated server. And that's not even including the cost of marketing and advertising your business. So, you've got to be smart about it. Shop around, compare prices, and don't be afraid to negotiate. And remember, you don't have to have the latest and greatest equipment to get started. Sometimes, used or refurbished equipment can do the job just as well.