- What choices do I have for phones and equipment?
- How is the Linksys One solution different from other Voice over IP (VoIP) options?
- Why is this solution more secure than stand-alone products or other VoIP services?
- Can I use my current analog phones and fax machines?
- Does Linksys One provide 911 service?
- What is voice quality like?
- How do service providers ensure voice quality?
- Are software upgrades and training provided free with this service?
- How do I know if I am eligible for this service?
What choices do I have for phones and equipment?
Linksys One provides both color and monochrome IP Phones designed for business and manager use. A Linksys One Voice Gateway for the traditional public telephone system connects analog phones and fax machines and provides a failover system to a traditional phone lines in case of service outages or emergency 911 calls.
How is the Linksys One solution different from other Voice over IP (VoIP) options?
In general, stand-alone Internet phone solutions are too complex, too expensive and offer few next generation services. Other VoIP services are not integrated like Linksys One’s end-to-end solution. Many require you to purchase and install access and telephony devices from different vendors. This can make them less reliable, less secure and more complex to run.
With Linksys One, there is no central PBX to install, no special servers or modules to set-up, no centralized systems and nothing to configure. A single cost-effective VoIP solution is designed to be easily and quickly installed. Plug in the phones, and with One Connect technology, you’re ready to make and receive calls.
The same smart simplicity applies to every Linksys network device. In the future, wireless access points and Wi-Fi Internet phones, videoconferencing, USB and simple storage solutions can be instantly integrated in your network. You will also have access to a whole suite of smart Internet-delivered applications that make it easier and more cost-effective for you to do business.
Why is this solution more secure than stand-alone products or other VoIP services?
Linksys One provides secure connections to the Internet for voice and data with integrated Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Firewalls, Quality of Service (QoS), and hardware-based encryption technology. There is integrated security in all Linksys One devices to protect your business from attacks and eavesdropping. This enables organizations to rapidly add Internet applications and connect individuals without worrying about potential security breaches or performance issues.
Can I use my current analog phones and fax machines?
Yes. Linksys One supports your existing analog phones and fax machines so you can keep your older equipment and upgrade when you’re ready. Linksys One Voice Gateways for the traditional telephone system enable any standard handset or fax machine to be hooked up to the Internet connection.
Does Linksys One provide 911 service?
Yes. 911 and E911 dialing is available within the Linksys One service provider's voice coverage area. When you sign up for voice service with Linksys One, your number is registered with the 911 database to your business location, so you must notify your service provider or reseller if you relocate your equipment. 911 dialing will work during a power or Internet outage by attaching an analog phone to a Linksys One Voice Gateway and Services Router connected to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Very good. In general, call quality using Linksys One IP telephony is indistinguishable from telephony using standard phone lines.
How do service providers ensure voice quality?
A centralized management system will provide voice performance monitoring in real-time over your Internet connection. This capability will be leveraged to help Hancock Telecom to troubleshoot any customer voice quality complaints.
Are software upgrades and training provided free with this service?
Software upgrades for Linksys One gear are provided automatically, and basic administration training is delivered on site at installation. Hancock Telecom provides installation, upgrade and assessment services that ensure your businesses' software and network continues to meet your needs and is configured for optimal use.
How do I know if I am eligible for this service?
Contact Hancock Telecom for a service assessment. Typically, if you are a Broadband subscriber with 768K (up/down) bandwidth speeds, or if you have a T1, you are eligible for Linksys One services.