FAQs

  • General VoIP Questions

    What is VoIP?

    “Voice over IP” (VoIP) is the technology used to transmit voice conversations over the internet using IP. It is the 21st Century way to make and receive phone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a standard phone line. Your phone calls are converted into data that speeds across the internet rather like an “instantaneous” email and is re-converted at the other end back into normal voice. The Hermes system gives you “carrier class” voice quality, in other words your voice sounds just the same as in a “normal” (old fashioned) phone call.

    What is Hermes?

    Hermes is a business quality VoIP system. Technically it is called a “hosted IP telephony system” using “SIP”. It gives you all the features that you would expect to find in a large office, but at a small office price. It also gives Businesses other benefits which traditional telephone systems cannot, such as:

    • Free calls any phone on the same system (ideal for separated offices, sites, shops, home workers etc.)
    • voice mail to Email
    • instant dialing of numbers from MS Outlook
    • on-line administration (e.g. changing hunt groups, adds, moves and changes)

    How does Hermes work?

    All your business telephones are connected to a broadband modem via Ethernet. You use your telephones exactly as you do today, PLUS you have other features, PLUS you save money!

    When you pick up the phone, your voice is converted into data that speeds across the internet rather like an “instantaneous” Email, our network sends the call where you want it and re-converts it at the other end back into normal voice. The Hermes system gives you “carrier class” voice quality, in other words your voice sounds just the same as in a “normal” (old fashioned) phone call.

    What Do I Need for Hermes IP Telephony Service?

    You will need a basic telephone line from your local provider (e.g. BT); we can provide all the rest!
    We will review your requirements (at no charge) and recommend and supply the other elements required for Hermes. It may be that you already have a suitable broadband connection. We will check whether for your requirements Hermes can share this existing connection. We can also supply a high quality, new broadband connection at a competitive price, if required. You will also need an Ethernet connection (from a router) which we can provide. Most offices will have Ethernet cabling already and Hermes can use these same cables to carry the telephone calls to each desk.

    In a nutshell, that’s all you need!

    Is it easy to install Hermes?

    Yes, in most situations you can easily install Hermes yourself; however we will be happy to install and set-up everything for you.

    In a nutshell, your phones are plugged into an Ethernet connection (from a Router). The Hermes system comes pre-configured, so you literally plug-in your IP telephones and start using them. If you wish, you can continue to use your existing (analogue) phones via a telephone adaptor (ATA) which plugs into your router. We will supply all the necessary items for you.

    Can I Receive Incoming Landline (PSTN) and Mobile Calls Using Hermes?

    You will continue to make and receive Landline and mobile calls just as before. But when you make an outgoing call it is much cheaper!

    Do I Get a New Telephone Number with Hermes?

    Yes. When you sign up for Hermes Telephony you get your own unique telephone number. This can have your local area code, or if you wish, any UK local code. You can also retain your old number or if you wish.

    What is IP?

    IP stands for “Internet Protocol”. It is a method of delivering digital data across the internet (or a company intranet).

    What is SIP?

    Session Initiated Protocol (SIP): Is a VoIP protocol which allows users to make voice calls over the internet using normal telephone handsets, without a PC. It allows users to initiate and receive communications from any location and for networks to identify the users.

    SIP differs from the proprietary system used by Skype for residential PC to PC use. SIP has become the Industry Standard for Business VoIP telephony.