Your guide
to communications
 

Communications...
Communications are now the lifeblood of society: many people work from home, business is now truly global and life moves at an ever increasing pace.
There is an increase in communication equipment in the home and car such as telephones, modems and Bluetooth® headsets.


Telephones
There are four basic types of telephone:

1. Analogue corded - traditional telephone with a fixed cord from the phone base to the handset.
2. Analogue cordless - the first system of cordless technology. It has limited operating distances.
3. New frequency analogue cordless - an enhanced system which uses eight channel technology, a new frequency range of 31-39MHz and gives clearer calls and larger operating
distance up to 100m from the base station.
4. DECT - Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony - uses digital cordless technology, operating on 1.8GHz and allow multiple handsets to be used from a single base station, offering
improved reception, clearer speech and a range of up to 300m.
Modems

A modem is a device which allows a computer to send and receive information over a telephone line. It can be an internal device built into the desktop, laptop, or a separate external box
that connects to a computer’s serial port or a PC card that plugs into the PC card slot found on most laptops.

Modems are available in a variety of speeds. The faster the modem, the quicker the data transfer and hence the shorter and cheaper the phone call will be. This is provided the telephone line and other end of the line can support the modem speed and protocol.

To connect a modem to a telephone line, you will need a BT style socket. (See the following section on BT style sockets and installing extensions). Faster access speeds are possible using
ISDN digital phone lines or Broadband.

Broadband

Broadband is the method of sending and receiving data over high-speed networks. Broadband connections use cable or
ADSL where there is a greater capacity to send data than standard telephone networks; allowing you to access the
internet quicker, download files faster and send and receive emails without the long wait and allows phone calls and
surfing at the same time.. High speed modems allow you to connect at speeds up to 20Mbps Always on - this means that you are permanently connected to the internet and don’t need to dial up a connection every time you want to surf the web, send email etc.
Flat rate - depending on the type of connection you choose, if you have an uncapped rate there will be no additional
charges for the time you are online. You can use it as much or as little as you would like for a fixed fee. Some
connections are available at a lower cost but limit you to the amount of data you download (known as ‘capped rate’).

VoIP*

VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol is beginning to revolutionise the telephone industry. As the name suggests, you
can call people all over the world for the price of a local phone call using the internet as opposed to traditional phone lines.
(See our VoIP leaflet for more details) VoIP programs include Skype™, MSN® Messenger or Yahoo® Messenger. It is important to understand that calls are only the cost of using the internet time if both people have the relevant VoIP software.
If you want to make calls to landlines from your PC, you can purchase credits from the provider, such as Skype™. To use your
existing phone you require a VoIP gateway attached to your phone. You can alternatively use a USB converter allowing you
to use your normal phone via a PC.

How much does VoIP cost?

For people with a broadband internet connection, VoIP calls between people using the same programs are free. You can’t call between different programs. Some programs offer
a call out service to landlines and mobiles all over the world at very cheap prices on a ‘pay as you go’ arrangement. Some also offer a call in and voice mail service for a fixed annual cost.
Why should I use it? VoIP is useful to everyone, but it really comes into its own if
you talk frequently to the same people. Students away at university, businesses and their suppliers or customers, parents of teenagers who seem to have a phone permanently stuck to their ear could all benefit greatly from using VoIP.

What do I need?

To use VoIP you will need a PC or laptop with a internet connection, a VoIP programme and some form of audio hardware to talk and listen through.
 

Bluetooth®

Bluetooth is the name for short range radio frequency (RF) technology and can be effective up to 100 metres, using very little power and avoiding interference from other RF devices.

It is used by all manufacturers of RF devices that conform to the Bluetooth Certification Programme; meaning the device will link with other manufacturers’ devices as well as its own. Bluetooth allows a wireless transfer of data between two Bluetooth enabled devices such as a mobile phone and
headset or PC and laptop.

There are several versions of Bluetooth®:
v1.1 encrypts the transmitting data and indicates the signal strength.

v1.2 is backwards compatible with 1.1 but has faster connection and discovery as well as higher quality and faster transmission speeds.

v2.0 has an enhanced data rate that allows it to transmit data up to ten times faster than its predecessors. It also has reduced errors and lower power consumption.

PMR

PMR is the official term for license-free ‘walkie-talkies’ used in the UK and Europe. You can talk up to a range of 3km over eight channels (depending on the terrain) for free; whether you’re at home, in a factory, on a building site in fact anywhere where there is distance or high sound pollution.

If you are only an occasional user, select a simple twin-pack. For the everyday use, choose a more rugged design with batteries and a charger.

All PMRs work at 446MHz, so you can mix and match your makes and they will still work.

Look out for features such as auto-squelch; this removes background noise. VOX signifies that the PMR can be voice activated so you don’t need to press a button to talk.
CB Radio
CB or citizen band radio no longer requires a license. It has a much bigger range than PMR and has 40 channels (UK) operating on 27Mhz. It’s important that you choose the right
aerial and therefore range for you.
*Access to emergency services numbers will not be available
during power cuts on VoIP services