Just Not That

You often hear people talking about saving money by making phone calls over the internet. This may sound complicated but in reality it is easy. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is the term for voice communication over the internet.

VoIP requires a broadband / ADSL internet connection. In a previous post I explained what ADSL is and what equipment you need.

When you get started, try to use the same ITSP (Internet Telephony Service Provider) as the people you would like to phone most often. In order to phone people for free, you need to ensure that you are using the same provider.

Popular providers are SIP providers (e.g. Sipgate), Skype and Google Talk

From

Equipment

What you need to make VoIP calls (without a switched on PC)

• An ADSL modem/router with a VoIP/FXS port *** (the FXS port turn your standard or cordless telephone into a VoIP phone and allows you to make VoIP and normal PSTN calls) or
• a VoIP/Skype compatible cordless phone e.g. the RTX DUALphone 3088 for Skype, the Philips VOIP321 VoIP And Skype Compatible Digital Cordless Telephone
  or the Siemens Gigaset A580 IP DECT Cordless Phone – Black or
• an Internet Phone Adapter or
• an IP Phone

What you need to make VoIP calls using your PC

• One of the following options:
  • the best Logitech webcam you can afford with a built-in microphone for making calls with video and PC speakers or
  • a standalone microphone and PC speakers or
  • a headset or
  • a USB phone (only works when your PC is switched on) or
  • a downloaded Softphone like the X-Lite or Skype

*** Entry level ADSL modems with VoIP ports: Dlink DVA-G3672B, Siemens Gigaset 762SX, Billion 7401VGP, Netgear DG834GV, Billion 800VGT,

Broadband is a generic term for fast internet access. Broadband is typically available in three formats: ADSL, Wireless and 3G (mobile). The most suitable one depends on your requirements. If you have a desktop pc or require internet access mostly from home, then ADSL is probably the best choice as it gives the most consistent speed. ADSL is broadband that works through your existing phone line.

Why get ADSL?

1. You can access the internet between 7 and 73 times faster than a normal dial-up connection.
2. You can connect to the internet and still make and receive calls on your telephone.
3. ADSL is always connected to the internet (when your modem is switched on) and you are not charged per minute. Instead you pay a fixed monthly amount.

What do I need to get ADSL?

1. An ADSL enabled telephone line
2. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
3. ADSL Modem
4. Microfilters (one for each telephone in your household)

How do I get ADSL in South Africa?

Only Telkom can provide your ADSL line. You can order this through some ISPs if you do not want to deal with Telkom directly.

1. Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements.
2. Verify ADSL availability in your area.
3. Order the ADSL line. I recommend calling 10219 as I had problems ordering through the web site. If you are reasonably computer literate then you can choose the cheaper self-install option. Make a note of the order number, you will need it later.
4. Buy an ADSL modem through Telkom or any other supplier. Which modem to choose depends again on your needs:
   • If you only have a desktop pc that stands close to your telephone socket, you do not need a wireless modem. This is the cheapest option.
   • If you want to access the modem e.g. from a laptop using wireless, then you need a modem with Wifi.
   • If you want to phone friends or family overseas using your normal phone, then I suggest getting a modem with at least one FXS port (supports voip/vobb). Examples of these are the Billion 800VGT and Siemens Gigaset 762SX.
5. Buy extra microfilters at your nearest Telkom Direct shop.
6. Sign up with an ISP. I currently use Afrihost
7. When Telkom notifies you that your ADSL line is ready, install all the equipment and enable the line.

Amazing to see that whenever you need something, somebody is ready to provide it. In my case I wanted to make potjiekos on a Weber. As potjiekos cooks for hours, one will have to add more charcoal/wood during the cooking process.

One solution would be to use a standard potjie stand (see below) and rest it on something like drip pans to prevent the legs from sticking through the bottom grid.

I found the perfect solution in a hardware store – a really good design that will work for both flat bottomed and legged potjies and keep the pot at the right level. The potjie fits perfectly in the centre and there is enough space to keep the fire going.