Re: [GnomeMeeting-list] Newbie looking for clarification (how all this VOIP ties together)

[Damien Sandras <dsandras seconix com>]

Le lun 16/12/2002 à 04:34, Brian Johnson a écrit :
> Hi, just new to VOIP and found gnomemeeting - turns out I've had it for a while on
> my distro's CD and didn't even know it
> 


> Anyway, my general understanding is that I can establish two way VOIP calling with
> gnomemeeting through my DSL connection.  With the addition of some software, I can
> create a private directory to map users to dynamic IP addresses.
> 

Using either an ILS directory, or better, an H323 Gatekeeper.

> Also, additional software and hardware (like the Quicknet phonejack) will allow me
> to replace my soundcard, speaker, and mic system with a telephone handset
> 

Right :)

> With other hardware (like the Quicknet linejack) and other software I can actually
> bridge between the IP and regular phone line systems
> 

Yes, and you can also use external services providers.

> I have a couple of questions that will help me as I try to plan ahead:
> - how practical is it to use a VOIP phone system inside a one storey, one location
> office? (I'd need an interface card of some type for each phone extension and each
> line coming in right?)

Yes I think so too, but I'm not an expert in gateways. However, you can
try ISDN to H.323 gateways like this one :
http://www.telos.de/linux/H323/default_e.htm
but better ask on their mailing list for gateway related information.

> - are the VOIP phones essentially the same type of system as a analog phone plugged
> into a phonejack card?

Yes, it is essentially a well-integrated VOIP hardware system.

> - is there a system for linux that could tie in with VOIP to let others on the
> system know when someone has logged in (like MSN Messenger for instance)
> 

I don't think so. When someone logs in, the MSN server sends a message,
but with ILS and gatekeepers, you can't do that. 

> Also, could someone point me towards a current howto for setting up some of the
> more advanced features (while sticking to my soundcard and headset system for now)
> 

Perhaps try to find on google "Linux VOIP Howto", this Howto is not very
complete yet, but it is a good start.
-- 
 _	Damien Sandras
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	H.323 phone:  callto://ils.seconix.com/dsandras seconix com