Soft Phone User Guide
Table of Contents
1. Setting Up The Soft Phone
Once the Soft Phone has been downloaded and installed, a short cut
will be created at the desktop called "Softphone".
To set up the Soft Phone, double click on the desktop shortcut, then
click on menu, select preferences and enter user details as indicated
in Fig 1.1 below
2. Related Settings For Soft Phone
The Soft Phone is a proprietary
client VoIP software program. The basic user interface is shown in
Fig 2.0.
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3. Making A Phone Call
The Soft Phone is a software based communication tool which supports
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). When users wish to use the service
to make phone calls, the dial up steps are as follows.
3.1 Dial Up By The Number Pad
1. Enter the callee number by either keyboard or mouse, then
2. Click the green phone icon on to start dialing
3. Click the red phone icon to hang up
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3.2 Dial Up Rules:
Calls to other Subscribers: Dial other Subscriber's Soft Phone
number directly and do not use any prefix.
Calls to PSTN or Mobile: dial 007 + country code + area code
+ PSTN phone number, for example, if the callee is located in Taipei
Taiwan, and PSTN phone number is 1234567, then dial "007 886 21234567"
from the keypad. This type of call requires prepaid credit which can
be purchased from the local distributor.
3.3 Dial Up From The Phonebook
Other than dial up from the Number Pad, you can also dial up from the
phonebook. There are 3 easy ways to dial up, please see Fig 3.1. Number
pad 4
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3.4 Dial Up By Call History
Other than dial up from keyboard and address book, you can also dial
up by call history. There are 2 ways to dial up, please see Fig 3.2.
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4. Address Book
You can edit the address book as follows:
1. Click on the address book icon to open the address book
2. Add new contact list: Click on "Add", input new contact's
name, company and telephone (SIP URI), then press OK to finish adding.
(Please see Fig 6.0)
3. Edit the contact's details: Click on the name and press "Edit",
edit the name, company and the telephone, then press OK to finish editing.
4. Delete the contacts: Click on the name and then press "Delete".
Fig 4.0: Address Book
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5. Instant Message
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To start using the Instant Message feature, you must enable a server
setting inside "Preference".
1. Click on "Menu", "Preference"
2. Tick the Deploy Server Check Box, set the Server to Server
3, Port: 80
3. Click on "Advanced" button on the bottom left hand
side.
4. Next click on "SIMPLE" tab
5. Make sure the "Use Separated SIMPLE Server" box
is checked
6. Click "OK" button
7. Click "Apply" and click "Relogin" and
your setting is ready for instant messaging.
How To Send An Instant Message:
Method 1: Buddy List
From Buddy List (Address Book): firstly, add your friend information
in the buddy list (see "Address Book"). To be able to send
message to your friend, make sure your friend phone number is also
a
subscriber's Soft Phone number. And both of you are in the same Call
Server and Port.
Note: If you see a light that appears Grey color, it means you have
not enabled the "SIMPLE SERVER" yet.
Method 2: During Call
When you make a call to another party (only IP-IP call), if the call
connects, click "Instant Messenger" button, choose "Message
To: 12345678 (callee number)", then you can message the other
party who has not been added into your address book yet.
You are able to set your IM status to the following option by clicking
the "IM" button.
Green Light shows that person is on line, you can send IM to him. Red
Light means that person is not on line.
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6. Speed Dial
Speed Dial Setting Menu >> Speed Dial >> Add Speed Dial
View
To view all speed Dial Number
Edit
Edit Speed dial list Contact Number
Delete
Delete Speed Dial contact Number
To Speed Dial
1. Press * before the Designated Speed Dial No
2. e. g. speed dial * 2 (2 = speed dial No) 11
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7. Mute Microphone
Mute Microphone is a function which allows caller to mute other party's
hearing. When you set "Mute Microphone", you can still hear
the other party talking to you, but the other party can never hear you
even if you speak to him.
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8. Audio Setting
Volume Control
To control user's Audio Volume .
Recording Control To control output Audio Volume
9. Frequently Ask Questions
9.1 Technical Questions
Q: Why Do Some Calls Have An Echo?
A: Despite the superior digital voice technology used by the service,
the quality may be compromised if Caller or Callee has microphone
or
speaker volume settings too high. The echo is caused by the volume
setting of the other party. For example if the callee is complaining
of echo
then the caller must reduce their volume settings. There is a volume
control icon on the Soft Phone which can be used to lower the microphone
volume settings
Q: Why Do Some Calls Have A Delay?
A: Despite the superior digital voice technology used by the service,
call quality may be compromised by any of the following factors:
1. Caller or Callee has inadequate or incompatible computer system or
modem.
2. Caller or Callee has poor quality internet service/bandwidth (faster
is better) or there is poor international bandwidth between the caller
and callee countries. Notify your distributor if you experience this
problem as they may be able to advise on how to improve the problem.
3. Caller is making a call to a PSTN number and Local PSTN lines are
old or overloaded.
4. Caller is making a call to a Mobile number and Local mobile network
has poor coverage in that area or network is overloaded.
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Q: What Sort Of Computer Do I Need For The Soft Phone?
A: Hardware Recommendation
| CPU |
Pentium 3 or later |
| RAM |
256 MB |
| Hard Disk |
20 GB |
| Network Card |
Fast Ethernet |
Software Recommendation
| Operating System |
Windows 98/2000/XP |
| Web Browser |
Internet Explorer (IE) 6.0 13 |
We also recommend a high speed(broadband) Internet connection although
it is possible for the Soft Phone to work with a dial up connection
however voice quality may be compromised.
Q: Does The Soft Phone Work With Macintosh or Linux ?
A: Not yet. At this moment our Soft Phone does not work with Macintosh
or Linux operating systems . However our e800 click - to - talk and
our chat - at - mail programs can work perfectly with any of these operating
systems.
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Q: Do Softphones work with Win 98, Win2000, Win ME, Win XP?
A: Yes, although some Win 98 users may have some problems.
Q: Can I Use A Webcam With Soft Phones?
A: Coming soon. Video capabilities for Soft Phones are already in place.
You will need sufficient bandwidth to ensure that the video signal
does
not distort the voice call.
9.2 Installation Questions
Q: I Like The Added Convenience Of An Always On Hardware IP Phone.
What do I do?
A: Contact your local distributor who can advise how to get started.
Q: Do I Have To Configure The Soft Phone With My IP Address etc.
Or Does It Just Self Install?
A: No configuration is necessary. When you download the Soft Phone
you will only need to enter your Soft Phone number and password, then
it
is ready to use straight away.
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Q: Will My Soft Phone Work With My Firewall And NAT
A: The Softphones are compatible with most firewalls and NAT systems
as long as port 5060 is kept open. Contact your local distributor if
you experience any problems.
9.3 Billing Questions
Q: Why Are Some Calls Free And Some Calls Chargeable ?
A: There are two types of calls possible with your Soft Phone:
1. Calls to other subscribers are pure Internet (IP) calls and these
calls are always free.
2. Calls to conventional land line or mobile (007 calls) are chargeable
though rates are significantly less than regular IDD calls.
Q: How Much Do I Have To Pay When I Call Mobile/Conventional Telephones
From My Softphone?
A: Refer 007 toll rates as outlined on your local distributor website.
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Q: How Do You Charge For Usage Of Your 007 International Toll Call
Network?
A: We charge by the second.
Q: I Make A Lot Of Calls And I Want To Monitor My Call Costs.
Can I View My Account Online, In Real Time?
A: Yes, you can do that. Simply go to manage my account and click on
the "view my account" button.
9.4 How-to-use Questions
Q: Do I Need Some Special Equipment To Make And Receive Phone Calls
Through My Computer?
A: First of all we recommend that you have a high speed(broadband)
internet connection but you may be successful with dial up access
(try it and
see for yourself). You will need either a computer headset (with microphone)
,but for superior voice quality and more convenient calling you should
buy a USB phone from your local distributor.
Q: How Do I Make A Call On The Soft Phone?
A: You can use your mouse or keyboard to dial the number of the other
party. Alternatively you can use your Soft Phone address book and
double
click on the name of the other party. When calling another Subscriber,
dial their Soft Phone number direcly. When calling to land or mobile
number anywhere in the world simply dial 007 followed by the IDD number.
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Q: What Happens If My Computer Is Switched Off?
A: If your computer is turned off, you can set your calls to forward
to any mobile or land phone anywhere in the world.
9.5 General Questions
Q: What Is A Softphone And How Does It Work ?
A: The Soft Phone is a virtual phone that can be downloaded from your
distributor website. Your Internet connection is then used to carry
telephone calls to and from your computer. You can dial any mobile/land
phone in the world from your computer. Best of all, you can call any
other subscriber in the world for free. In some countries you can even
get a local PSTN number so you can also receive calls from any phone
in the world. In some cases you may even be able to keep your existing
PSTN number.
Q: Can I Still Use The Soft Phone If I Am Not A Subscriber ?
A: Yes but you can only make free calls to a current subscriber. You
cannot receive calls on your Soft Phone and you cannot make 007 IDD
calls. To see all the other Subscriber benefits visit your local distributor
website
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Q: Can I dial emergency services telephone numbers using my Soft
Phone?
A: We do not recommend that you rely on your Soft Phone to make calls
to emergency services. Your conventional or mobile phone is recommended
for such calls. We recommend that you use a Mobile or land phone to
make emergency calls
Q: Can I Choose Any Number I Wish For My Softphone Number?
A: No, you will be allocated a unique Soft Phone number at the
time of registration but it will usually be the same as your existing
land
or mobile number which makes it easier for you to remember.
Q: Do The Soft Phones And IP Phones Work From Anywhere In The World?
A: Yes, just go on line and start using your softphone normally, no
setting changes required.
Q: Can The Soft Phone Work With A Dialup Internet Connection?
A: Sometimes. Although we would recommend using a Broadband (High speed)
ADSL/Cable connection if possible. The reason being, a high speed
connection
is always-online so there is no chance for missed calls and broadband
means better voice quality.
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Q: With A Hardware IP Phone , Do I Need A Computer
And Do I Have To Keep It Switched On To Make And Receive Calls?
A: No, in fact with a Hardware IP Phone you do not need a computer
at all. You do however need to have a Broadband, ADSL or cable modem
connection
as the IP Phone hardware devices connect using an Ethernet cable just
like a regular computer.
Q: Can I Use The Internet While I Make Or Receive A Call?
A: Yes, your Soft Phone will share any Internet connection without
interfering with your Internet useage.
Q: Can I Choose To Subscribe To Both The Soft Phone And Hardware
IP Phone Plan?
A: Yes. Contact your local distributor to discuss the procedure
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Appendix A. Troubleshooting
Q: I Cannot Open My Soft Phone.
1. Please make sure your LAN / internet are correctly connected.
2. When Fig A.1 appears, please click on "YES", and in the
next window (Fig A.2). Please make sure the following details are correctly
entered:
1. Softphone number: Make sure your Softphone number is correct.
2. Authentication: Make sure your "password" is correctly
entered. Your Softphone Number and password are provided when you register
your softphone.
3. Deploy Server: Select "Deploy Server".
If you click on "No", the system will exit automatically.
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Q: I Cannot Hear The Dial Up Sound Nor The Microphone
Sounds.
Please check if your headset (earphone, speakers and microphone) are
working correctly. For example, try playing an MP3 file or play a VCD
to check if the sound is working. If it is not working:
1. Check that the headset is correctly plugged in to your computer.
2. Double click on "Volume Control" at the right bottom corner
of your windows tool bar to adjust the volume setting. Click on "options"
at the top tool bar, and click on "Properties", please see
Fig A.3. Select both "Volume control" and "microphone",
click "OK" to finish. Adjust volume to the suitable level
(Can not be mute). Please see Fig A.3. Check if the soundcard and soundcard
driver are both correctly installed.
I
can not hear the voice from my callee after connect been successfully
made. Please click on"Start" then "Option" then
"Control Panel" then "Sounds and Audio devices";
Then click on "Audio", please see Fig A.4. Make sure "Sound
playback" and "Sound Recording" use the same local
device. (When you install the web-cam on the computer, please keep
the original
local sound recording device as the default device).
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Appendix B. Firewall/NAT Related Problems
Firewall
If there is a firewall within the network with a limited set of port
numbers that can pass through it, then the Network administrator (MIS)
will need to address the following issues:
1. The firewall must enable the UDP function, in order to transmit the
UDP (data packets) in RTP.
2. The firewall must enable UDP reply force port match, in order to
increase the network security.
3. Ensure that the firewall allows access to the network from the IP
addresses of both the SIP Proxy Server and the Deploy Server.
This is because PCA packets will be transmitted from a SIP Proxy server,
and a deploy Server will be used to refresh the settings of Softphone
from time to time.
NAT
A NAT router changes an internal self-defined
IP address into a public IP address on the internet before communicating
to the
internet. This address interchange process may cause some problems
when connecting the Softp hone to the network. The information (e.g.:
IP
address of sending end and receiving end) that the Soft Phone needs
in order to connect to other networks is communicated in SIP(Session
Initiation Protocol). Unfortunately the NAT router will only change
the IP address, it can not recognize a SIP message, therefore after
the IP address has been changed, the NAT router doesnft know which
corresponding column of the SIP message needs to be modified. The result
is that the address information within the SIP message is still the
internal IP address rather than the public internet IP addresses. This
prevents the voice data packets from returning to the sender so the
callee will hear the caller but the caller will not hear anything.
For example, from Fig B.1 below, PCA-A gets the IP address 10.0.0.1
from the NAT router at the first stage, after the address has been
interchanged,
the true IP will now be 202.123.211.25, but PCA-Afs IP address remains
10.0.0.1 from SIPfs point of view. Therefore when PCA-B receives the
SIP message from PCA-A, and tries to establish the connection between
them, PCA-B will not find 10.0.0.1
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If your PCA can not work under your NAT router, please contact your
local distributor or Email at support@Uni-Tel.com., and describe your
problem by using the template below.
| Subject: |
"NAT" not allowing
Soft Phone to work. |
| Content: |
______________________________ |
| "NAT" Router |
______________________________ |
| Model Number |
______________________________ |
| Firmware Version |
______________________________ |
| Phone Number |
______________________________ |
| Registration Status |
______________________________ |
| Calling Status |
______________________________ |
Appendix C. Bypass Firewall Software
MS Wndows XP
Windows XP itself comes with Firewall Software when installed.
The name on windows is called "Internet Connection Firewall".
Please refer to Fig C.1.
When user activates the "Internet Connection Firewall".
It will not affect the operation of Soft Phone because the Soft Phone
has
a Proxy Server and Deploy Server to overcome the firewall issue.
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ZoneAlarm
Zone Alarm is a famous type of firewall software. A ZoneAlarm firewall
stands between your computer and the outside world. Like the lock
on
your front door, it keeps strangers from coming in and getting access
to your possessions. Once you activate your Soft Phone, this firewall
will get your permission before proceeding to allow your Soft Phone
to be link to our server. Please refer to Fig.C.2 and Fig.C.3 to allow
your Soft Phone to operate.
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