Dumb newbie question

Hi,

quick VOIP question before the FAQ turns up:

Does VOIP only work in the client/server model i.e. you have to have a 3rd
party server to connect two VOIP subscribers together, or do you only need
3rd party servers to bridge between the IP network (e.g. the Internet) and
fixed/mobile telecoms subscribers?
[Thinking in WLAN terms - ad hoc or infrastructure options]

To put it another way, can you phone your mate directly as an alternative to
using MSN chat or Netmeeting etc.?
[O.K. bad analogy as they are client/server]

The 3rd way (gripping hand?) - can you run a VOIP server on your home Linux
server and connect incoming from a VOIP phone and from a LAN VOIP phone?

One reason is that I am away from home a lot but have access to a Broadband
connection at my remote location.
Can I set up VOIP to get free phone calls home?

O.K. the setup cost may be huge compared with the initial saving, but can it
be done?

TIA

Dave R

--

David W.E. Roberts

"David W.E. Roberts" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Hi,
>
> quick VOIP question before the FAQ turns up:
>
> Does VOIP only work in the client/server model i.e. you have to have a 3rd
> party server to connect two VOIP subscribers together, or do you only need
> 3rd party servers to bridge between the IP network (e.g. the Internet) and
> fixed/mobile telecoms subscribers?
> [Thinking in WLAN terms - ad hoc or infrastructure options]
>
> To put it another way, can you phone your mate directly as an alternative
> to
> using MSN chat or Netmeeting etc.?
> [O.K. bad analogy as they are client/server]
>
> The 3rd way (gripping hand?) - can you run a VOIP server on your home
> Linux
> server and connect incoming from a VOIP phone and from a LAN VOIP phone?
>
> One reason is that I am away from home a lot but have access to a
> Broadband
> connection at my remote location.
> Can I set up VOIP to get free phone calls home?
>
> O.K. the setup cost may be huge compared with the initial saving, but can
> it
> be done?
>
> TIA
>
> Dave R
Hi
I believe yes yes and thrice yes.
favourate providers here seem to be www.sipgate.co.uk and www.voipfone.co.uk
and I think you should google "asterisk"
cheers
Roy

On Sun, 8 May 2005 11:17:47 +0100, "David W.E. Roberts"
<> wrote:

>Hi,
>
>quick VOIP question before the FAQ turns up:
>
>Does VOIP only work in the client/server model i.e. you have to have a 3rd
>party server to connect two VOIP subscribers together, or do you only need
>3rd party servers to bridge between the IP network (e.g. the Internet) and
>fixed/mobile telecoms subscribers?
>[Thinking in WLAN terms - ad hoc or infrastructure options]


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