Monash Phone FAQs
- What is VoIP?
- I have been appointed as a Phone Delegate for my area's rollout. Where do I go for more information?
- How does the Monash Phone solution compare with Skype or equivalent products?
- Will the new phone service have all the features of our current service?
- What is a soft phone?
- Will our phones still be usable if the power goes out?
- Can I have a soft phone on my PC and a VoIP handset on my desk?
- What changes will be made to voicemail to work on Monash Phone?
- How will the clarity of the calls be on the new system?
- Will I keep my same phone number after moving to Monash Phone?
- Will the system have caller ID?
- If I have not logged into my computer, will I still be able to make and receive calls?
- Will voicemail messages be emailed to me?
- Is the headset frequency random or fixed? Will it interfere with wireless?
- If I logon to another computer on the Monash network, can I make a call? Will it show as my phone number?
- Will there be any Telstra lines?
- Can I ring an IP address?
- Does the USB headset work through a hub?
- If all my USB slots (including hubs) are already overloaded, what are my headset options?
- Working in multimedia, my CPU runs close to 100% for much of the day. Is a VoIP call likely to slow or crash my computer?
1. What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) is the technology through which our new core infrastructure delivers telephone calls. VoIP technology utilises the existing data cabling that currently carries internet and email traffic.
After investigating what were the current replacement options out in the market and looking forward to the future needs of the University, the decision was made to migrate to a VoIP system. External research has shown that this is the current system of choice.
Monash Phone will deliver a rich set of functionality, reliability and flexibility replacing the existing telephony network with a like-for-like network.
2. I have been appointed as a Phone Delegate for my area's rollout. Where do I go for more information?
Please refer to the Telephone Delegate webpage for all documentation about your roles and responsibilities and how you will be supported during the rollout process.
3. How does the Monash Phone solution compare with Skype or equivalent products?
While Monash Phone and Skype both utilise the data network to deliver voice calls, this is where the comparison ends. Skype is aimed at voice communications in the consumer/home user market, utilising a person’s existing contacts and relying on users to become 'supernodes' to undertake a share of call processing and traffic routing for other calls. Specifically, Monash does not want to allow third-party Skype users to make use of the University's network. Please refer to the ITS Position Statement on the use of Skype.
4. Will the new phone service have all the features of our current service?
Monash Phone aims to retain as many of current features as possible, but this is not technically possible for all features. Monash Phone will offer new and different features compared to the current service.
5. What is a soft phone?
A soft phone is a piece of software that runs on your PC and provides you with similar capabilities as your current telephone. It requires a PC with microphone and speaker, or a simple headset attachment. This facility is currently not released although it is planned for the future.
6. Will our phones still be usable if the power goes out?
For most user phones on the Monash Phone network, power outages will result in the loss of service. However the red emergency phones will still continue to operate.
7. Can I have a soft phone on my PC and a VoIP handset on my desk?
Yes, this may be possible, however the soft phone facility is not currently released.
8. What changes will be made to voicemail to work on Monash Phone?
Monash Phone will have a new voicemail platform serving those that have moved to Monash Phone.
9. How will the clarity of the calls be on the new system?
The quality of the call is comparable to what you are used to today and in many cases will be better.
10. Will I keep my same phone number after moving to Monash Phone?
The plan is to try to maintain exisiting phone numbers for as many people as possible. However, some exceptional cases may require this due to technical constraints.
11. Will the system have caller ID?
Yes - the Monash Phone system will display the incoming number. For internal calls, the name attached to that extension will also be displayed.
12. If I have not logged into my computer, will I still be able to make and receive calls?
With the new desktop handset, the computer will not affect your ability to make or receive calls. However with a softphone, when it becomes available, you will need to be logged in to make and receive calls.
13. Will voicemail messages be emailed to me?
This is a possibility, however as we are currently in an early stage of the project, it is too soon to say.
14. Is the headset frequency random or fixed? Will it interfere with wireless?
No decision has been made as to which headsets will be used. However we will be ensuring that they do not interfere with the wireless network.
15. If I logon to another computer on the Monash network, can I make a call? Will it show as my phone number?
If you are using a software phone and register on the other machine with your telephone number you should be able to make and receive calls as if you were at your desk. Alternatively, you can login to a VoIP telephone handset with your own details and use this as if it were your own.
16. Will there be any Telstra lines?
In cases where they are specifically required due to a particular business need, carrier lines can be installed. Such needs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the best solution.
17. Can I ring an IP address?
Current plans are to continue with existing telephone extensions.
18. Does the USB headset work through a hub?
In theory, it can. However, USB has speed limitations and if a USB hub is being shared by multiple devices, it may not be able to provide reliable operation of all devices.
19. If all my USB slots (including hubs) are already overloaded, what are my headset options?
Some headsets come with microphone and speaker plugs that plug into a PC sound card, not required a USB slot.
20. Working in multimedia, my CPU runs close to 100% for much of the day. Is a VoIP call likely to slow or crash my computer?
This has not been tested or evaluated as yet.
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