sys.voopIX

When there is a member’s interest in the voopIX service, it is customary for the CARNET representative to make the presentation of this service and to explain all the details in direct contact with the representatives of the institution. On this occasion, a technical survey can be made of the connection possibilities at the location itself. The request is sent to the electronic address voopix@carnet.hr or by regular mail to CARNET, J. Marohnića 5, Zagreb.

Nevertheless, we can briefly say that the basis of the service is connecting the existing telephone exchange via a separate device to a shared private VoIP network, and then, if desired, additional IP phones can be installed and ultimately replace the old switchboard. The service is free for all full members of CARNET, and this device is also not charged for the facility. Also, there are no subscription or maintenance costs for this facility. In case the institution wants to have IP phones, it has to get them at their own expense.

All full members of CARNET have the right of joining the voopIX system, based on the request  sent to CARNET.

Upon receipt of the request for connection, CARNET representatives shall contact the representative of the facility to conduct a technical survey and examine all the details and possibilities of the implementation of connection to optimally connect the facility to the voopIX system.

It is easiest to join a member who already owns a VoIP-based (commercially or open-source solution) system, and it is much more demanding to connect an institution that has a classic ISDN connection where additional hardware is needed. In this case, CARNET needs to conduct a survey, as a connection preparation, in which a complete technical inspection of the entire installation, transmission and the same central unit is performed.

There is already a membership agreement between all CARNET members and CARNET institutions, and as this is a service to which the institution is entitled under full membership, it is not necessary to sign a special agreement.

VoopIX device is secured from the state budget, and its procurement and maintenance for the facility is completely free. No additional human involvement is expected from the institution (e.g. a CARNET system engineer).

This service is not a substitute for an existing telephone connection with a telecom operator, but an upgrade to an existing system. This is a private telephone network of CARNET member institutions, which is not subject to the Telecommunications Act, as it is not about providing public voice services.

On www.voopix.carnet.hr you can check if a particular phone number is in the category of free phone numbers. An electronic identity in the AAi @ EduHr system is required to access this page. As there is a possibility to change the category, an international call is made when the caller receives the toll-free message about the toll-free call.

On the side of the end-user, the service is completely transparent, i.e. the final user chooses the phone number as usual and is unaware of whether the call is passing through voopIX or through public voice network (JGM), but the entire logic of selection of the call locations termination is hidden.

In case of disconnecting the CARNET connection, current calls going through the voopIX system (other members in the system) shall be interrupted, but not the current active phone calls to other users. Calls shall not be toll-free until you re-establish your connection to CARNET. In case of interruption, the conversations are automatically redirected to the public network and no additional human activity is required.

Occasional issues have arisen in some installations, but mostly initial problems at the very connection, but after the corresponding solution they have not appeared anymore.

As far as we know, there are no longer waiting times for making calls or no other issues.

Everything related to voopIX is funded and maintained by CARNET.

The equipment depends on the existing installation at the facility, but it is usually a device built according to the CARNET specification.

The SIP and IAX2 protocols are used to connect to the voopIX switchboard. SCCP (Skinny Call Control Protocol or Skinny shortened) is not supported.

Additional cabling is not always necessary. Most of today’s IP phones have at least two Ethernet ports and one connects directly to the network and the other one to the computer. In this case, it is desirable to have a network switch that has built-in support for VLANs to separate the phone from the rest of the network at a logical level. This shall avoid additional cabling costs due to telephony.

In order for the VoopIX service to work without difficulty, the institution has to be a CARNET member and has to be connected to CARNET network by optics. The institution that is connected to aDSL technology cannot be connected to voopIX due to slower upload speeds, and it is also not possible to reserve part of VoIP traffic in order for voice-mail to flow smoothly. Prior to joining the voopIX, CARNet shall determine the current situation and propose an optimal solution, and if necessary maintain a system presentation to technical and non-technical staff.

Context is an option that specifies the limitations of outgoing calls for each phone user.

5 contexts are defined:

• local: enabled calls within the county (01, 042, 020 …)
• international: enabled all calls including international
• mobile phones: enabled calls within Croatia and calls to mobile networks
• long distance: enabled all calls in Croatia except for mobile networks
• pbx: enabled calls only to local telephones within the facility.

Currently, this option does not exist.