Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How to flush DNS cache in Linux / Windows / Mac
Flush DNS to get a new name resolution. Also flush DNS cache when you can’t access a newly registered domain name. You can simply flush your DNS cache anytime to get new entry.
To flush DNS cache in Microsoft Windows (Win XP, Win ME, Win 2000):
- Start -> Run -> type cmd
- in command prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns
- Done! You Window DNS cache has just been flush.
To flush the DNS cache in Linux, restart the nscd daemon:
- To restart the nscd daemon, type /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart in your terminal
- Once you run the command your linux DNS cache will flush.
To flush the DNS cache in Mac OS X Leopard:
- type lookupd -flushcache in your terminal to flush the DNS resolver cache.
ex: bash-2.05a$ lookupd -flushcache
- Once you run the command your DNS cache (in Mac OS X) will flush.
To flush the DNS cache in Mac OS X:
- type dscacheutil -flushcache in your terminal to flush the DNS resolver cache.
ex: bash-2.05a$ dscacheutil -flushcache
- Once you run the command your DNS cache (in Mac OS X Leopard) will flush.
How do I contact the technical support department and / or report for a technical problem?
In order to solve any technical problem which occurs, please create a support ticket in your personal account area. There is "Support" option in the left main menu.
Please describe the details of the problem and provide the requested information to help us understand your issue:
- Device OS Name and Version,
- Browser name and version,
- Your IP address,
- Firewall (software/hardware name and version) if any
Also please make the screenshot of the technical problem and send it to support@abc-voip.com.
Note: Please understand and accept that our technical support is free of change and could take longer time to provide the help. Thank you for your understanding.
Why my account is blocked or is not validated yet?
To help protect our customers and system from fraud or abuse, all entered information during registration has to be verified and validated by human. The validation process is based on the information you have provided during the registration. This usually takes some time and after the validation your account will be activated shortly.
If we detect abnormal usage that may indicate that your account has been compromised, we may temporarily disable access. As a security measure, your account can be blocked if you break the terms and conditions of our agreement.
Can I change my mobile number after registration?
During the registration please provide a valid mobile number, before each new payment a message with code will be sent to your mobile in order to validate the transaction. If you do want to change your mobile number please create a support ticket with this request, contacting the support team.
Why I cannot refill my account and buy credit?
If your remaining balance is more than $5, you cannot buy additional credit, in order to buy it the balance should be below $5, only then the button “Buy Now” will be activated.
How can I change my email address?
If your profile email differs from your PayPal account email, you will not be able to make any payments. If you do want to change your email address then please create a support ticket with this request.
How to bind your static IP address to ABC-VoIP account?
If you're concerned about unauthorized access to your account, you'll be able to bind your static IP address to your ABC-VoIP account. Please make a support ticket with your static IP address. Your IP address will be assigned permanently to your account in order to raise your security; this feature is valid if case your account is being accessed from the same static IP address.
How do I register to use the service?
In order to register and become a VoIP user click on the following link: https://secure.abc-voip.com/site/access/signup and then click on the “Register” button.
I've just registered, how long does it take to activate my account?
Your account will not be activated until the provided information is validated. This process is manually done by one of our experts and could take some time due to the high number of the subscription requests. In case of success you will receive an email from one of our experts regarding the activation. If you consider that your account validation is taking too long please get in touch with us via one of the options described in “Contact Us” page.
What information should I provide during registration?
During the registration please provide the valid name, address, email, and please double check all the fields and especially the country you select from the drop down menu.
I’ve forgotten my password, how can I change it?
To reset your password, please click here and enter the email you used during the registration to sign in into ABC-VoIP account.
Why my account is still not approved?
In order to prevent VoIP fraud, at ABC-VoIP there are several levels of information verification. The account validation is made manually and all the information is carefully checked before the account approving. Please “Contact Us” if you consider that your account validation is taking too much time.
How do I setup my SIP Phone?
There are many free soft phones. You can find a list of available soft phones.
How VoIP / Internet Voice Works?
VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless "hot spots" in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.
What is a VoIP Telephone?
A VoIP telephone, also known as a SIP phone or a softphone, allows the user to make phone calls to any softphone, mobile or landline by using voice over IP (VoIP). This way the voice is carried through the internet instead of the traditional PSTN system.
A VoIP telephone can be a simple software-based softphone or a hardware device that looks a lot like a common telephone.
What is VoIP gateway?
A VoIP gateway is a piece of hardware that converts TDM telephony traffic from the PSTN into digital packets IP packets for transport over an IP network (such as your LAN). A VoIP gateway can also convert digital IP packets into TDM telephony traffic for transport across the PSTN (Publicly Switched Telephone Network).
They are used in 2 ways:
- To convert incoming PSTN/telephone lines to VoIP/SIP;
- To connect a traditional PBX/Phone system to the IP network;
What is SIP?
SIP, short for Session Initiation Protocol is an IP telephony signalling protocol used to establish, modify and terminate VoIP telephone calls. SIP was developed by the IETF and published as RFC 3261.
SIP describes the communication needed to establish a phone call. The details are then further described in the SDP protocol.
SIP has taken the VoIP world by storm. The protocol resembles the HTTP protocol, is text based, and very open and flexible. It has therefore largely replaced the H323 standard.
What is a SIP server?
A SIP server is the main component of an IP PBX, dealing with the setup of all SIP calls in the network. A SIP server is also referred to as a SIP Proxy or a Registrar.
Although the SIP server is the most important part of the SIP based phone system, it only handles call setup and call tear down. It does not actually transmit or receive any audio. This is done by the media server in RTP.
What do you need to use VoIP?
- An Internet connection
it can be as basic as dial-up service, but the faster your Net connection, the better the call quality is. With a high-speed broadband connection, for example, you can make calls and surf the Internet at the same time. - Related coverage
VoIP feels growing pains such as blocked calls and 911. - VoIP software
Consumers can choose a version that loads onto a desktop or laptop computer, which allows the computer to make calls through its modem connection to the Internet. The customer uses the computer's built-in microphone and speakers, so there is no actual phone or extra adapter needed for this version of VoIP service.
But in cases where customers want to convert their home phone to a VoIP dialler, an adapter is necessary.
The VoIP software is available preinstalled in a separate piece of hardware known as an analogue telephone adapter, which is installed between your home phone and the broadband modem.
What are the advantages of an IP PBX?
- Better control via better reporting
VoIP settings store inbound and outbound call information in a database on your server, allowing for much more powerful reporting of call costs and call traffic. - Better overview of current system status and calls
Proprietary systems often require expensive ‘system’ phones to get an idea what is going on your phone system. Even then, status information is cryptic at best. With VoIP systems you can define which users can see phone system status graphically via a web browser. - Allow users to hot plug their phone anywhere in the office
Users simply take their phone, plug it into the nearest Ethernet port and they keep their existing number.
How does VoIP work?
A way is required to turn analogue phone signals into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet.
This function can either be included into the phone itself or in a separate box like an ATA.
Why use VoIP?
There are two major reasons to use VoIP
- Lower Cost
- Increased functionality
Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
Does my Computer have to be turned on?
Only if your service requires you to make calls using your computer. All VoIP services require your broadband Internet connection to be active.
How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
If you have a special VoIP phone or a regular telephone connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone will ring like a traditional telephone. If your VoIP service requires you to make calls using your computer, the software supplied by your service provider will alert you when you have an incoming call.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is the most common LAN (Local Area Network) technology in use today.
What is an FXS port?
An FXS port is an interface on that allows station devices such as analog telephones to connect to a VoIP gateway.
What is an FXO port?
An FXO port is an interface that allows POTS lines to connect with a VoIP gateway.