Article Sphere Logo

What Is VoIP And How It Works

By Expert Author: Rivers Cruz | View Article Summary
Word Count: 508 words | Views: 85 view(s)
Rivers Cruz

What is VoIP?

Simply put, VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol is the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks. It is also sometimes referred to as IP Telephony. VoIP has become immensely popular because of the savings an individual can make on long distance calls, especially on international calls. It is cheap, and some are even offering it for free. Savings can range from 60 to 90 percent, depending on your usage.

How can I use VoIP?

There are three ways of using VoIP. The first one is PC to PC, wherein both parties must have their computers turned on to communicate. Second is PC to Phone, where a party must contact a phone through his computer. Last is Phone to Phone.

What do I need to make VoIP calls?

There are three basic things you need to make a free VoIP call: a computer, a decent internet connection, and a headset with a microphone and earpiece. Scour the web once you have those and you can talk to almost anyone around the globe. The down side of this is you can not make a call unless your computer is turned on.

On the other hand, VoIP companies' services will cut down your long distance costs to a fraction plus you can make calls with your computer turned off. Aside from the basic requirements mentioned above, devices will be provided by the company, usually with a fixed price. The following are the most common devices that you will be issued if you sign up for a VoIP service:

1. Analog Telephone Adapter or ATA. This device is commonly referred to as a phone adapter, and is needed to make Phone to PC and Phone to Phone calls.

2. Tellular Device. This is just like a normal phone, but some are packed with useful features that you will not usually see.

3. Router. A router will allow you to share your Internet connection with multiple computers or Internet devices.

What are the features of VoIP?

VoIP has almost all regular phone features. This includes caller ID, voicemail, 3-way calling, fax, call waiting, and many more. Aside from these, there are a number of advanced features that makes communication easier.

An example would be the "Keep Your Number" feature, which allows you to use the same number even if you move. Another feature would be "Unlimited Calls to US or Canada." This feature is popular among individuals outside of the US because of the savings they can get.

What are the disadvantages of VoIP?

Yes VoIP is cheap and rich with features, but it is not perfect. Voice quality is one of the main concerns of VoIP users. Delays, echoes, and weird noises are frequently attributed with VoIP. A good VoIP company, a sufficient broadband connection, and quality hardware will eliminate this problem.

Another down side with VoIP is that it is dependent on your Internet connection. If you have slow or poor connection, voice quality will surely be affected.

Unlike normal phones, VoIP relies on power. You need to plug in your ATA, modem, and other VoIP devices for you to make calls.
About the Author/Author Bio

Rivers Cruz is a writer for OpenTone Communications Inc. Make unlimited long distance calls with our affordable VoIP services.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/What-Is-VoIP-And-How-It-Works/133401

Article Submitted: 2008-04-10 | This Article has been viewed 85 times.

Comments on this Article


More "VoIP" Related Articles

 
 

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "VoIP" article category.

People interested in the above article "What Is VoIP And How It Works" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 
Business organizations have started to use business phone systems including VoIP phones and gateways instead of the traditional PSTN for business communications because it is cheaper and more useful than the other mediums of voice communications.
Voice over the IP is also known as IP telephony, internet telephony or broadband phone. It is an internet based telephone service that allows calls to be transmitted through the internet. Unlike the traditional telephone services the VoIP transmits information through packet switched networks and not the traditional circuit telephony lines.
The iPhone can use the internet through Wifi technology, however there are some terms of service that state; customers are not allowed to use the 3G internet technology to access the Voice over IP calls. A company named Global IP Solutions is planning to release a VoIP software development kit that will help in the creation of more simple VoIP programs and also add VoIP functionality to the already existing programs.
Even though the VoIP technology is being considered technological due to its products and services, it ends up having its cons on the other side of the IP networks. These are some of the main reasons why although VoIP being supported technologically it is still yet to cop up with the market and therefore not a frequently used tool of communication amongst people.
You may not currently have a huge choice in having or buying VoIP phones, but the need might just come up later. However you will be in position to choose a vendor who will fit what you need. There are various factors that will determine how easily you will live with your decision. Here are some of the cool functions to look out for in order to match your equipment with a good service provider...
Even though software phones are usually cheap compared to hardware phones they offer the best options for Computer Telephony Integration (CTI). Hardware phones are easier to use and they don't necessarily require a Computer. In this article, I am discussing the various hints to be considered when choosing a VoIP phone.
Most businesses now look for a phone system that will allow them the access to advanced features and cut down on costs of which is normally linked to VoIP. Though things might change in the near future, right now the phone is still the most relevant tool in business communication today and almost everyone depend in voice communication. VoIP has gradually been rising from a complex, unreliable, low quality service to becoming a mature, competitive and simple to manage and offering the best quality.
 
Article Directory Home All Categories Communications VoIP
 

Can't find what you're looking for? Try Google Search!
 
 
Copyright © 2005 - by Larry Lim, Singapore - Article Search Engine Directory at ArticleSphere.com™
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. All Trademarks and Servicemarks are the property of the respective owners.
French Spanish Bulgarian Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Croation Czech Danish Dutch Finnish German Greek Italian Japanese Korean Norwegian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Serbian Slovak Swedish Arabic Hebrew Hungarian Thai Turkish English US