Article Sphere Logo

What is VoIP - A Guide to Understanding the Basics

By Expert Author: Dave Page | Article Abstract
Word Count: 508 words | Views: 100 view(s)
Simply put VoIP is a protocol that allows for a computer to make a voice communication over the internet. A computer can call a computer, or it could even covert the signal and call an ordinary phone. With VoIP a user can call using a computer, a phone made special for VoIP or a normal phone equipped with a VoIP adapter. VoIP can also be accessed wirelessly in certain areas where such a connection is available such as internet cafes and other such hotspots. Simply put, VoIP allows people to talk over the internet just as one would over the phone.

In order to take advantage of VoIP the user will need a broadband high speed internet connection. Cable modems as well as services like DSL or even a local area network will fit this requirement. The other thing needed is either a computer, a specialized phone or an adapter for a traditional phone. Either the computer or the VoIP phone would work better as some VoIP services will not recognize the adapter and will not function as a result. If the computer is the preferred method then specific software will need to be installed and a microphone will need to be connected. Other than the fact that the VoIP phone will attach directly to the broadband connection, it works like a normal phone.

Calling other VoIP users will normally be free of charge; however connecting to traditional phone lines will likely cost the user money based similar factors as a normal phone. Details of payment will of course depend on the VoIP provider. Some will allow the user to call anywhere for a flat rate while others will operate more like a current phone service. Who a user can call varies depending on the provider as well. Some will allow users to call any number whether it is VoIP or not. Others will be limited to only those who are using VoIP. In order to call a traditional phone, there is no need for any specialized equipment; the user simply dials the number as he normally would, making it the same as a normal call.

One of the main advantages to VoIP is that the user no longer needs a separate phone line and a broadband connection. Both the phone and internet now works off of the same line and so the user saves money and effort with the upkeep of two different lines. In today’s world where cell phones have nearly make land lines obsolete, this is a huge advantage. Beyond this VoIP has available features that a traditional phone will not. These are of course specific to the provider of the service and what they are willing to offer.

While VoIP is not without its drawbacks, it is possibly the future of voice communication. As computers are becoming more and more accessible, the need for a separate device to handle voice conversations is becoming less and less. Given a decade or two the kinks inherent in VoIP will likely be worked out and it could replace land lines altogether.
Dave Page

About the Author/Author Bio

Visit us for more info on Cheap VoIP and Cheapest VoIP.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/What-is-VoIP---A-Guide-to-Understanding-the-Basics/164239

Article Submitted: 2008-10-20 | This Article has been viewed 100 times.

Rate Article

Related Videos

How to Make Free Inbound Calls
VoIP Phone Systems
A Sneak-Peek at Google Voice - #2 - Consolidate Phone Numbers
Skype 4.0 Review - FrugalTech
How to Build Video Chat Robot
 

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 - A Guide to Understanding the Basics" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 
If you are interested in switching to a VoIP phone service provider so that you can make VoIP phone calls and reap the plentiful benefits of the VoIP technology, the first and most important step that you are going to have to make is to choose the right VoIP service provider. Before you will be able to learn which VoIP service provider is going to be the best for you however, you are going to have to learn a bit more about the VoIP technology and what it has to offer you.
Something that everyone should be aware of is how an IP phone works, namely because of the multitude of benefits that you are offered by an IP phone and phone service. An IP phone works by using VoIP technologies which allows telephone calls to be made over the Internet instead of through the ordinary PSTN system.
Phone expenses have been on the rise and many people have started to switch over to free VOIP software applications. This is because they offer clear conversations often better equality than what you can get using a traditional phone service and they cost nothing. In fact, you can do without a home phone completely with the use of cable internet and VOIP software applications.
There are some great options available today when it comes to USB VoIP phones and accessories. If you are looking for the best VoIP phones and accessories, here are a few that you should take into consideration.
Most likely you have heard about the VoIP services before but are just not aware of all the benefits that are offered to you here. If you are considering getting a VoIP phone system for yourself, you should first become more educated on the idea of using a VoIP Internet phone and what advantages you are going to be gaining as a result.
If you are interested in buying a VoIP Internet phone and have already decided on a wireless IP phone, then you are going to need to be aware of where you can go to find one. There are actually a couple different retailers that are going to be worth checking out if you are looking to buy a wireless IP phone, and which will be discussed in detail for you here.
Reliability and security has always been a main concern for all organizations and Service Providers, especially when it comes to business communication. No company wants to make any mistake for building and maintaining relationship with their clients, colleagues, or senior managers.
 
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.

Afrikaans Albanian Arabic Belarusian Bulgarian Catalan Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Croatian Czech Danish German English Estonian Filipino Finnish French Galician Greek Hebrew Hindi Hungarian Icelandic Indonesian Irish Italiano Japanese Korean Latvian Lithuanian Macedonian Malay Maltese Dutch Norwegian Persian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Serbian Slovak Slovenian Spanish Swahili Swedish Thai Turkish Ukrainian Vietnamese Welsh Yiddish