Voice over Internet protocol or VoIP is the newest innovation to the years old audio communication technology. The IP telephony transmits voice, video and data over the broadband networks. The process of calling over the VoIP is quite akin to a normal phone; however, it uses high-speed Internet service, which makes it all the more invaluable. It reduces per-minute call as the technology is based on the packet switching technique of the Internet.
IP telephony caters to the need of international market by offering lower rates for long distance and international calling. Features like cost efficiency, reliability, functionality, security and scalability in IP telephony has made it right choice for the ‘next’ Generation people.
For availing the benefits of VoIP calling, users must be equipped with an Internet service, ATA or Analog terminal Adapter, a handset as well as an IP service. A VoIP call is based on the packet switching technology that converts the audio or analog signals into small packets of digital data. These data is converted using Analog-to-Digital Converter or ADC. The digital packets are compressed into the set standard format and then routed over the Internet connection. These compressed digital standard packets absorb the noise on the way; consequently, the packets get transferred faster and more efficiently. While routing over the Internet, packets are in compliance with standard communication protocols. The packets are routed over the various paths; when they arrive at the destination, there is a re-conversion of the digital packets to analog signals. These data is converted using Digital-to- Analog Converter or DAC.
These conversion and re-conversion process takes place in the real time and the end users enjoy continuous speech flow without any delays. The services of VoIP are based on the packet switching technique, so calling over longer distance is made easier and cheaper. While opting for a VoIP phone or service, users must check features like caller ID with name and telephone number; call blocking, call waiting, 3-way calling, call forwarding, and voice mail.
By: Kristen Kiya
Posts Tagged ‘Analog To Digital’
Working of VoIP – The Next Generation Phone
February 27th, 2010The Aim To Standardize VoIP Protocols
January 1st, 2010
Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) is a remarkable technology that lets us talk to one another from our home computers. It provides an efficient and flexible way for us to communicate at work and at home, and the cost savings versus conventional telephone services are incredible. It requires little upfront investment, and you have the ability to travel with your phone number all over the world. It is a technology that almost seems too good to be true. As with any relatively new technology, though, there are technical kinks with VOIP that continue to need refining and development in order for the technology to reach its fullest potential as a replacement for the current telephone systems that we are accustomed to using.
At the beginning of a VOIP phone call, there is an analog phone (in use with an ATA), an IP phone, or software that converts data from analog to digital and routes the call to an endpoint. Along with these pieces of equipment, there are protocols that are employed to get the job done efficiently. A protocol is a set of rules that control data transfer between two points, in this case, from the placement of a phone call to the destination. Protocols are put into use by any combination of hardware and software to define real-time communications performance.
There are several VOIP protocols used at this time that mark out which programs (that transform the data) connect with one another along with the network. The most common protocol being used for VOIP is know as H.323, which was created by the International Telecommunication Union for the purposes of videoconferencing. This protocol is actually a group of several specific protocols that provide provisions for videoconferencing, data sharing, and audio transmission (VOIP). However, since it was not expressly designed for VOIP, there are often compatibility issues with its use.
A newer protocol has come out known as Session Initiation Protocol, or SIP. SIP was developed specifically for VOIP, and it is less complex than H.323. Yet another protocol used for VOIP is known as Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP). It focuses on destination control, and is intended to be used for supplemental features such as Call Waiting. A big problem arises because these three protocols do not always work together very congruently. This is often a problem when placing VOIP calls between different networks that use different protocols. And since there has not been yet developed a uniform set of standards for protocols to use for VOIP, problems are likely to continue until they are established.
Despite the technical glitches that can be encountered in using the technology to place phone calls, VOIP is still far more efficient, accommodating, and cost effective to what we are used to in telephone communications. The direction in which VOIP is heading hints that it is poised to one day replace our traditional telephone technology altogether. As with any technology-driven product or service, developers of VOIP will likely continue to improve upon current standards of VOIP and its protocols, further improving the technology for widespread use. This will provide users of VOIP even greater efficiency and reliability when they want to make a telephone call.
By: Mark Woodcock
Business Calls Made Easy by VOIP Technology
November 28th, 2009
As high-speed Internet connections spread around the world widely, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology changed how people think of long-distance phone calls. Many see VOIP as the revolutionary technology that will replace the conventional phone systems entirely. In United States, companies providing VOIP related services, such as Vonage and CallWave (More CallWave information at here), are expanding steadily. Major carriers like AT&T are already looking seriously at the potential implication of VOIP technology.
How VOIP technology works?
VOIP a technology where analog voice signal is turned into digital signal and transmitted over the Internet connections. This enables VOIP users to make Internet phone calls without going thru phone company services.
VOIP calls can be done via several methods: ATA, IP phones, or PC-to-PC. For ATA, an analog-to-digital converter is used on regular phone to enable VOIP calls; For IP phones, specifically designed phones are used for voice routing via its IP address; for PC-to-PC, a VOIP calls and a PC with Internet connection is what it needs. Basically each of these VOIP call method performs the same function: To enable voice communications. However, different call methods have totally different hardware set up and they are all meant to suits different level of users. Needless to say, the cost of these VOIP call methods varies a lot.
How VOIP technology can help in your business?
Great savings on your business call rates
With VOIP, you can simply enjoy a much cheaper phone calls by utilizing your existing PC set up and data networks. Most VOIP companies are offering minute-rate plans structured as little as $30 per month. With the elimination of unregulated charges and additional features given, switching from conventional phone services to VOIP can be quite a bargain.
Easy customer calls support
Often the telephone customer supports will consume a big part of a business budget. The high sets up cost for customer calls support can be reduce greatly using VOIP systems. With the availability of VoIP calls, business owners can utilize the “Click to Talk” web services set up a customer service application like call centres with enhanced features and low maintenance cost.
Flexibility
With VoIP services, business travelers or home workers can work as in the office. You can call freely from anywhere you have the Internet connectivity. Further more, you get another alternative with VoIP– the soft-phone. A softphone is a application software that loads VoIP functions into your computer. With soft-phone, you can make VoIP calls thru your laptop/desktop from anywhere that has the Internet access.
Further more, a VOIP system gives better flexibility in the set-up. By implementing VOIP technology, you can select any area code for your customer support phone number regardless on your location, you can allow multiple employees managing your customers calls without extra charges, you can own an instant web-based voice mail for business tracking purpose, and you can have integrated conferencing.
Wrapping things up
VOIP has been declared by greats like Forbes.com to be “the four letter word for growth.” It is widely acknowledged that technology can spur growth and businesses, even small ones that integrate new technologies, have a strategic and competitive edge over others.
However, even though VOIP systems sound like a savior for your business, you should never switch into their service blindly. The new technology might sounds great, but there are several drawbacks that you should consider them with care. The reliability of VOIP services (imagine long down time for your LAN system.), the power issue (VOIP functions fails whenever there’s no power supply.), and quality of the services are some of the major issues to consider before making the switch.
By: Teddy Low
