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 Converter’
Working of VoIP – The Next Generation Phone
February 27th, 2010How Does VoIP Service Work?
February 10th, 2010
VOIP technology is a one way of sending a voice signal also known as an analog signal in a medium which is digital, i.e, the internet. In practice, the process works like this when you have a standard analog telephone attached to your high speed internet connection with VOIP service. There will be an analog telephone adapter or ATA between the phone and the computer.
In order to place what would normally be a long distance call to a person who doesn’t have VOIP service you key in the number you want. The analog telephone adapter converts the touch tones into a digital format. The digital phone number is sent by the analog telephone adapter to the VOIP routing system at the service provider’s location. The VOIP service provider is located on the internet as well.
The VOIP service provider’s routing system identifies the recipient’s location and sends the call to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PTSN) at that location. The phone rings at the other end and the conversation can begin. Each time you speak, the analog to digital converter in the analog telephone adapter changes the voice tones into packets of digital information that can be transmitted across the internet. When the VOIP service meshes with the Public Switched Telephone Network at the recipient’s end, the digital packets which are the voice tones from you get turned back into an analog signal so that you recipient of your call can understand what you are saying.
The reverse process, i.e. the transmission of what the other person says to you is a mirror image of the first process. Their voice is transformed from analog to digital when it gets to the PSTN/internet connection. The digital packets are sent to the analog telephone adapter at your location where they are converted back into an audible or analog signal to be able to perceive the voice as that of your caller.
The technology to do the conversion from analog to digital and back again has been around as long as digital electronics. For example, your PC sound card converts digital CD information to analog signal needed by the speakers on your computer. The difficult part of the VOIP technology is the necessity to smoothly transmit the digital data over the internet and reassemble it in a continuous stream. This is know as the protocol.
When listening to voice transmission, there can be no gaps in the stream of digital packets or the voices will not be understandable. This part of the technology has only recently been available, but is actually equal or better in quality than you get with standard telephone networks.
The equipment available today that uses VOIP technology can be an analog telephone adapter for your head set through the computer. There are a few VOIP phones that act like a regular analog telephone but have the ATA incorporated into the phone. It’s actually a small dedicated personal computer in your telephone. These VOIP phones can be plugged into the computer with high speed internet connection or into the router.
By: Simon Ahtung
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
