VoIP Technology » Broadband Internet Connection

The Different Stages That Lead to VoIP Service

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:46:44 +0000

VoIP service is an ideal means of sending telephone calls over IP networks. The Voice over IP works on the principle of converting analog signals to small packets of digital data and then sending them over a broadband internet connection that ultimately connects the users with the service providers. There are several advantages of using this service. The main reason why people acquire this connection is quite straightforward; the expenses incurred while making long distance calls using such a service is low as compared to the traditional phone line connections.

As VoIP service is based on the transfer of digital data, so the service provider can actually do a lot with this technology. Among the most prominent of the services that a service provider can provide are storing of incoming voice mails in the mailbox, sending of email attachments and 3 way calling. Let us consider a scenario in which the user is busy and wants not to be disturbed by any telephone calls. In such situations, the incoming calls can be stored in the voice mail of the subscribers. A person can also send a voice mail as an email attachment which can be accessed on a computer. Then there are plans where up to three people can involve themselves in conference calling. In fact, calling through Voice over IP is far from restricted. The service allows the user to talk to the entire family in one call. Then there are also the options of sending images, videos and voice to people with whom a person is conferencing.

The internet does not differentiate between calls made to a person living next door from calls to people living in another part of the world. The call charges remain the same; such is the benevolence of the VoIP phone service. It is the benefit in price rates that makes people opt for this service in the first place. Moreover the technology is simple and one only requires some simple tools to access the service. An Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) is provided by the VoIP service provider. This tool helps to convert analog voice to digital samples by use of Analog to Digital Converter. These digital samples are then compressed by the digital signal processors (DSPs). The DSPs make use of codecs for compression and eventually segment ‘voice signals’ to frames that are then stored as ‘voice packets’. The final process involves transfer of these packets in compliance with Voice Communication Protocol or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

When these packets arrive at their destination, they have to be decoded; the entire process is carrier out, albeit in a reverse order. The IP packets are decapsulated in compressed data forms. These data are then decompressed to retrieve the original data making use of the same codec that was initially used to perform the compression. The data is then sent through a digital to analog converter that converts it to the original analog voice format for the listener to hear the voice distinctly. So, VoIP service is actually based on a very simple format but requires fast internet service to ensure an effective and soothing calling experience. This becomes all the more important in the context of business VoIP service, wherein the quality of calls becomes a yardstick in determining the expertise of a particular organization.

By: Kristen Kiya

An Overview of How VoIP Works

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:34 +0000

Voice over Internet Protocol is the newest way in which people are making phone calls today. Though the technology for VoIP has only been available for a relatively short time, it is already gaining worldwide popularity. VoIP is the use of a broadband internet connection for the purpose of making telephone calls. This has many benefits, most notably not having to put up with the outrageous taxes and fees that come with getting telephone service through a company.

There are three main methods in which to set up your VoIP, all of which even a layman can do. First, and most popular, is the simple computer-to-computer VoIP. Users merely download or purchase a “soft” phone (a computer program that acts as a phone) from the Internet that can be used to call any other computer with a similar program. In addition to the soft phone, a person needs speakers, a sound card and a microphone to complete a call.

The second option for VoIP is to purchase an analog telephone adapter. The adapter, once hooked up to both your Internet connection and your phone, can convert normal phone signals into signals that can be sent over the Internet. This has proven to be the simplest and cheapest method of setting up a VoIP. Popular companies such as Vonage are starting to bundle analog telephone adapters with low priced service agreements. The third method of setting up a VoIP is the use of an IP phone. Instead of regular connector cables, IP phones have Ethernet cards that are designed to be hooked into broadband Internet connections.

There are many issues that surround a VoIP including privacy, security and reverse phone lookups [http://www.instantphonelookups.com]. Though VoIP is a big money saver, it is always wise to research all of the facts before abandoning your traditional phone service.

By: Susan Mona

VOIP Problems

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:31:52 +0000

VoIP is a means of telephone service made available through the ever-expanding popularity of broadband internet service. VoIP (or “Voice over Internet Protocol”) services enable users to call extremely long distances over the World Wide Web without accruing large conventional long-distance telephone fees. In order to use VoIP, customers must have an existing broadband internet connection in place. The VoIP carrier provides a new phone number, access to the service, and for an additional fee, the phone equipment as well. While companies such as Vonage and Skype helped pioneer the industry by making people more aware of the technology, large conventional telephone carriers are also stepping up in order to offer their own VoIP services, proving that the technology is maturing. However, despite the large backing of major telephone carriers, VoIP still isn’t perfect.

The most notable of existing VoIP problems is the lack of an adequate infrastructure and effective back end system. Though as the companies and divisions that are devoted to VoIP services implement increasing usable standards in place this aspect grows less worrisome. However, in the beginning, billing issues as well as IP concerns had some companies, particularly those that specialized in conventional phone services, reeling.

Another large weakness that VoIP exhibits when compared to traditional home phone service is that VoIP is reliant on a broadband connection (dial-up internet is too slow), service up-time, and power, whereas a traditional phone service combined with an older, powerless phone needs none of them. While broadband internet service has become much more reliable in recent years, it is still not as dependable as conventional telephone lines. This means that if there is a problem with internet service, there will be no telephone service as well. While this can be very inconvenient for home use, it can be downright devastating for businesses that find themselves in a situation with no phones. Additionally, the unavailability of telephone service during a power interruption can leave people stranded with no phone service during emergencies, which can have life-threatening consequences.

Finally, the quality of phone calls that VoIP services offer can range from very good to very unacceptable. While many customers rave about their clear service, others regularly complain of dropped calls, strange sounds, delays, and echo. Delays are commonplace in VoIP phone calls and many expect the problems to become worse before they get better because, as with anything else on the internet, VoIP calling is subject to hacking. Therefore, companies will be scrambling to implement security patches in place, possibly at the sacrifice of quality, at least at first.

However, even though VoIP may not be as reliable as traditional telephone communication just yet, there really should be no surprise. Traditional telephone services have had the better part of a century in which to perfect their networks and it still isn’t perfect, either. For the cost, VoIP cannot be beat if you have a contingency line in case your power or broadband goes out. If you already have broadband internet service then the equipment and monthly VoIP service fees should be affordable enough to utilize the service in spite of its flaws – which are only going to become minuter as the technology matures.

By: Dave Goldstein

The New VoIP Service

admin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:17:13 +0000

VoIP is the recent revolution in voice based processes. With Voice over IP, you can make calls at ease over broadband Internet connections. The VoIP services also vary in their nature. Some of these services allow you to make calls to other people using broadband connections. While others offer you the scope for making calls to anyone with a telephone number, which could be local, mobile or international. This new and innovative technology can be used for making calls to a computers as well as traditional phones.

Like with all other services, the services pertaining to VoIP also faces competition from certain quarters. However, the fact that it is able to hold its own despite the intense competition goes to show the strength of the underlying technology. And there are several merits that can be attributed to this service.

Unlike the cable network connection, the VoIP services can be availed without any extra wires. A broadband internet connection is all that is required in many instances. And the best part is often the optimized “voice quality” that can be attributed to the broad bandwidth of the network connections. Such connections are also reliable as users know what bills they have to pay at the end of the month. So, that adds to the reliability of this latest technology. There are also other options that Voice over IP offers. These are facilities such as call waiting, visual voicemail, caller ID and even weather alerts. Then there may be free call to European countries.

Many a times, the VoIP service also comes with free software. Potential users can make the most of these software options to make no-cost voice calls to any person in the world. The VoIP phone service can be accessed in a variety of ways. There are packages meant exclusively for residential and business lines. You can also remain hassle free by pre-paying for the entire year. It is a one-stop solution for everything as it offers access points, local phone numbers and feature rich services and so things become very simple. With the VoIP service providers having units almost everywhere, accessing these services become quite easy. Moreover, these services are easy to set up and save a lot of your money. As a matter of fact, a VoIP phone service provides more features as compared to most other phone services.

VoIP started off as a computer to computer communication system and later developed to the telephone to telephone service. The free structure also differs. There may be plans such as 500 calling minutes which means that beyond 500 minutes, the user is charged in per minute rates. This per minute rate differs for local and international calls. Calling with VoIP also becomes very fast. Features like Voicemail, Caller ID, speed dial, 3-way calling make all that possible. Then there are also other interesting services. The service providers transfer their existing telephone numbers to their service choosing an area code that is different from the one that you live in. This enables you to access internet connection using a portable telephone adapter anywhere you go.

The VoIP phone service is also easy to install and setup. For any such service, the pre-requisite is that there is a high speed internet connection. For services that involve computer to computer connection, special software is required. For telephone to telephone service, only a telephone adapter is required. So, VoIP services are an inexpensive and functional technology that is an alternative to the traditional analog telephone services.

So, now with VoIP, the dream of wireless telephony is realised. Voice over IP can be accessed either from a personal PC or a standard telephone connected to a special adapter. Nowadays there are many VoIP service providers in UK. The difference lays in the rates that each of these service providers charge for in case of long-distance or overseas calls. Most of the service providers offer call forwarding, call waiting and call display in their monthly bills. So, it is left upon you to choose a plan that would be the most economical for you.

By: Kristen Kiya

VOIP Telephony – The Benefits and Limitations

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:55:57 +0000

Previously we explored the history and technology that gave
rise to VOIP Telephone service (*see footnotes). Today we will examine
some of the benefits and also the drawbacks of this new opportunity.

In previous articles we discovered that traditional “Landline” type
phone service is set up much like a “Toll Highway”. Billing starts
when the “Circuit” is opened, and continues until it is closed.
Just like travelling down a Tollway, the longer you stay on, and the
farther you travel, the more “Toll Booths” you pass through. These
toll booths are the phone company’s switches, and you get charged
for every one that you pass through.

In contrast, VOIP phones use “Packet” switching. As the broadband
Internet connection is always open, digitized voice signals are
sent to the receiver in discrete packets. The result is that no
“dead air” exists on the line, as no traffic is sent when there is
a lull or pause in the conversation. This allows several two-way
conversations to use the same “bandwidth”, or space that previously
was tied up by ONE call.

This has resulted in great economy for VOIP providers who in turn
pass along the savings to the end user. Most top VOIP plans run
around 30 dollars a month, and the best include International calls
to many countries worldwide within that base fee along with a host
of features like Voice Mail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Three-way
Calling, Online Access, Etc.

While most major traditional carriers have an “all inclusive” plan,
none that I know of include International calling, and most of their
“basic” plans are double the cost of VOIP. In my experience, the most
coveted features are also charged extra for. Add in the taxes and fees,
and all of a sudden you’re talking REAL money!

The other great benefit of VOIP is the ability to take your device
anywhere and make calls just like you were at home. The best services
are fully find-me, follow-me capable. This means that wherever you
happen to be, your phone number will find you and ring at THAT location.
I use mine with a Laptop, a cheap cigarette lighter a/c converter,
a wireless card, and an old “princess” phone in my truck parked outside
of hotspots all the time. That’s huge. You can have your office in
whatever hotel or airport or Starbucks you happen to be in at the moment.

Having covered most of the benefits of VOIP, let’s examine some of
the drawbacks. The major one is spotty 911 service availability. As
the device is portable, any call to 911 will result in emergency
crews being sent to the device’s address of record, which is set up
when you activate the VOIP device and service. Obviously this doesn’t
do you much good if you are in a hotel in Montana but live in Ohio.

One way around this is to change your address with your provider when
you travel, and then change it back when you return home. Of course,
this only works with domestic addresses, and you must remember to do it.

A better way is to ignore the issue entirely, and keep a very basic,
cheap, no frills service plan with your local phone provider. This will
still be cheaper by far than a full blown plan. Also, you avoid the other
main issue with VOIP- Power Outages. If power goes out, or you lose your
Internet Connection, you lose your phone service. Of course, you run
that risk with today’s cordless phones too, so it’s always a good idea
to have an old hardwired phone around the house, or at least a cell
phone available.

By: Glenn Grundberg

The Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:39:47 +0000

Telephone service that started out as linked, twisted, and insulated wires for voice communications have been replaced by advanced technology, such as VoIP phone systems. IP telephone technology called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP technology has opened new technological ways to work from your on computer and link voice and data communications. VoIP phone service utilizes your computers transmission methods to send voice communications that are offered at a low monthly access fee and includes free long distance calling and other features such as voicemails that are converted to text messages.

Traditionally, long distance service flowed over to “trunk lines” and a hefty charge was incurred to cover costs. Now unlimited long distance may be included in a reasonable flat fee as part of your VoIP phone service, utilizing your computer and even many mobile phone services offer nationwide long distance free of charge due to use of satellite signals.

Voice over Internet Protocol phone service uses a broadband Internet connection and IP phones to transmit conversations in data packets and convert them back to voice communications, coming through your computer or a telephone. IP telephone service offers free or lower cost connections using Wi-Fi hotspots and because it flows through your computer, includes free long distance access as well.

Mobile phones are capable of allowing you to browse the Internet and read emails and are a portable communication device. VoIP phone services flow voice communications through a computer and is similar to the satellite connectivity that has transformed many non-telephone electronic devices, into multi-tasking, hand-held telephone and data devices. Through VoIP technology, home telephone service may cease to exist in the form of landlines, as we know it today.

VoIP technology can be used in remote areas that have wireless access or hotspots to the Internet. Because it uses an IP address connection, all of your data and voice communications can be consolidated into one low monthly bill that saves you the long distance charges. Many VOIP Phone service plans have also reduced international calling plans.

The cost savings of landline charges and long distances are the primary reason that many people are switching to VoIP phone services, due to it being far more affordable and reliable. As technology has advanced, there are ultra-portable laptops that use mobile broadband networks and VOIP phone service can be integrated in much the same way. VoIP is a way that communications of all kinds can utilize internet connections to transmit data packets of voice communications, photos or data.

As wireless internet hotspots become more popular and widespread, it is possible to get a VoIP phone service that utilizes these for coverage whether at home or away, through your IP address. New technology that takes advantage of these lower cost signals is becoming widespread through many products and services. The advantages of VoIP phone systems are many, but the cost savings can be dramatic, depending on the amount of long distance usage and line charges you have been incurring with traditional phone services.

By: Derek Rogers

Ways to Use VoIP Technology

admin — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:09:00 +0000

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, uses your broadband internet connection to place phone calls. By converting your voice (or analog) signal into a digital signal, this makes for a more efficient way to talk on the phone and can save you money.

There are three ways you can use VoIP. You can either connect using your regular phone and an adapter, a special internet phone, or download software and use your computer. Here are the methods, in greater detail:

Using your home phone. If you would like to switch from your regular phone line to VoIP, many people opt to continue using their home phone. To do this, you must use an analog telephone adapter, or ATA. This device converts the analog signal (your voice) to a digital signal. Once the signal is converted, it goes through the internet connection. When shopping for a service provider, ask them if they include this adapter with their packages. Most do.

Connect using an IP phone. When using a special IP phone, you don’t need a separate ATA. Everything you need to use your broadband internet connection as your telephone service is included with the hardware. Instead of using a regular phone jack and connector, it uses an Ethernet connection to plug into your router.

Connect using your computer. If your computer has speakers, microphone, a sound card, and a high speed internet connection you can use your computer for VoIP. Companies offer free or low cost software downloads which allows you to use your computer to make phone calls. Using this method is either free, costing only the price of your internet connection, or nearly free. Earthlink’s Vling software is both free to download and free to use. The only hitch is that you can only talk with other Vling users.

By: Michael Bell

VOIP Broadband Phones – What Should You Know?

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:35:20 +0000

The expanded form of VOIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. The most significant factor that affects the functioning of the VOIP phones is the Broadband Internet Connection, which is a high-speed internet connection and will be used for making and receiving phone calls. As there is a use of broadband internet connection in VOIP phones, they are also known as, “Broadband phones.”

Principle Of VOIP Technology

The main principle of VOIP technology is to transform the voice into digital signals which will be forwarded to the broadband internet. This net connection will then help in the conversion of the digital signals into voice before reaching to the listener.

Bandwidth Required For VOIP Phones

The functioning of VOIP phones depend upon broadband internet connection and the quantity of data transfer by broadband internet connection is directly proportional to the bandwidth speed. In other words, bandwidth is the capability to transfer data in a given span of time.

There are two different types of bandwidth. One is the upload bandwidth, which is the quantity of data sent to the internet, and the other is download bandwidth, which is the quantity of data received from the internet.

It is always recommended to use the broadband bandwidth of 90 Kbps as VOIP telephone calls utilize 90 Kbps of bandwidth for high sound quality. But if broadband net service provider is unable to provide this much of bandwidth then most of the VOIP service providers provide an option of lowering down the voice quality by lowering down the bandwidth to approximately 60 Kbps or 30 Kbps.

Uses Of VOIP Broadband Phone

The broadband phone can be utilized to replace the analog phone line or it can be used as a second phone. The most significant use of VOIP service is to make long distance and internationals calls at very cheap rates.

This feature has proved to be very much attractive for the people and companies that are into businesses at international levels. There are different types of value added services that are offered by VOIP broadband phones like caller ID, call diverting, 3-way calling, call waiting, etc.

The most attractive thing in getting these values added services from them is that they are free of cost. These broadband phone service providers also provide a service of virtual phone number. The use of this virtual phone number is that it possesses an area code from where you generally receive the maximum number of calls, and the rates will be very cheap for the people who are calling you.

Precautions While Using Broadband Phone Services:

Though the use of broadband phone service is very advantageous, you should always consider the below-mentioned precautions while utilizing the broadband phone services.

1 – As it is very clear that broadband phones work by the transmission of digital signals by using broadband internet connection, it is always suggested to go for a high quality broadband connection else it will affect the quality of the phone calls.

2 – You should always be ready with a back up in case of break down of power supply and internet connection as this break down will stop the functioning of broadband phones.

3 – It is the responsibility of the users to update the VOIP service providers regarding your current address so that they can assist you at the time of emergency through their service of 9-1-1.

It is always recommended to search for the functioning of technology, benefits, and limitations of the VOIP phones while planning to have a broadband phone connection so that your investment should not go into drains.

By: M. Xavier

6 VOIP Features That Attract People

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:54:30 +0000

VOIP is an advanced technology which has surpassed the telephone companies and the mobile companies. Its popularity is increasing enormously with an increase in its network coverage. It has proved to be an astonishing invention which has created a new mode of telecommunication by using internet. VOIP is an abbreviated form of Voice Over Internet Protocol.

Salient Features Of VOIP

The VOIP technology possesses many salient features which have attracted a large section of people towards itself.

1 – With the introduction of VOIP technology, the making of calls has become easy and cheap. You can easily make local, long distance, and international calls by using a broadband net connection which is a high-speed net connection.

2 – Its one of the significant advantages is the capability of directing the incoming calls to the VOIP service and one can easily get the details of incoming calls from any computer possessing internet by using VOIP system.

3 – It is a network that follows you wherever you go therefore you will never miss any of your important calls even if you are out of town.

4 – It has helped a lot in cost reduction because of the cheap call rates, the monthly telephone bills have cut down. Therefore, setting up of VOIP is very much beneficial economically.

5 – There are many value added services offered by the various VOIP service providers. For example, there is voice mail facility, 3-way conference, speed dialing, call forwarding, simultaneous ring, call waiting, caller ID, call return, caller ID block, anonymous call rejection, an interesting feature of do not disturb, and last number dial. All these services are mostly free of cost in their basic service plan.

6 – There is a facility of managing your VOIP account online from any corner of the world if there is an availability of a broadband internet connection.

Drawbacks Of VOIP Technology

The dark side of using VOIP technology has made the customer to reach the state of dilemma whether to go for VOIP technology or not. The major disadvantage of VOIP is that a problem can be cropped up by using VOIP technology and text messaging because it has been found that the use of this technology can lead to many security flaws.

Experts are working on the problem of security flaws, but have not come to any results yet. Therefore, one cannot rely completely on the use of VOIP technology. In terms of security, VOIP is not also completely supportive for their encryptions. Because of this weak point, it has become easy for the cyber attackers to impede the communication system.

How To Call Without VOIP

It is also very easy to make calls without possessing VOIP service by using an adaptor. This adaptor will be hooked up to a regular phone and to your VOIP in order to utilize the residential VOIP phone which can be a VOIP phone, landline, or cell phone. This adapter has proved to be very much useful for those who do not want to make investment in VOIP service.

Residential VOIP

Residential VOIP is a type of software which permits the downloading of technology on your computer to chat with anyone across the globe. In this system of communication, computer will be solving the purpose of the telephone. There is one specification in using residential VOIP service and that is the person whom you want to contact should also need to possess the software with same technology on his computer.

Therefore, after considering the both positive and negative aspects of the VOIP technology, you should come to an apt and appropriate decision whether to opt for it or not.

By: M. Jedediah

VOIP Technology in Call Centers

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:38:31 +0000

To those who may be less familiar, call center technology consists of automated phone systems capable of answering incoming phone calls and performing outbound autodialing. A call center is a group of telephone agents who receive incoming calls and/or make outgoing calls. Software applications usually associated with calls centers are CRM (Customer Relationship Management) programs.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is a call center technology that allows call center to make and receive calls using the Internet instead of traditional phone lines. As a matter of fact, today, many call centers deploy VOIP technology in a bid to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency as also employ remote call center agents. Businesses worldwide have built VOIP into their call centers, because of the scalability, and VOIP enables call centers to adapt and grow along with business and technology needs.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology has come to stay. It has made steady progress in replacing traditional telephone lines in most businesses and even in homes. It is the technology of the future as more and more people are enamored of the features of VOIP technology and the concomitant benefits. For many businesses, reduced cost is perhaps the most compelling reason to adopt VOIP in the office. VOIP allows organizations to set up core operations in their main office, while operatingat many locations across the globe.

Ordinarily, a VOIP is a virtual communication warehouse for marketing, and to a lesser extent, customer relationship management (CRM) functions. Using software on your workstations along with a broadband Internet connection can result in significant savings on operational costs. The telephone communications through the Internet allows the VOIP staff to initiate and respond to any number of simultaneous telemarketing calls, phone orders, and customer inquiries. Essentially, a VOIP centralizes telemarketing, ordering and customer service functions for various manufacturing and service companies.

There are two different choices – one is to make your current equipment -enabled. The other is to build up a new system through a separate gateway. But there are greater gains in having VOIP technology native to your existing system. You can use your current equipment by adding a VOIP interface board or similar bridging device to your current system configuration. There are many manufacturers who offer these products.

While exercising this option, buy a product that is certified and capable of easy integration with your existing equipments. Please remember the vendor’s commitment to developing VOIP solutions for you is important. If you find it difficult, hire a professional consultant, who has already handled multiple VOIP deployments, to guide you through your project.

Since all telephone functions of are computerized, and since the Internet is by far more capable of handling multiple phone transmissions than a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a call center need not be unduly bothered about overburdened telephone lines. This is a huge advantage. A number of opportunities are presented once you have your call center on the VOIP technology.

By: Cyril Bird