VoIP Technology » Phone Calls

How VoIP Works — Busting Out of Long Distance Rates

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:05:32 +0000

VoIP is the newest advancement in audio communications technology, and has a
variety of different applications that make it useful. VoIP stands for Voice
over Internet Protocol, and how VoIP works is actually quite revolutionary
because it streamlines the process of sending analog audio signals by converting
them to a much easier to send digital form for transmission.

To understand how VoIP works, you’ll need to understand the basic concept
behind regular analog audio communication as well, since this is the precursor
for VoIP. Analog phone calls are actually made via fiber optic networks by
digitizing your voice communications for sending the signal across thousands of
miles, but once it gets to the final destination (a home or office phone, for
instance), the signal is once again converted to analog.

During these calls, the switches remain open even while there is dead air and
no conversation is taking place; the circuit is also open in both directions
even when only one party is talking and the other is listening. This isn’t
terribly efficient, and slows down the communication of information
considerably.

Packet switching streamlines VoIP

VoIP works on a different premise — rather than circuit switching, data
packet switching sends and receives information only when you need it instead of
in a constant stream. It also sends the information packets along whatever open
channels are available rather than a dedicated line, which is much more
efficient. The information is simply reassembled at the source.

The payload of each packet has a destination coded into it determining the
ultimate destination. When the computer at the other end receives all of these
packets, it will reassemble the information into useable form. This form of
sending audio data is extremely efficient because it always takes the cheapest
route that is also the least congested.

The compression of information and use of multiple routes in order to send
that information over the most efficient route makes sending audio over packet
switching quicker, much less expensive and more efficient. The number of calls
that can be sent is orders of magnitude higher than it was with the more
traditional analog circuit switching systems.

For companies, the savings in long distance charges can be in the hundreds or
even thousands of dollars per year. If companies also make extensive conference
calls, VoIP makes even more sense when combined with conferencing options such
as document sharing in systems offered by companies like Voxwire and iVocalize.

Different types of VoIP calling are available

The most commonly used VoIP system is from one computer to another. To set up this type of service, you will need to have a sound card installed in both computers along with microphones and Internet connections. For practical purposes, you’ll want a broadband connection or DSL — a dial-up modem will be so slow the sound quality just won’t be that good. Aside from that, all you need is a software package that can set you up with everything you need to use VoIP to make phone calls to whomever is also set up with the same system. You can also invest in IP phones if you want something that looks just like your standard analog telephones but with VoIP connectability. These simply replace the old-style RJ-11 connectors with Ethernet connectors (RJ-45). Hardware such as routers and the needed software are built right in. Analog telephone adaptors (ATA) enable you to connect a standard telephone to your computer Internet connection in order to take advantage of VoIP options. ATA converts analog signals to digital so that it can be transmitted properly via the Internet. The newest option on the market is the Wi-Fi phone, which uses short-distance Internet transmission of VoIP to replace cell phones calls. Wi-Fi broadcasts over the radio spectrum to cover short range areas for users in certain areas, and these “hot spots” have popped up across the U.S.

The upshot of VoIP is that standard long-distance charges may soon become a
thing of the past. As more and more consumers turn on to VoIP and broadband
connections make it easy and inexpensive (as well as practical) to make phone
calls over the Internet, fewer individuals will be willing to pay high rates to
make a telephone call they can make for free or next to nothing via their
computer.

VoIP saves you money on long distance

There’s no by-the-minute charges with VoIP, no set-up fees, and no “time of
day” or overages. That’s the great thing about VoIP plans. You just pay a
monthly fee and get to make all the calls you want over your computer for one
monthly fee. It’s so simple and elegant, and it’s the solution that everyone’s
been wanting and waiting for far too long.

You don’t have to wait for a certain time of day of day of the week to make
telephone calls with VoIP. There’s also the advantage of being able to use your
VoIP connection from anywhere — remember, you’re not tied to a phone jack to
use your number, but an Internet connection, so you can call from anywhere with
many calling plans.

Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calling
are listed below with their most popular options:

Vonage currently offers a $24.95 per month unlimited VoIP package to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. It includes voicemail, call forwarding, three way calling, call waiting and caller ID. Packet 8 can provide unlimited VoIP for $19.95 a month in the U.S. and Canada with a variety of features like call waiting and three-way calling, and can also give you video phone service for about $29.95 per month. AT&T’s CallVantage provides the usual U.S. and Canada broadband calling with voicemail, call waiting, etc. along with email, a call log and a ‘do not disturb’ option, all for $29.99 a month. You also get to keep your phone number for life, no matter where you go — a great feature for some who move around a lot.

VoIP in web conferencing packages

VoIP is used in almost all web conferencing services as an alternative to
standard conference calls, and looking into these packages will give you an idea
of some ways to combine VoIP with extras such as white boards, document sharing
and video. For less expensive options, many companies can provide strictly audio
VoIP conference calls combined with text messaging and document sharing without
video.

Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate from
video conferencing are:

Voxwire offers voice communication with features like auto-queue, mute options, individual speaker adjustments and moderator controls along with a “follow me” browser system so that all participants can view a shared desktop. Two persons can use VoIP for $9.95 a month, or up to ten in a conference environment for $29.95 per month. VoiceCafé provides similar services with a wide range of options that vary from packages with VoIP capability for five people at a time on a conference call to up to 500 in one conference call, all for a flat monthly fee. The prices vary depending upon what package you choose, and there are several. iVocalize offers VoIP along with Internet conferencing options like PowerPoint presentation capabilities and presentation recording for future playback. They also provide optional Unicode translation in thirteen languages. The most basic VoIP package begins at $10.00 a month with a prices going up incrementally depending upon your needs and how many will be involved in your conference calls.

It is obvious that conference calling as well as standard long distance
calling will be changing greatly in the near future as VoIP changes the
landscape of telephone service. “Land lines” for long distance calling will
eventually become obsolete as broadband becomes more common and makes VoIP just
as commonplace as any other type of telephone call.

And with the greater portability of soft phone options built into laptops and
the use of ATA phone adapters, the use of VoIP in the average home will arrive
sooner rather than later.

This article on the “How VoIP Works” reprinted with
permission.

Use Internet Technology to ‘Phone Home’ When on Holiday

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:23:57 +0000

Travelling abroad has always involved an element of adventure, but even as recently as 20 years ago visiting countries as technically advanced as the USA meant that you literally went into a communications black hole until your return. That is because the cost of transatlantic phone calls was so outrageously high that your entire holiday budget could be used up calling home, and that was just for a few minutes.

However, advances in competition amongst telephony companies have changed that. For example, travellers to the USA can purchase great value phone cards starting from as little as £5 for approximately 167 minutes of calls to a landline number in London. Or, if they prefer travellers can also call home using a mobile phone. But, even though that’s not as relatively expensive as it was to use landlines at the end of the 1980s, it is still an expensive way to keep in touch with calls to home typically costing around £1.37 – £1.99 per minute outside Europe.

As technology has advanced the amount of differing communication methods have also grown exponentially. Now even without a landline or mobile phone, it is still possible to call home just as long as you are connected to the internet. VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) now enables broadband users to be able to communicate both freely and for free with anyone on the internet who has the same software installed.

Indeed, modern technology expands at such a phenomenal rate each year that nothing seems impossible when it comes to global communication. Logging into your email account when in the heart of Peru to send and receive messages or even using your laptop to make free calls to home via WiFi at the top of the CN Tower in Toronto; both are eminently possible in the 21st century.

Wherever you go in the world the internet has invariably got there first, unless the destination is extremely remote and off the beaten track. For those on extended holidays or especially back-packing then internet phone calls can be a great way to make sure everyone back home realises what a great time you are having, as well as a great way for you to keep in touch with happenings on the domestic front. But the real advantage is that you save your much needed cash to spend on essentials or fun activities and without having to spend it all it on expensive phone calls. So, before heading off to foreign parts make sure you open an internet VoIP account, and you’ll have the ability to stay in touch just about wherever you go!

By: Isla Campbell

VoIP is Here to Stay

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:04:32 +0000

Just a few short years ago most of us could not have provided the name of one Voice over IP provider. Now, after much technological advancement and with the hard work of Internet developers, there are many IP-Telephony providers popping up all over the place. Voice over IP is the newest phone technology allowing users to call over the net, much in the same way that email is sent from one PC to another.

Cheap calls like we have never seen

Voice over IP is revolutionary because it has lowered the cost of long distance and international telephone calls to rates that we have never seen before. For example, if a IP-Telephony user in Italy has signed up with the same vendor as a family member in Mexico, they will be free to call each other at absolutely no cost without limitation. Suddenly there is no distance!

Now this does not matter if the two people are located in the same country.

There are many ways to make IP-Telephony calls

People tap into IP-Telephony in many different ways. Phone Calls can be made from a phone that has been connected to a router with an Internet connection. People can make phone calls through a pc that has a software installed or there are telephone cards available that vendors offer to allow users to use normal phones to access a Voice over IP phone line for lower calls.

There are many positives with VoIP

One of the reasons that vendors enjoy almost guaranteed success is that there are many advantages to Voice over IP phone service and not many negatives. People only have to hear about the great rates that are involved and the simplicity of getting connected to this technology and they are ready to convert their phone service to a vendor.

Do the research on Voice over IP

Some vendors will charge for some services and not for others and so if you are looking for the most economic deal, you will have to shop around a bit and do some comparing of rates.

If you have been hearing talk of VoIP vendors but are unsure what vendor to contact for service, try doing a little research on the Internet before committing to anything. The only variety that I have found between the various vendors are the rates that they charge.

By: Jim Francisto

Lavish Computer VoIP Phone Calls

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:47:25 +0000

Though the technology has been around for a lots of years, as the traditional phone companies now it is advances in popularity to prolonged to increase their prices. In the process of VoIP an usual analog audio signals, such as the voices that talked or listened on the phone, has been converted into digital data that can be sent to the computer by using an Internet connection.

Besides all, VoIP is a skilled “reinvention of the phone”. In the three various ways you can put a call by using this technology. Analog Telephone Adaptor is the most abundant and easiest method to practice VoIP technology. This can be immediately assigned through the computer internet to usual telephone. An ATA will received an analog signal and convert it into a digital signal then transfers it to an Internet in small mail boat. Once this small packages reached an other end, the packages were uncovered and transfered back into worth reading data or in an oral expression.

The computer and peculiar software get relief by simply plugged an ATA to your phone. VoIP phone is an other method to unite with VoIP technology, it has a look as an usual phone. The only dissimilarity is the RJ-11 connector is substituted by a RJ-45 Ethernet connector. In VoIP phone the hardware and software previously programmed, so the phone calls get controlled to your router.

Computer to computer is the easiest and ultimate method to unite the VoIP technology. This is where the free long distance phone calls come into play. On Internet various companies provide their software for free download. In this procedure, there should be no other fees overwhelmed except an Internet connection fees.

A power source is a few unfavorable conditions of VoIP. The phone is fully depend upon a power, not similar with an usual phone. At present there is no such method has been introduced to joined other systems such as home alarm system, for these kind of product you would have to keep up an usual phone connection. The other unfavorable conditions of VoIP technology is we cannot dial 9-1-1.

VoIP technology not identify the machine address for communication, so that it is difficult to identified the computer physical address on IP addresses because IP addresses of any computer machine cannot give the physical location of that particular machine which is difficult to identify in an emergency cases.

By: Chris L. Jensen

Common Questions About VoIP

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:41:25 +0000

Unless you live in a bubble, you have probably been hearing alot of buzz lately about something called Voice Over IP (VoIP). Perhaps you have heard that you can use VoIP to get cheap or free long distance calling, even Internationally. The good news is that this is true!

VoIP, which stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol is an exciting synergy between computers and telephony, but don’t let that scare you. VoIP is just as easy to use as any ordinary telephone. So, you have heard the buzz and perhaps you are curious about taking the plunge and getting set up with VoIP service. Being so new, VoIP is still somewhat shrouded in mystery. Help is here! In this article we will answer several common questions most people have about VoIP Service and help clear up the confusion about the technology and how it can work for you.

What Exactly is VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)?
VoIP is a new technology that makes use of your broadband connection to route your telephone calls over the internet, rather than using the traditional analog telephone lines. This has proven to be a very efficient and cost effective way to place phone calls to anywhere in the world.

Who Can I call?
This depends upon your service provider. There are a few different flavors of Voice Over IP Service. Most of the larger VoIP service providers you see advertised to the consumer market (such as Vonage, BlueSky, etc..) work just like your existing phone and enable you to call any phone, anywhere.

What’s It Going To Cost?
The cost for this service varies depending on the provider and the service plan you select. Currently, most service providers have plans that cost in the $10 – $25 monthly, which is considerably cheaper than ordinary phone service. Keep in mind that this service includes long distance calls. Usually, you can choose from several plans that vary in cost depending on the level of usage you desire. Most companies also offer an unlimited plan that includes unlimited long distance calls.

You will also be plesantly surprised to find that many services such as caller id, call forwarding, call waiting, three way calling, and even voice mail features often come standard with most VoIP plans. Another great benefit is that as it currently stands (in January 2006), the Government does not apply a tax to your VoIP service, unlike the additional taxes and fees that are applied to your standard phone bill. This can amount to a substantial savings alone, but this may only be a temporary benefit. As VoIP gains in popularity, it is more than likely that the Government will find a way to tax that as well.

Do I Need “Special Stuff”?

This depends on the provider, once again. One thing that you must have is an always on broadband internet connection. This means DSL or Cable Internet, for home users. Depending on whom you get service with, you will likely have to connect just regular phone to an adapter, or maybe purchase a special phone to use with the service. Check for specials before you sign up, sometimes the equipment is given away for free to encourage you to sign up. Regardless, the investment in hardware for home users of VoIP is very minimal, if it costs you at all.

Can I call 911?

You need to check with the provider to ensure that they do indeed provide this functionality. That said, in May 2005, the US Government ordered all interconnected VoIP Providers to provide 911 functionality to their subscribers.

Sounds… Too Good, What’s the Catch?

Well, there is a minor catch which is that if your internet goes out, so does your phone. This isn’t usually too big of a problem, however as most modern broadband ISPs do a great job of maintaining reliable service.

Where Do I Find VoIP Providers?

Usually, it is not important that you find a local provider just as long as the provider you choose is based in the same country. Therefore, the internet is a very valuable resource for finding and comparing VoIP providers.

Which one Do I choose?

The VoIP provider that you choose is a personal choice, as they all tend to work slightly differently. What sounds the most feasible for your setup and usage requirements is the best choice for you. Do keep in mind that this is a rapidly maturing technology and that changes are occurring all the time. You will want to choose a company that you feel will be able to provide you reliable service in the future.

By: Amber Lowery

When Wireless Broadband Meets VoIP

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:25:04 +0000

For a long time, wireless cell phones using broadband were the only solution to communicating on the go. But a few years ago, people developed a new way to communicate with their phones and it’s called VoIP, or voice over internet protocol. Many people may have already heard of Vonage, the company that pioneered the use of VoIP, but these same people may not know what it is and how it works. People also might be wondering why it’s a lot cheaper than traditional wireless plans.

VoIP is a new revolutionary way to make phone calls, sometimes for free. This new technology allows you to make phone calls through your computer and an internet connection. It uses IP addresses to connect you to whoever you’re trying to call. But voIP isn’t limited to just computer to computer phone calls. It can also make calls when someone is in reach of any wi-fi hotspot. All you need is a IP phone and a power supply. Of course, with every new technology, there will be up-sides and down-sides.

When you subscribe to a service like Vonage, they will only charge you around thirty dollars a month while other cell phone companies will charge around fifty. If you download VoIP software off the internet and use it to make long distance calls, it will cost you nothing in most cases and it takes around five minutes to set it up. Now, companies are developing ways to allow people to use voIP on popular smart phones such as the Motorola Q and the Samsung Blackjack. The reason it’s so cheap is that voIP costs about a two thirds less than wireless to maintain. Placing a call using VoIP will only cost a company like Vonage one third of the cost that Cingular or T-mobile has to pay. And now that people know how to convert wireless phones to IP phones using Motorola Q accessories or Samsung Blackjack Accessories, cell phone companies are starting to lose business to VoIP providers, but new technology always has certain important disadvantages.

For example, when you do not have a WI-FI signal, the phone will have no dial tone. Also, emergency calls to 911 will be a problem as well. These IP calls are untraceable so if you are unable to tell the 911 operator where you are, they won’t be able to find you.

VoIP won’t be a large threat to wireless companies for a decade or two because of these problems. They are not small either and it will take companies like Cingular more than a decade to switch to this cheaper technology. Stay with your expensive wireless company for now.

By: Natalie Aranda

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 – Simply a Superb Technology

admin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:47:02 +0000

Revolutionising the system of voice communication, VoIP has emerged as a smooth and cheap way of telephony now. It is a technology that allows you to make international calls at a much lower rate in comparison to the other traditional means of communication. In order to avail the benefits of this technology, all you need to have is a PC, an Internet connection and a few other minor accessories.

Apart from making calls at a lower rate, you can do a number of other things with VoIP. It will facilitate you to build an in-house phone network for your office. You can even create a world-wide network with your distant business partners. This technology can further be used to stay connected with others while on the move. It will necessitate proper equipment like a mobile satellite Internet connection.

Another great thing about VoIP technology is that you can make and receive phone calls through it, without disturbing your normal Internet browsing. Most of the networks that use this technology ensure that all incoming phone calls come automatically to your phone through the computer which you are using, no matter where you are. This means you will not miss personal calls at work and you will not miss business calls at home.

Like any other technology, VoIP also has its share of disadvantages. It can cause you a headache if you do not have a good set up. Another disadvantage that many users report is that they experience “echo” when making and receiving calls. However, experts say much of this problem depends upon the user.

Another potential disadvantage is that there can be a slight lag at the beginning of the conversation. The last problem that VoIP users may face is that it operates through the Internet. This means that if you get out of Internet service for power-cut or any other reason, you will not have phone access until the service is restored. Minus all these minor issues, VoIP can be a superb means of communication.

By: Dennis Jaylon

VOIP Technology – the Next Step in Phone Industry

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:52:13 +0000

Most likely, voip will replace telephone service in the near future. VOIP is becoming very reliable and thus, receiving acceptance. Phone companies are already taking advantage of the technology to provide inexpensive long distance rates.

Voip generally has low costs, which is one big indicator of its growing popularity. You can sign up with a voip service provider for a monthly fee and get unlimited calls within a specified geographic area. There are some voip services in the United States that allow connections for no extra charge.

There is another benefit of having voip as opposed to a regular form, and this comes in the form of portability. You can make and receive phone calls wherever there is a broadband connection by simply signing in to your voip account.

When you are traveling, you simply pack a headset or Internet phone. Internet phones are small and light enough to take anywhere. When you sign up with a voip service provider, the Internet phone or adaptor used by that service is assigned a unique number. This ‘phone number’ remains valid, even if your voip service is in San Diego and you are connected to the Internet in Spain. When plugged into a broadband connection, anywhere in the world, you can make and receive calls as though you were at home.

Call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and 3way-calling, are included with Internet telephone at no extra charge. While you are talking on the phone, you can send pictures and documents at the same time.

Although there are many attributes to a voip phone, there are also some things to consider that could fall on the negative spectrum. For one, services are not useful in emergencies. Traditional phone equipment can trace the locations of calls. Emergency calls are diverted to the nearest call center where the operator can identify your location, in the event you can’t talk. With voip, there is no way currently to determine where Internet calls are originating.

Standard phone service continues by the current supplied through the phone line during a blackout. This isn’t possible with Internet phones. When the power goes, there goes voip service. Battery backups and power generators that provide electricity are solutions to the problem.

In addition, you should keep in mind that voip has sound quality and reliability problems. Data sent across the Internet usually arrives at its destination scrambled. E-mail and documents can be reassembled in the correct order when it arrives. Voice data also arrives scrambled, but it’s more complicated because of the real-time nature of VOIP. Some data packets may have to be dropped when they don’t arrive in time, in order to make voice connections with the least delay. Distance and speed of the connection determine the amount of data lost. Some networks receive more traffic and thus are more likely to cause audio dropouts.

By: Groshan Fabiola

VoIP Technology Best Solution For Phone Calls

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:57:30 +0000

Do you have a close friend or a member of your family staying In Romania? Are you keen to know how to make cheap calls to that place? Then let us share some vital information with you.

In the past, international call was an expensive affair which made it difficult for people to hear the words of their loved ones for weeks and months. To be freed from call charges, people went back to telegrams and airmails. No longer can these sources of contact leave a person confident about their loved one being safe in that place. Undoubtedly the sound of voice offers much relief to people who are immediately updated about the wellbeing and status of a family member who may be residing at a distant location.

With the advancement of satellite and wireless technologies, communication has for sure become much easier. VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is the latest buzz in the world of technology. This is in fact just another method of keeping in touch with your near and dear ones. Mobiles too have become increasingly common. Even a decade back mobile phones were a luxury item owned only by rich people. The concept of VOIP was unheard of. However times have changed for sure. One can now easily make calls to any country and at a much cheaper rate. Romania is not an exception!

Since VOIP and mobile phones are technologies that are available to anyone readily, land line suppliers have had to make adjustments to their services, rates and availability to be in the competition and draw new customers. Land line rates have been adjusted and anyone now can have the package of distance calling package included in the monthly bill.

Land line distance suppliers, along with these changes created many other ways to let their customers use their services of long distance. This is a step taken by them just to retain in the business. The prepaid calling cards have compelled many of the providers to reevaluate their rates and programs. The providers have also started to offer new methods to guarantee more efficient service. Most of the providers nowadays offer prepaid cards to people at very cheap rates.

The technology of VOIP is the biggest factor that has influenced setting up of the new competitive call rates both for mobile and land line services. VOIP competes directly with land line services and offers its subscribers facilities to make cheap calls to Romania and all the countries around the globe. VOIP does not even charge their subscribers for long distance fees. Traditional technology is not used with voice over internet protocol. This is the reason why the long distance fees are not absolutely essential. VOIP functions with the help of modems and internet connection and is almost similar to the process of instant messaging.

This therefore is the best solution to anyone who wants to make long distance calls to any country including Romania. Try out VOIP or select the right mobile calls service plan. Make sure you select right as this will ensure that you remain in touch with your loved ones at a minimum price.

By: Erick John