VoIP Technology » Phone Service

How Does VoIP Work? Understanding The Basics

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:17:01 +0000

How does VoIP work? Like many people, you may have already heard of VoIP. If you weren’t born in this decade, you may still wonder what it really is. What can VoIP do for you and how exactly is it useful?

Basic Concept

VoIP stands for voice over internet protocol. These days, it is considered an alternative to the typical method of communication involving telephones. Instead of using telephone sets that transmit analog signals, VoIP converts these signals to digital chunks. These are reconverted to audio data when it reaches the recipient. The entire transmission happens over the internet. Although VoIP technology is still far from being preferred and considered standard, some people think that VoIP will eventually replace telephones. It could very well be the next step in communications technology.

The Specifics

So how does VoIP work exactly? VoIP is best understood by understanding typical phone calls first. Regular phone calls make use of what is called circuit switching. When you make a call, your call is passed through a series of switches starting from your phone carrier. Once the other party answers the call, the circuit between the two of you is opened.

Instead of circuit switching VoIP uses packet switching. In this technology, your voice is converted to little packets of data. These packets of data come with their instructions of where they should be sent. They are then sent through a variety of possible routes. They take the nearest router and are passed on to succeeding routers until they reach the recipient. When the packets are received, they are reassembled into a form that can be understood.

Advantages of VoIP

VoIP can offer all the features and benefits of a phone service. Its advantage over traditional phones is that VoIP calls can be made from almost any part of the world. Wherever there is an internet connection, you can have VoIP. The technology can provide cheaper calls than standard telephone technology. This is mainly because VoIP does away with costly circuit switching.

Disadvantages of VoIP

VoIP can be fast, convenient and cheap. It has, however its own disadvantages. These disadvantages are basically due to: (1) the current reliance of present systems on telephone technology; and (2) the shortcomings that plague computer technology.

Telephone Connections – Such services for example as security and cable still rely on telephone connections. Unless the whole country or world agrees to switch to VoIP, these services are likely to stick to their old methods.

This is not the biggest concern though. Since VoIP relies on internet technology, it is also susceptible to the problems that confront the internet and computers. You can therefore expect such problems as viral attacks, crashes and stolen packets.

Now you know the basic answer to how does VoIP work. In reality, this piece of technology does hold a lot of potential. Like everything else, the old ways of communicating over long distances can change. VoIP is the first logical shift that can be taken. It may take a long time however, before VoIP can become a fully integrated and snag free system.

By: Torrie Cantor

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

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

VoIP Tutorial – Understanding How VoIP Can Work For You

admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:47:41 +0000

VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol is the future for phone service. While virtual an unknown technology a few years ago, VoIP is becoming common place. With new technology appearing here is a VoIP tutorial on the different types of VoIP.

There are several different setups for VoIP. The basic setup is a free service, normally. It is computer to computer. This is where you use your computer to call another computer and you talk with a headset and microphone connected. Think Skype, MSN and Yahoo.

These services have been around for years, but have improved greatly in their technology of computer to computer VoIP. As long as the person you wish to speak to has the same software and a high speed internet connection, you can speak with them. Next door or around the globe the call can go from your computer to someone else’s.

IP Phones are the next step. These phones have the ability to plug into the router that you use. They look like a traditional phone. They have software built in and are able to use the technology of VoIP to send and receive phone calls. Another up and comer in this category are WiFi phones. They use the technology of wireless to provide phone service. There is usually an installation fee and a monthly service charge.

ATA is the standard. ATA stands for analog telephone adaptor. When you sign up for this service you are sent a special router. This router enables you to plug in a traditional phone. The router is able to route your phone calls using the internet service you have.

There is usually a setup fee and a monthly service fee. You get many of the same service you get on traditional phones, such as caller ID and call waiting. Plans often include unlimited calls and cheaper international rates.

Whichever method you choose, ensure you read the fine print. Many of the subscription service have a contract of one or two years. If you find that it is not the service for you, you will have to pay a disconnection fee.

VoIP is the technology for the home phones of the future. Many traditional companies are starting to use high speed internet to route their calls, as it is more efficient and less costly than phone lines. Finding a provider and plan will become more competitive and technology improves.

By: Benjamin Wise

VOIP Technology Saves Money and Increases Flexibility

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:45:23 +0000

Computer technology- and the Internet in particular- is changing the way we conduct out lives in some pretty dramatic ways. One of the most dramatic changes that the Internet has brought us is the ability to take more control over how we communicate with each other by telephone and how we spend our money on phone service.

The specific technology that allows this is called Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP for short. Voice Over Internet Protocol takes advantage the fact that data moves across the Internet without any of the constraints of conventional telephone calls when it comes to geography and distance. Just like you can send an email to anyone, anywhere in the world and download a web page from anywhere in the world without incurring long distance charges, Voice Over Internet Protocol technology allows you to call anyone in the world either without long distance fees or with sharply discounted long distance fees. Basically, VOIP converts both ends of a phone conversation into data that can be streamed back and forth across the Internet without any loss of sound quality or noticeable time lag. This revolutionary technology also makes it possible to for users of VOIP to call phone numbers that don’t use VOIP technology as well as the other way around.

VOIP technology has actually been around since the late twentieth century. In those days though, the service was rather limited. For example, calls were only made using computers and, though calls between users of VOIP services were free, there was still a long distance charge for calls made from a VOIP user to a conventional phone number. Users of VOIP technology still saw the benefit of the service when calling conventional phone numbers in the form of reduced long distance rates.

Now there are a number of services offering calling plans based on Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, including well known companies like Verizon and Vonage, as well as lesser known companies like SunRocket and Lingo. While there is a fair amount of variation in their services, these companies have a lot in common, including the improvements that they’ve made over the original VOIP services. Generally, these modern VOIP services offer free long distance inside the United States- often with Canada and Puerto Rico included- to any phone number whether it’s conventional or one that also uses VOIP. There’s still a long distance fee for most international calls, but most services will waive that fee if the number you’re calling uses the same service. Another big improvement over the original services is that most of these newer companies will let you use your own phone rather than a computer.

In fact, in most cases, you don’t even have to have a computer at all! Although a computer is helpful for changing account settings on the service’s website and you can still make phone calls from a computer, all you really need is a high speed Internet connection and your own phone. The service will supply a special router that plugs into your Internet connection and that you can, in turn, plug your phone into. Such a set up is also very practical in the sense that allows you to use your phone just like you would with a conventional phone line. Both DSL and cable high speed Internet connections are ample for this service, but if you happen to have a cable connection, you can save even more money by getting rid of your phone line completely. Most VOIP services add even more value by providing all of the features free of charge that you would ordinarily pay extra for from a conventional phone service and charging a monthly rate that’s equivalent to- and often lower than- a basic phone line from a conventional telephone company.

If you’re looking for a flexible way to keep in touch while saving money, then VOIP may be exactly the technology that you’re looking for.

By: Julia Hall

VoIP 101

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:11:44 +0000

VoIP is a relatively new type of telephone service that has been gaining more and more popularity in the past few years. VOIP is short for voice over Internet protocol, which basically means your phone calls are made through an internet connection, rather than through regular phone land lines. The rise of it’s popularity could mean that it will be the way of the future for most home phones. What is it that has all these people so excited about VOIP technology? Well, with VOIP you save quite a bit of money, when you compare it to standard land line telephone service. VOIP providers usually have unlimited calling, as well as free added features like caller ID and call forwarding, which would cost you extra with a standard phone service.

Those combined savings can add up to a savings of hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for many people. The biggest group this appeals to, and that stand to save the most, are larger companies or corporations that make a large number of calls on a daily basis. That doesn’t mean it won’t save money for those who only need it for their home phone, just that the more you use your phone, the more you’ll be saving.

Some might tell you that using the internet for voice chat can be choppy or get an echo, thought this can be true, VOIP uses RTP (real time protocol), which greatly limits and often completely eliminates such problems.

VOIP is not just useful for making and receiving phone calls either, it can also be used for other things, such as sending and receiving other types of data. File transfer is possible through a VOIP service, so you can share pictures with friends, or even send important documents instantly. Video chat and instant messaging can also be done through VOIP, when teamed with the right program, such as Google Talk or Skype.

With all these great features and the savings included, many people are making the switch. So much so, that even some standard telephone companies are starting to offer VOIP service to their customers, a sure sign that it’s here to stay.

By: Joanne Greco

New Technology With VoIP Toll Free Numbers

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:02:25 +0000

When Alexander Graham Bell first created the telephone, I’m sure he never anticipated how far telephone service would progress. I’m sure 800 numbers were never part of the equation and VoIP toll free numbers wasn’t even a thought. The 1st generation 800 numbers began in 1967, as an alternative to collect calls. They created the service in hopes of reducing the need for paid operators. In the 21st century we’ve moved from typical phone service to VoIP services. Since the creation of the internet new technology has improved tenfold. Consumers now have an option to choose which service they would like to utilize.

VoIP is a new technology revolutionizing the world of communications. They developed the technology to allow consumers to receive and place calls over the internet, instead of using your typical phone service. The service even provides VoIP toll free numbers for businesses. The technology provides away to drastically reduce cost by helping to lower your overhead. You’ll be able to call someone half way around the world without paying the high cost of long distance. While cutting cost is paramount, the system also provides a communication experience with a richer and nicer tone. The system comes with more enhanced features and extended possibilities that your plain old telephone system (POTS). Some of the enhanced features let your phone system interact with your computer; i.e. enabling the VoIP user to receive phone messages via email. You’ll be able to receive your home voice mail via email. If you can access your email remotely, you’ll be able to receive all of your messages in one location.

Installing a VoIP line is simple as long as you have a computer, internet connection, a sound card, speakers and a microphone. Once you’ve chosen a VoIP company and purchased a program you will be given a phone number. If you are using the number for business purposes you may want to research the possibilities of ordering a VoIP toll free number. This will enable your customers and/or business partners to contact you without having to incur long distance charges. Even though the call will come over you internet system, it will not interfere with your ability to use you computer. You will have full access to all of your computer programs and files. After using your VoIP system your will never want to go back to using your standard phone line again.

By: Ruth Campbell

What is VoIP Technology?

admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:32:51 +0000

You may have heard the term Voip used a lot in the media, but are not sure what everyone is so excited about. Here you will find the answers to your most sought after Voip technology questions.

What is Voip technology?

Technically, VOIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol, or voices traveling over internet lines and wires like other information would. So, what does this mean to you? A lot. Even if you don’t have a clue what Voip technology is, you may still be utilizing it everyday if you have a digital phone line or if you use a microphone hooked into your computer to speck to others while you are connected to the internet.

What is Voip technology going to do for me?

Digital phone and services like it keep costs down for the company, which is passed on to the
consumer. It is usually much cheaper then a traditional land phone line, especially if you want extras such as caller ID and call forwarding.

What is Voip technology going to lack?

As great as Voip technology may be, there are some drawbacks that one using it for your phone service should realize. First, most digital phone companies do not provide access to emergency assistance numbers, such as 911 for those in the US. This may leave your household vulnerable if you use digital phone. Some consumers overcome this by keeping a basic plan with there traditional phone company provider or have a cell phone available in case of an emergency.

Another drawback to Voip technology in the form of digital phone is that if your power goes out, so does your phone. When you have a service through a traditional phone company, you can still access your line even during power outages as long as you do not need a second power source to run it (ex: cordless phones need a second power source to run, so when the power goes out so does your phone). This is not so with digital phone. However, once again having a basic plan with your traditional phone company or having a cell phone on hand may remedy this problem.

What is Voip technology overall?

Voip technology can be an asset to anyone. It keeps the cost of having a land phone line cheap while still allowing us to communicate verbally without having to rely solely on cell phones. The next time you are taking a look at your high-price phone bill from your phone company, take another look at digital phone and Voip technology in general. You may rack up savings that you never even knew existed.

By: Sandra Stammberger

VoIP Technology is Packed With Extra Features

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:09:34 +0000

If you’ve been looking for a way to reduce your monthly phone bill without sacrificing features on your phone service, you might want to look into companies that offer phone service based on Voice over Internet Protocol technology- or VoIP for short. Voice over Internet Protocol technology is offered by several different companies including Vonage, Lingo, and SunRocket. While they all have different service plans, prices, and features; there are also a number of general features that they have in common. For example, all of them offer lots of extra features included in there service plans at no extra cost, and those service plans are generally competitive in price with what you’d pay for a normal land based phone line from a conventional phone company.

VoIP technology, as implemented by these companies, includes as standard features many of the things that you’d pay extra for in order to get from a conventional phone company. Voice mail, caller ID with name, last number dialed calling, call transfers, call forwarding, call waiting, and a lot more are all included among these features. Not only are all of these features included, but they’re also made enormously more flexible because their settings can be changed and used from anywhere by accessing your account online. For example, you can use any computer with an Internet connection to initiate call forwarding. This is a great feature for situations where you need to have calls to your home or office number forwarded to your mobile phone, but forgot to do it before stepping out the door. You can also often do things like turn off the ability to dial international calls or directory assistance from your online account in order to save money. Some services also allow you to access your voice mail through your online account or have it forwarded to your email. When one service forwards voice mail to your email account it does so with the actual voice mail message attached as a WAV file so that you can listen to the message right there on your computer. At least one service will let you block phone calls from certain numbers and or calls from numbers that don’t offer any caller ID data. Either of those two features are great ways to fend off telemarketers or admirers who are just too aggressive for your comfort.

While all of these features are extremely valuable, one thing that all VoIP services have in common, and the feature that was really the whole point of them to begin with, is the ability to make long distance phone calls without any long distance rates. This is possible because of the “Internet” in Voice over Internet Protocol. Essentially, VoIP technology streams phone conversations in both directions over the Internet in real time. This means that those phone conversations are treated just like any other media that’s sent over the Internet. Just like MP3’s, digital photographs, emails, and other types of document that inhabit the Internet, there aren’t any long distance charges for phone conversations using VoIP. Best of all, it’s completely compatible with the conventional telephone network so you can still talk to people who don’t use VoIP.

When it comes to saving money and providing the maximum number of extra features, VoIP technology is definitely worth looking into.

By: Julia Hall

VoIP the New Technology For Communication

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:28:48 +0000

VoIP or commonly term of phone service over the Internet is the acronym from voice over Internet protocol. Instead of using local telephone company, you can get the service directly over your Internet connection with reasonable quality of calls. The service providers are commonly offering the low rate than conventional phone company, even for long distance and international call. However, some provider does not support the common phone service, such as 911 services

The IP phone is connected through the Ethernet and router. Ethernet and router will lead this IP to the service provider. Router is the phone lines for your connection. The bad thing is when your phone call is down, router will automatically redirecting your call to other path than your call destination.

Phone service via VoIP is offering low rates of phone, some providers also offering the unlimited call plan for these services. The cost using this technology is less than other conventional phone call rates. Using this new technology there is no domestic roaming or charges when we are making call to other area. There will be a cost savings regarding to a single network that is being used in carrying voice and data over the Internet connection, more extreme, the providers sometimes offers free of charges even for the international call.

VoIP technology brings the impossible of conventional phones to possible. You can take your phone even you are on travel or trip. Anywhere you are connecting to the Internet, you can receive incoming calls. Besides PC, you can also use laptop in making a phone call. As long as you have a high speed Internet connection, headset, microphones, and the other equipment, you can make a phone call anywhere you like.

By: Dita Nadia