A VoIP phone can be defined as an entity that is used to make telephone calls over the internet. A VoIP phone utilises the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology wherein our voice is converted into digital signal that is transmitted over the Internet. VoIP phones enable you to enjoy the benefits of VoIP technology.
The VoIP technology is based on protocols, such as SIP, H.323 or proprietary ones like Skype.
How is voice transmitted using the VoIP technology?
VoIP phone—>broadband router—> Internet—> voip service provider
Well, if you do not wish to spend on purchasing a new VoIP phone, just connect your existing analogue telephone to a VoIP phone adaptor and enjoy the benefits of VoIP. There are many VoIP service providers who allow you to use the service on your analogue telephones. With the VoIP phone adaptor, you do not need a VoIP phone or a computer to avail the VoIP service. The analogue telephone connects to the broadband router through the adaptor. The router connects to the Internet.
standard analogue telephone—>voip adaptor—>broadband router—> Internet—> voip service provider
The UK phone users may need an RJ11 adaptor to convert their standard BT Connector to an International Connector. RJ11 adaptor may be bought with a VoIP Phone Adaptor.
Broadband routers have built-in VoIP and can also be used as VoIP Phone Adaptors. You can buy these routers online.
What are the things required to avail the benefits of VoIP service?
VoIP hardware: voip phones can be plugged it straight into a network or a broadband router voip adaptors used when you need to avail voip service through an analogue telephone voip-compatible router provide access to the Internet for multiple devices (can be wired or wireless) softphone a software-based phone that operates from a PC uses Internet connection to make VoIP calls can be used with a USB Phone or PC Headset
Internet connection subscription to a VoIP service
VoIP is indeed a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionised the telephony system to a great extent.
By: Dennis Jaylon
Posts Tagged ‘Skype’
A Basic Insight Into The Technology Behind VoIP Phones
November 7th, 2009VoIP – A Destructive Technology
November 1st, 2009
Many in the telecommunications industry have described the upsurge in the use of VoIP as being destructive. This is true in so far as the traditional landline services have been disrupted. Telecom Companies services such as BT have had to introduce their own VoIP packages for new subscribers and for those existing ones who require the facility, albeit these are mainly unaware. This highlights the concern the landline suppliers have over VoIP.
The backbone of the VoIP technology requires the use of broadband. As faster DSL broadband delivery has been made available, the growth of VoIP users has increased exponentially. The traditional Telecom Companies who had the lion’s share of the market have had to readjust and compete with the likes of Vonage and Skype. A revolution has taken place which has allowed for increased competition and even the smaller Internet providers or other Internet-based companies have captured large segments of the Telecom market at the expense of the once huge Telecom cartel.
Within the VoIP industry one clear pattern is emerging, that is there is no clear pattern. The niches within the technology allows for a huge combination of methods and/or alternatives which allow the use of voice over internet to take place. Whereas some of these sub niches claim a meteoric rise in popularity, they are as likely to face a sudden fall in popularity. Take for example Vonage, having been at the forefront of the technology their overall percentage share has fallen dramatically with the rise of Skype and usage of VoIP through social media.
Time will tell to see whether they can withstand this and establish a method of using VoIP as being the most trustworthy and only real alternative to traditional landlines. It is interesting therefore to note that the Telecom Companies have now taken on board similar methods and BT Broadband send out their ‘hub’ allowing connection to PCs and other broadband devices. For the ordinary user these terms are confusing to say the least but it suggests an acknowledgment that this is the way of the future and that eventually all traditional landlines will be done away with.
Companies such as Vonage and Skype, providing they offer a set up which replaces the normal telephone with like for like, should have nothing to fear and these will eventually compete on a more even footing with their larger counterparts.
By: Jonathan Ledger
Use VOIP Technology to Make Cheap Calls
October 2nd, 2009
Scared of making ISD calls, to friends and relatives in India, or do you have to pay huge landline or mobile bills as you have business contacts in other countries? The latest technology of VOIP will help you make cheap and unlimited calls over the Internet. All you need is a dial-up or broadband connection. VOIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol which is a technology that helps transmit voice conversations via the Internet.
The best way to use this technology is to download Skype, which is free and offers great individual and business packages. Their monthly subscription charges are reasonable and will help you save a lot of money in comparison to landline or mobile phone bills.
Skype will allow you to make free calls to any part of the world, to any landline or mobile number. An added advantage is that if you and your friend have both downloaded Skype, then both of you can talk over the Internet for as long as you want, absolutely free. For business purposes, your colleagues can contact you on an online number whenever they want.
The process of using VOIP technology is actually quite easy and inexpensive. There is a guide inside Skype that will enable you to dial the right ISD code and you can chat right away.
There are two plans to make calls using VOIP: you can choose to pay a monthly subscription which will allow you to make unlimited calls to landlines in selected countries and regions, with an additional 50% discount on an online number. This plan will be best suited to those who make frequent business or personal calls to any one country.
There is another scheme: Pay As You Go. This will require you to add a minimum amount to your account and then you have to pay for as many calls that you make. The calling rate is a flat rate of 2.1¢¹ per minute to over 30 destinations, which is quite cheap, considering that you have such a wide range of countries to choose from.
The additional advantages of using Skype are that you can set up your mobile number or online number to appear if you are calling someone, which helps in caller identification. This technology is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Windows Mobile, WiFi phones, Cordless phones, Skype To Go. You can SMS or even Voice Chat with friends and family, using Skype. There is a VAT of 2 euro cents on the online service and a connection fee and fair usage policies are conditions that apply to Skype. Forward calls to your mobile when you are offline, use a webcam to chat, set up an online number to get the feel of calling a local number-send text messages: the options are endless with Skype.
So, jump on to the Skype bandwagon and make the cheapest ISD calls to keep in touch with loved ones and with business colleagues.
By: Erick John
