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
Posts Tagged ‘Sound Card’
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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
