VoIP technology has resulted in serious changes in the way we communicate with each other. It has succeeded in integrating both voice and data and utilizing the Internet for communication as well. Telecommunication is continually evolving and as people we can only continue to benefit from this evolution. Internet based phones will be the telephony service of the future but are its advantages being overemphasized? All things may not be as they seem.
VoIP has a great number of benefits and advantages. The only requirement that VoIP has is that you use a broadband DSL or cable connection. Provided you have this sort of connection, you can easily use Voice over IP. If you use yours through a PC-to-PC connection calls are usually free just as long as the person you are calling has VoIP as well, other than this most VoIP providers tend to offer unlimited calling plans for calls made outside a certain geographical area for a flat monthly fee. Traditional telephone services are much costlier than internet phones. This technology also offers additional services such as call forwarding and caller id, free of charge.
One other benefit of the integration of voice and data is that the person needs only a single system. It makes it easy to install and save money as well. Each phone is identified by a single IP address regardless of wherever it is plugged into. This makes it easy to move from one place to another or to add it to other networks as well.
These VoIP phones may also be utilized anywhere just as long as they have been connected to an IP network. This assists a lot with telecommuting and international offices as well, saving companies and individuals a lot of money. These devices also tend to be light and very easy to carry.
Regardless of these numerous benefits, there are disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage would be that VoIP is run by a lot of power. If a power outage occurs all voice communications cease, unlike the traditional telephone service which can still be made use of if there is no electricity.
Problems also exist with the calling of 911 emergency numbers. When you usually make a 911 call it is traced back to the sender and sent to the nearest 911 communication center in the area. However with VoIP these calls cannot be traced back to a particular location and cannot lead rescuers to find you.
Voice quality with internet telephony is generally efficient but the use of cable broadband could mean poorer qualities. This is because the data is broken down in order to be transmitted and the delay or a packet of data will sometimes mean that it needs to be dropped. This then results in silent periods.
Phone equipment may also need to be updated since voice over IP only tends to work with newer phone versions. Depending on the number of phones that need to be replaced, this could a substantial expense.
VoIP also has some minor annoyances that have to be sorted out but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. From all evident aspects this alternative telephone technology is the phone of the future but the future may already have arrived for all we know.
By: Darren Williger
Posts Tagged ‘Traditional Telephone’
Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP
February 22nd, 2010Discover the Cost Saving Features of a VoIP Solution
February 9th, 2010
Today’s society is fast paced and demanding, communication technology combined with affordable pricing and flexibility is paramount. VoIP services are fairly new but have addressed these demands through its evolution.
Remember all the extra features that you have to pay for with your traditional phone service? Well, things have changed with the inception VoIP (voice over Internet protocol).
The reasons why a VoIP solution has become so popular today because it offers a boatload of features combined with huge savings when compared to a traditional phone service. VoIP Solution technology route telephone calls over the Internet eliminating the service that public switched telephone networks currently offer.
Essentially, most VoIP service providers offer free bundled features that virtually all traditional telephone charge for. Comparing service plans is actually quite easy. With the technology being so new each service provider offers different plans and pricing. Take time to review and study the most popular plans and services provided to make the best decision that will accommodate your needs.
Some common features include: Unlimited Minutes, Local Number Porting (LNP), Personalized Voicemail, Free In-Network Calling, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, Repeat Dialing, Voice Mail to Email, Call Forwarding, 3-way Calling, Call Return, Online Management & Billing, Choose Your Own Area Code, Call Waiting Disable, Do Not Disturb, Anonymous Call Blocking, Distinctive Ringing for Virtual Numbers, Virtual Phone Numbers, Enhanced 911, Works with your Cell phone features, and Toll Free Services.
Businesses can also enjoy the advantage and benefits of an inexpensive VoIP Business solution without the addition of expensive proprietary software/hardware combinations such as PBX units. Inter-office communication systems and long distance calls for an international company can amount to saving tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, in just one year.
VoIP solutions are something worth while looking into, regardless if you are trying to reduce your budget for home or business, the features and huge savings that VoIP provide huge rewards for all.
By: Roy King
VOIP Telephones – Connecting You to the World Within a Budget
January 22nd, 2010
It would be an understatement to say that we are under hard times. Economic or financial problems plague many of us and we cannot deny the fact that the number of people who are getting directly affected are increasing by the day. Despite all of these troubles, we have to accept them as reality. We have to face these problems and attempt to survive each day by not only tightening our belts around our waists but also by being wise when it comes to the way we spend money. Thanks to a lot of technological advances, we can now save not only time but also money. One such example of this kind of technological advancement are VOIP telephones. These modern-day phones set the big difference between spending big for communications on one hand and spending just a fraction of the usual cost on the other.
Here are some important facts that you need to learn about the VOIP technology:
1. VOIP means Voice over Internet Protocol.
The main concept behind voice over internet protocol is the use of internet lines to connect one person to another. This is mainly used in place of the traditional telephone lines that are connected via wires and poles. It is also different from the cellular phone technology.
2. VOIP technology are improving day by day.
You do not have to worry about a kind of experimental technology that can go bust anytime. Since VOIP uses internet technology and connections, you can expect it to be as reliable as the internet connection you have in your area. The best thing about it is that you can expect it to become better every single day as the internet still plays a major part in our lives.
3. This kind of technology is downright affordable.
What puts VOIP telephones ahead is the fact that they are highly affordable. In fact, the amount of money you pay for a VOIP phone and service is a very small fraction of what you pay for either your home phone or your mobile phone. In some cases, you only get to pay for your internet service and the handset price. This means that you can make any kind of calls without paying as much as the price you pay for your regular home or mobile telephone bills.
4. This kind of technology brings you closer to anyone within your area, within the country or even abroad.
There is practically no limit to the location of the person you can connect to. You can contact those who use regular home phones, mobile phones and even other VOIP phones. You can make long distance and international calls. For any of these calls, you are free from any high fees.
5. Your budget will always be enough.
You will not have to think of a telephone bill that would take much of your monthly budget. You would not even think of limiting your calls just to cut back on calling bills. With the use of VOIP telephones, you can be assured that your budget, however small, can fit without having to sacrifice the number of calls you can make or the quality of the calls you have.
By: Derrick Richardson
