VoIP, acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol, is a common term used for a group of technologies involving transmission. This protocol is used to deliver voice communications across the internet protocol networks such as various packet switched networks like the internet.
VoIP is often referred to as Internet telephony, or IP telephony, and even voice over broadband. This protocol basically is a type of communication service that involves facsimile and voice messaging techniques and applications that are transmitted via the internet. These do not take help from the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The voice signal that is actually in analog form is first converted into a digital format and then the signal is translated into a format compatible with the internet protocol so that they can be successfully transmitted via the internet. This is the technique used at the transmitting end. At the receiver end these internet protocol packets that are received as digitized signals are converted back into analog form and sent to the receiver.
VoIP is a widely used technique of modern times. You can get connected to VoIP service providers by three primary ways: by an Analog Telephone Adapter, by using the Ethernet or Wi-Fi technique and by means of a softphone or a digital phone. VoIP has many advantages which have made it a successful service. It has high bandwidth efficiency and the cost of transmission is quite low. It also enables the performance of tasks and provides such services that are difficult to be implemented using PSTN making them highly flexible.
However VoIP is prone to internet attacks or what we commonly say that data can be hacked by experts and hence it is not a very secure technique. This problem has been taken into consideration and the government and certain military organizations are now using Voice over Secure IP (VoSIP) to protect data which is a modified version of VoIP
By: Joanne Greco
Posts Tagged ‘Voice Communications’
What Exactly is VoIP?
January 3rd, 2010The Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems
January 2nd, 2010
Telephone service that started out as linked, twisted, and insulated wires for voice communications have been replaced by advanced technology, such as VoIP phone systems. IP telephone technology called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP technology has opened new technological ways to work from your on computer and link voice and data communications. VoIP phone service utilizes your computers transmission methods to send voice communications that are offered at a low monthly access fee and includes free long distance calling and other features such as voicemails that are converted to text messages.
Traditionally, long distance service flowed over to “trunk lines” and a hefty charge was incurred to cover costs. Now unlimited long distance may be included in a reasonable flat fee as part of your VoIP phone service, utilizing your computer and even many mobile phone services offer nationwide long distance free of charge due to use of satellite signals.
Voice over Internet Protocol phone service uses a broadband Internet connection and IP phones to transmit conversations in data packets and convert them back to voice communications, coming through your computer or a telephone. IP telephone service offers free or lower cost connections using Wi-Fi hotspots and because it flows through your computer, includes free long distance access as well.
Mobile phones are capable of allowing you to browse the Internet and read emails and are a portable communication device. VoIP phone services flow voice communications through a computer and is similar to the satellite connectivity that has transformed many non-telephone electronic devices, into multi-tasking, hand-held telephone and data devices. Through VoIP technology, home telephone service may cease to exist in the form of landlines, as we know it today.
VoIP technology can be used in remote areas that have wireless access or hotspots to the Internet. Because it uses an IP address connection, all of your data and voice communications can be consolidated into one low monthly bill that saves you the long distance charges. Many VOIP Phone service plans have also reduced international calling plans.
The cost savings of landline charges and long distances are the primary reason that many people are switching to VoIP phone services, due to it being far more affordable and reliable. As technology has advanced, there are ultra-portable laptops that use mobile broadband networks and VOIP phone service can be integrated in much the same way. VoIP is a way that communications of all kinds can utilize internet connections to transmit data packets of voice communications, photos or data.
As wireless internet hotspots become more popular and widespread, it is possible to get a VoIP phone service that utilizes these for coverage whether at home or away, through your IP address. New technology that takes advantage of these lower cost signals is becoming widespread through many products and services. The advantages of VoIP phone systems are many, but the cost savings can be dramatic, depending on the amount of long distance usage and line charges you have been incurring with traditional phone services.
By: Derek Rogers
Business Calls Made Easy by VOIP Technology
November 28th, 2009
As high-speed Internet connections spread around the world widely, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology changed how people think of long-distance phone calls. Many see VOIP as the revolutionary technology that will replace the conventional phone systems entirely. In United States, companies providing VOIP related services, such as Vonage and CallWave (More CallWave information at here), are expanding steadily. Major carriers like AT&T are already looking seriously at the potential implication of VOIP technology.
How VOIP technology works?
VOIP a technology where analog voice signal is turned into digital signal and transmitted over the Internet connections. This enables VOIP users to make Internet phone calls without going thru phone company services.
VOIP calls can be done via several methods: ATA, IP phones, or PC-to-PC. For ATA, an analog-to-digital converter is used on regular phone to enable VOIP calls; For IP phones, specifically designed phones are used for voice routing via its IP address; for PC-to-PC, a VOIP calls and a PC with Internet connection is what it needs. Basically each of these VOIP call method performs the same function: To enable voice communications. However, different call methods have totally different hardware set up and they are all meant to suits different level of users. Needless to say, the cost of these VOIP call methods varies a lot.
How VOIP technology can help in your business?
Great savings on your business call rates
With VOIP, you can simply enjoy a much cheaper phone calls by utilizing your existing PC set up and data networks. Most VOIP companies are offering minute-rate plans structured as little as $30 per month. With the elimination of unregulated charges and additional features given, switching from conventional phone services to VOIP can be quite a bargain.
Easy customer calls support
Often the telephone customer supports will consume a big part of a business budget. The high sets up cost for customer calls support can be reduce greatly using VOIP systems. With the availability of VoIP calls, business owners can utilize the “Click to Talk” web services set up a customer service application like call centres with enhanced features and low maintenance cost.
Flexibility
With VoIP services, business travelers or home workers can work as in the office. You can call freely from anywhere you have the Internet connectivity. Further more, you get another alternative with VoIP– the soft-phone. A softphone is a application software that loads VoIP functions into your computer. With soft-phone, you can make VoIP calls thru your laptop/desktop from anywhere that has the Internet access.
Further more, a VOIP system gives better flexibility in the set-up. By implementing VOIP technology, you can select any area code for your customer support phone number regardless on your location, you can allow multiple employees managing your customers calls without extra charges, you can own an instant web-based voice mail for business tracking purpose, and you can have integrated conferencing.
Wrapping things up
VOIP has been declared by greats like Forbes.com to be “the four letter word for growth.” It is widely acknowledged that technology can spur growth and businesses, even small ones that integrate new technologies, have a strategic and competitive edge over others.
However, even though VOIP systems sound like a savior for your business, you should never switch into their service blindly. The new technology might sounds great, but there are several drawbacks that you should consider them with care. The reliability of VOIP services (imagine long down time for your LAN system.), the power issue (VOIP functions fails whenever there’s no power supply.), and quality of the services are some of the major issues to consider before making the switch.
By: Teddy Low
