We’re hearing a lot about Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) these days. I for one am a big fan of this technology. Did you know that you could actually use VoIP in 3 different ways? That’s right! There are really 3 different ways that you can ‘make the call’. Ok, you can actually receive the call 3 different ways as well.
First up is probably the most popular. I use this way myself and most of the residential providers out there today use this as well. What is it?
ATA – Analog Telephone Adapter
Your normal phone plugs into an ATA that you received from your VoIP provider. This is the most common way to get hooked into VoIP. This device takes care of all the magic that occurs when you make and receive your calls over your broadband connection. Your analog phone signal must be converted to digital to be routed through your broadband connection and this ATA does the job.
IP Phone – Internet Protocol Phones
As the name would imply, these are ‘special’ phones. You wouldn’t know it by looking at them. They look like normal phones. What is different about these phones is the electronics inside them and the fact they don’t take a ‘regular’ phone cable (RJ-11). Instead these phones take an Ethernet cable connection (RJ-45) and also come equipped with the necessary electronics to plug directly into your router.
Computer-to-Computer
This is the oldest and possibly the easiest way to get plugged into VoIP. Here instead of using your normal phone or IP phone to make calls through your broadband connection, you use your computer itself! (You could do this over dial-up, but broadband is certainly better) There are a number of services available that offer no cost or low cost service. You’ll need the software and a microphone to speak into and speakers to hear from and of course your computer and a high-speed internet connection. Some providers offer this service for free when their software is being used on both ends of the call.
Watch out for Wi-Fi (using IP phones) and other advancements in VoIP technology. We truly are on the verge of a major breakthrough in telecommunications. So, what are you waiting for? Make the call!
By: Michael Weaver
Posts Tagged ‘Voice Over Internet Protocol Voip’
VoIP – 3 Ways to Make The Call
March 13th, 2010VoIP Requirements List – Why VoIP?
February 8th, 2010
VoIP technology will transform your life. It will enable maximum connection with your friends and family members. And it is not difficult to use. There are a few disadvantages to this technology as with all technology. You cannot get something in this life that has only advantages and no disadvantages. I guess this doesn’t require mention, but don’t expect perfection from VoIP. However if you compare with other communicating services, I am sure you can easily say which is better. One misconception is that the quality of calls made by VoIP will not be as good as that made by traditional phones. This is not true at all, as it can be proved that VoIP has very good reliability. It is just as good as traditional phones. In fact, it is better.
It is very important that you first educate yourself about how the VoIP technology works before you start using it. This will give you a very good idea of how reliable it is going to be.
VoIP stands for Voice over internet Protocol. VoIP utilizes the internet to connect with other people. However, the end result is the same and you will not be able to tell the difference between VoIP and traditional phone.
There are certain requirements that have to be done before you can utilize the VoIP service. The first and a very important one is broadband internet access. This is important because it will give you a speedy access to the medium that you are going to use to connect with your friends and family members.
The second requirement is a standard phone with a special VoIP adapter that will convert your phone to VoIP phone. Alternatively, you may want to buy a specialized VoIP phone that does not require any additional adapter.
The third requirement is a router, if you don’t already have one with you broadband connection. You can manage without a router if you connect directly with the LAN.
One advantage of VoIP, and it is a very big advantage, is that VoIP is very cheap. Another advantage is that VoIP service providers usually offer free calls between subscribers regardless of their location.
If you want to save money, go for VoIP. If you want to get in touch with your friends and family members, go for VoIP. If you want to stay connected, go for VoIP.
To get powerful tips on setting up and using VoIP visit e-know.co.cc, a popular website about VoIP
By: Kamran Chy
Common Questions About VoIP
February 8th, 2010
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
