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 ‘Voice Over Ip’
Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP
February 22nd, 2010Growth of Business with VoIP
February 11th, 2010
Competition is the key word driving businesses the world over. And in the current context, the competition is increasingly becoming more and more intense. Business houses are doing all that it takes to emerge ahead of others. Most of them are employing the latest and the best in technology to enhance their profit margins and reduce their infrastructural costs. VoIP, for one, is increasingly being used to streamline communications within several organizational contexts. The importance of VoIP business services can be understood in this context.
Voice over IP (also know as VoIP) came forward as a solution of telecommunication whereby it is possible for people to make low cost calls. As voice over IP works on the principle of transferring digital voice over the Internet, it thus paves the way for wireless transmission of data packets in contrast to the traditional means of telephony where long wires are required to complete the connection.
This has led to a cost effective way of achieving telephony services. The technology has ushered in a new revolution in business with VoIP business services. Now, it has become possible for people to go for existing broadband connections and start availing voice call along with other facilities such as video chats and recordings of a conversation. The installation of this technology is simple; and this is enhanced by the technical expertise of service providers.
These calls are not restricted to any particular country or nation. It means that one can make calls to a person living in the same country or to in a different Nation at the same tariff rate. The VoIP service does not recognize national or continental barriers. All this technology does is that it converts “voice” to digital packets and sends them over the Internet. The receiver on the other end gets the calls after it has been reconverted to analog form from digital packets. Moreover, the technology is feature-rich with options such as auto-attendant, advanced call forwarding, integrated fax support and outlook options.
It can be installed very easily with certain extra gadgets such as Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). There is a central office(CO) that determines the voice paths. Moreover, with the presence of wholesalers and resellers, the VoIP phone service sees no boundaries and brings the services to people around the globe. The carriers at the lower tiers lease services from the ones at a higher tier and resell them to their targeted customers. Thus, call termination to international gateways is a reality with the Voice over IP. It is this phenomenon of acceding to international calls that has led to the flourishing of the business VoIP service. Businesses have really seen a new light with the coming of VoIP service. Call centers have their foundation stone laid on such services.
The service providers have improved upon the VoIP business plans and made it suitable for a lot of organizations. There is no doubt about the fact that the providers are offering a platform that is simple and easy for their customers to carry forward an interaction, improve upon a business team’s efficiency and also overcome any frustration of customers. This has really led to the growth of organizations that completely rely on this high-end technology for their day to day business. The VoIP services are thus a unique means of achieving that which was never possible before.
By: Kristen Kiya
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
