VoIP Technology » Voip Software

VoIP Tutorial

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:47:49 +0000

VoIP or voice over protocol is one of the latest innovations in communications technology. The main difference it has with the old telephony system is that it uses data packets while the old telephony system uses switch boards.

In case you are not familiar with switchboards, imagine your call being routed to an operator before it reaches the person you are calling. That illustrates how a switchboard works. VoIP uses data packets that are sent and received via the internet. Hence, the basic equipment you will need to enable VoIP is a modem because this is the main device that allows you to get an internet access.

VoIP products come as trunk or hosted. If you are still wishing to use your old telephone device while utilizing VoIP at the same time, you will need to purchase a gateway from VoIP vendors. The gateway comes in a data packet that looks like a box. You would have to connect this to your conventional telephone or fax machine to enable VoIP. However, if you have an IP enabled system, there is no need to purchase the gateway.

There are four ways by which you can make the calls using the VoIP. These include internet-internet, phone-internet, internet-phone, phone-phone. If you are making a call towards a phone, it can be a regular, non-VoIP phone. Otherwise, the recipient of your call also needs to have a VoIP-enabled device. If you are making a call through a computer, you need to have a head set and a VoIP software program. If you are making an internet-internet call, the computer you are calling to must also have the same software as you have. Examples of this software are Skype, that of Yahoo, MSN, etc.

By: Elija James

Modern Ways of Communication – VoIP

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:01:54 +0000

People feel the need to communicate, either to share information or just to have fun. As usual, technology is there to give a helping hand to people and make their lives easier. Communication was made very simple when the telephone was invented. Sounds were transmitted over long distances in a matter of seconds. Now something better is here to help us communicate faster and cheaper: VoIP – the future of voice communication (especially because of the prepaid phone calls!)

If you haven’t stayed in touch with computers and internet technology (which is quite difficult these days), then you might not know what VoIP is, even if it’s very popular nowadays. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol which basically means that you can make phone calls over the internet. VoIP first started out as computer to computer calls. Putting the earphones on and talking into the microphone was easier for those who used the internet on a daily basis. Of course, they needed and had an internet connection (broadband or DSL modem connection) and special VoIP software.

At first people tried to use the classic 56K dial-up connection, but the signal was poor and one couldn’t understand what the other person was saying. This kind of connection didn’t have enough speed. Today technology has improved and VoIP doesn’t only mean computer to computer calls. Today, if you have a computer and a broadband connection, you can place computer to phone calls which means you can call someone who owns a regular phone from your computer. VoIP specialists paid attention to other options as well and worked on a new technology that now allows people to make computer to cell calls. This means you can call someone on their cellular phone from your computer.

The idea of VoIP becomes more and more attractive because of one thing: it’s cheaper than regular phone calls. PC to PC calls are usually free and PX to phone calls are very cheap. Even the PC to cell phone calls are affordable, all through a prepaid phone calls system. VoIP technology transforms the sounds from analog to digital data. The method is different than the traditional way and some might say it’s not transmitted over a secure channel. For those who fear that anyone who has the tools can listen in on your conversations, just remember your local phone calls are not very safe either and the advantages of VoIP communication are more attractive than anything else.

A big plus for the VoIP system is that today you don’t need a computer to use it. All you need is a modem and a broadband or satellite connection and a phone. This means that you can take your phone with you wherever you go. For example if you go on vacation to your house on the seaside you don’t need to have two phone numbers. All you have to do is take your modem and phone to your house on the seaside. You will have the same number so people can reach you just as easy. It may look the same, but it can be cheaper.

Another advantage of the VoIP system is the prepaid phone calls option. What are prepaid phone calls? Well, it’s simple. When you buy a VoIP system and you set everything up you will buy some credit. Out of this credit you can make all the phone calls you want. That’s why it’s called prepaid because you pay in advance for the services you profit from. One of the aspects you might not enjoy so much when using prepaid phone calls is that, after you use all of your credit, you won’t be able to make any phone calls. However, the good thing is you set yourself a limit and spend as much as you consider fit on communication. You can economize if you use prepaid phone calls and obtaining more credit is a very easy and fast process with the help of your internet connection. This kind of system for prepaid phone calls is only available when you use a VoIP system to a phone or cell. It’s not available for computer to computer calls because those are usually free.

VoIP is the next evolutionary step in communication, so you should really be thinking about letting go of the memory of your phone and direct your attention towards the computer. The only trick in getting the best deal is to be well informed and eager to make use of modern ways. You should really consider prepaid phone calls also because the advantages are more than pleasing. This goes for the whole VoIP system – it’s an investment that you won’t regret.

By: Amelie Gam

VoIP: The New Age Telephone Service

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:37:09 +0000

In simple words, VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows one to make phone calls over a broadband internet connection. With the help of high speed internet connection and by installing certain VoIP software as well as hardware, people can talk unlimited at limited costs.

To make a call using VoIP technology you need:

Voip hardware :- VoIP hardware is basically an analogue telephone adaptor (ATA) which connects your phone to your broadband modem. This doesn’t require your computer to be on while making or receiving calls. The most popular application of VoIP works only with an ATA. An ATA converts analog signals to digital signals. Most VoIP service providers include the ATA in their VoIP products, but some require you to buy or rent an ATA.

The other hardware based option is an IP phone, which is similar to a standard telephone but includes an in built ATA adapter. The IP phone is connected directly to the router with a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector. You can purchase calling cards from your VoIP service provider to start talking through this medium.

VoIP software :- Software-based VoIP works a little differently. VoIP software like Skype, Asterik works through your computer with a microphone, and your computer has to be switched on to receive calls. The most basic VoIP software allows two people with the same installed software to call each other over the Internet. Callers can set up a phone book and can make calls to other users.

VoIP services are comparatively cheaper than traditional calls. So, the next time you want to make long distance phone calls or international calls use VoIP.

By: Alen Wilson

Raising the Bar – Continuing Advances In Voip Technology

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:16:15 +0000

VOIP technology has advanced to a stage where VOIP is no longer an interesting start up, but a strong and valid technological force that offers so many benefits, not the least of which is huge savings in long distance phone calls. Many businesses have gone from expensive and complicated intra-office phone systems to switching to a VOIP system because of the increase in efficiency and strong decrease in cost. The continuing advancement of VOIP technology is what makes this possible.

Residential VOIP refers to the software that allows you to download the technology onto your computer and then communicate with family, friends, and acquaintances in the same way you would on the telephone, but your computer is used as a telephone instead. Because the technology is based on phone communication through the Internet, anyone you want to contact will also need to download the same technological software on their computers, but don’t worry, this is actually very easy!

What if you still want to call people who don’t have VOIP? One of the smartest technological advances by the companies encouraging the development of VOIP technology was creating an adaptor. An adaptor hooks up to a regular phone, and hooks it up to your VOIP so you can still use the residential VOIP to call any phone, whether it is a VOIP phone, a landline, or even a cell phone! This little piece of equipment allows you all the benefits of VOIP without any of the potential restrictions that could make people hesitant to invest in this service.

With the advancement of portable VOIP phones (Vonage is perhaps the best known company that provides this service), the question has been brought up of whether or not VOIP phones will be able to ever replace cell phones, and what would the difference be? While the technology is there for this to happen, the infrastructure isn’t there yet; though it is getting closer with each passing day.

The advantage of this would be that VOIP would be far cheaper, since long distance wouldn’t cost nearly anything and there would be no restriction on minutes. A wireless VOIP phone is also referred to as a “Wi-Fi VOIP phone,” and needs networks in the same way wireless internet needs networks, to work, but more are popping up every day, and many cities plan to increase the number of hot spots, which would make this a more and more viable option.

Many cell phone companies, sensing ahead of time what this could mean for them if they refuse to adapt, now design phones that not only work as regular cell phones, but also have features that allow the user to switch to their VOIP account if they are close enough to a hot spot. While complete VOIP is a long ways off, the beginning structures are there, and as the VOIP technology improves, it would not be surprising to head towards the day where VOIP isn’t a side game, but the main choice available to all phone users.

By: Candice Sabrina

Enjoy Free International Calls With VoIP Technology

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:42:20 +0000

A VoIP technology works on the digital concept and makes use of a broadband connection. The user needs a headset comprising of earphones and microphone along with a VoIP software. The user may opt for the web cam as it will facilitate to make the entire communication process almost similar to that of speaking face to face. This facility has been very beneficial in todays times as it enables the people to make free International calls.

The world economy has opened up because of increased globalisation and liberalisation. There is frequent movement of the people from one country to another for various purposes. People are leaving their homeland in search of better opportunities and exploring new horizons. Therefore the need for making long distance calls has sprung up. Earlier, whether the users liked or not, they had to communicate with many constraints keeping in mind the expensive rates. But the Voip technology has ,made all the difference and now there are several International calling plans from which the users can choose from. There are many service providers who churn out different calling plans in order to attract maximum number of users to their service. People can find huge information on the web regarding VoIP technology and several International calling plans.

People go abroad for educational purpose and as well as earning money and also on tour. The reasons may vary but one thing is common and that is communication across geographical boundaries. Making use of VoIP facility is easy due to the ubiquitous computers and also because people have become computer savvy. Even children today are computer literate. Thus, the users are educated and need a little guidance to know the user-friendly technology of VoIP. VoIP calls can be made from PC to PC, Phone to Phone and from PC to Phone. The user can employ any of these methods to communicate in a hassle free manner. They can also choose from the innumerable calling plans which the service providers offer from time to time. Thus, the user has a lot of options and they just have to fill an online form for subscribing to this technology. Registration for this facility is usually for free and the user can decide upon any plan which suits their requirement.

Therefore, one can say that this feature is making the existing phone networks appear obsolete as more and more people, business houses are using to make international free calls. The logic is simple – it culminates into huge savings and also benefit in the long run. Now people can talk without getting scared about the ticking clock or the pulse rate which is enough to give a terrible headache to the user. This technology has changed the concept of communication and allowed people to talk peacefully without any tension.

The reason why more and more people are using VoIP technology to make international calls is that it is cost effective. Finally, the users have got a chance to get rid of long phone bills and also they can talk with any problem as the connectivity is superb. The user does not even realize that he is making a call to some far way country or place. The other reason being the awesome sound quality which enables the user to talk clearly without any hindrance or noise pollution in terms of disturbance or poor signals. It is a blessing for those who have been separated by distance for various reasons and are desperate to communicate with the people residing in other countries.

By: Nisha G.

VoIP and Packet Switching Technology

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:34:09 +0000

One of the reasons VoIP is so successful and advantageous is it uses packet switching technology rather than circuit switching technology to provide phone services. Most phone companies use circuit switching technology. Packet switching technology is different in that it allows multiple phone calls to occur within the same space a single phone call would occupy using a circuit network.

This means less transmission time is used and less expense is incurred for the same phone call placed using packet switching versus circuit switching technology. How does packet switching work? Basically you pick up the receiver or initiate a phone call, which sends a signal. After dialing a phone number the tones are converted into digital data your computer can read and stored temporarily until the VoIP company sends the phone number you punch in to their call processor. The processor maps the phone number to an IP address. That is nothing more than someone’s computer address, then connects the two computers together using a soft switch device.

Your Computer and VoIP

Your computer is basically acting as an intermediary, passing voice messages much like it would an e-mail to another user. You can talk for any length of time necessary, and all the while your computer and VoIP software will be transmitting data packets of information from one computer to the other, translating analog information into digital virtually automatically. The entire process takes just seconds and allows a higher volume of calls than a traditional phone line would.

By: Frank Owen