What is VoIP

What is VoIP and Can You Live Without It?

What is Internet Telephone VoIP? Most likely you've heard of services that allow you to make telephone calls over the Internet.  

That technology is commonly referred to as VoIP.  VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.  VoIP uses a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line. 

There you have a basic answer to "What is VoIP?"

If you have a reasonable quality Internet connection you can get your phone service delivered to you through your Internet connection instead of from your local phone company.

 Some people use VoIP in addition to their traditional phone service, since VoIP service providers usually offers lower rates than the traditional phone companies, but sometimes don't offer full 911 service, phone directory listings, 411 service, etc.

 IP Phone Service

 What is VoIP?

A way is required to turn analog phone signals into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet.  This can be done with a special phone or in a separate device like an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor).

 There are many services, but they all offer about the same thing.  Some VoIP services only allow you to call other people using the same service.  Still others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number, not matter whether it is local, long distance, mobile, or international phone numbers.

 A few services are restricted to offer communication only work through your computer or with a special VoIP phone.  Then there are the services that allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor.

 Is It Difficult to Place a VoIP Call? 

With some services it just a matter of picking up your phone and dialing a number using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call then travels over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company who completes the call.  

It is also possible to utilize a microphone and headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and the call is routed through your cable modem. 

Is Complicated VoIP Equipment Needed?

 A broadband, high speed Internet connection is required. This connection can be through a cable modem, or one of the high speed services like DSL or a local area network. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.

 Can I Make Both Local and a Long Distance Calls?

 Some VoIP providers actually offer their services at no cost to the user.  Free are usually limited only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means you may not incur long distance charges if you call a number in your area code regardless of geography. The catch is that it also means that people who call you may have to pay the long distance charges.

 Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to traditional over-a-wire telephone service. There are VoIP providers who will permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

 Will VoIP Allow Me to Call Anyone?

 Your VoIP service might limit you to only calling other subscribers to the service.  Many allow calls to any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may speak with more than one person at the same time. The person receiving the call does not need anything but a phone.  No special equipment is required with some services.

 Is VoIP Better Than My Normal Phone Service?

 VoIP is digital and that means it offers features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband internet connection you really have no need for your traditional phone service and it added expense.

 With many VoIP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world if the other person has an Internet connection. You can also talk with a group of people at the same time without any additional cost.

 Does VoIP Have Any Drawbacks?

 When you begin considering the replacement of your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:

 Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.  Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 911.   VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.

  What Happens When I Travel?

Often you are allowed to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available. Then it would work just as it does when you are in your home base.

 In general phone service via VoIP costs less than equivalent service from traditional sources. This is largely a function of traditional phone services either being monopolies or government entities. There are also some cost savings due to using a single network to carry voice and data. This is especially true when users have existing under-utilized network capacity that they can use for VoIP without any additional costs.

"VoIP Now! This Quick & Easy Guide to Internet Telephoning" explains everything....

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  What is VoIP