Voip
Voice over Internet Protocol
Recently I started using SKYPE - a
VoIP system - and have found it to be fun, useful and
free. I have used it to talk to others in England,
USA and Australia FREE.
I thought that you would like to know more!
Voice over IP is the future in low-cost
communication. It is still in its infancy but enormous strides
are being made daily
Internet Voice, also known as (VoIP), is a
technology that allows you to make telephone
calls using a broadband Internet connection
instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.
VoIP has become popular
largely because of the cost advantages to consumers over traditional
telephone networks.
By routing
voice calls through an internet connection, you can make calls anywhere
in the world for free. Imagine staying in Alaska, but still being
reachable through your usual extension...
Also, while some services only work
over your computer or a special VoIP phone,
other services allow you to use a
traditional phone through an adaptor. |
What is VoIP/Internet
Voice?
VoIP allows you
to make telephone calls using a computer
network, over a data network like the Internet.
VoIP converts the voice signal from your
telephone into a digital signal that travels
over the internet then converts it back at the
other end so you can speak to anyone with a
regular phone number. When placing a VoIP call
using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a
dial tone and dial just as you always have. VoIP
may also allow you to make a call directly from
a computer using a conventional telephone or a
microphone. The simplest and cheapest way
is to use your speaker system - plug in a microphone
into the sound card and you are set to go. The Voip
company usually has some sort of test available on their
web site.
How Can I Place a
VoIP Call?
Depending on the
service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick
up your phone and dial the 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 goes over the Internet
to the called party's local telephone company
for the completion of the call. Another way is
to utilize a microphone headset plugged into
your computer. The number is placed using the
keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.
What Kind of
Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high
speed Internet) connection is required.
This can be through a cable modem, or high speed
services such as 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.
Is there a
difference between making a Local Call and a
Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers offer their services for
free, normally 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. It also means that people who call
you may incur long distance charges depending on
their area code and service.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long
distance call to a number outside your calling
area, similar to existing, traditional wireline
telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit
you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed
number of minutes.
If I have VoIP
service, who can I call?
Depending upon your service, you might be
limited only to other subscribers to the
service, or
you may be able
to call 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 even utilize the
service to speak with more than one person at a
time. The person you are calling does not need
any special equipment, just a phone.
What Are Some
Advantages of Internet Voice?
Because
VoIP
is digital, it may offer features and
services that are not available with a
traditional phone. If you have a broadband
internet connection, you need not maintain and
pay the additional cost for a line just to make
telephone calls.
With many
VoIP
plans you can talk for as long as you
want with any person in the world (the
requirement is that the other person has an
Internet connection). You can also talk with
many people at the same time without any
additional cost.
What Are Some
disadvantages of Internet Voice?
If you're
considering replacing 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 999 or 911.
-
VoIP
providers may or may not offer directory
assistance.
Can I use my
Computer While I talk on the Phone?
Yes - it is
almost like having 2 phone lines!!
Can I Take My
Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
You may be able to use your VoIP service
wherever you travel as long as you have a high
speed Internet connection available. In that
case it would work the same as from your home or
business.
Does my Computer
Have to be Turned on?
If using the basic setup with Mike and sound
card - yes but not if you are making calls with a phone and
adaptor or special VoIP phone, but your
broadband Internet connection needs to be
active. You can also use your computer while
talking on the phone.
How Do I Know If
I have a VoIP phone Call?
It will ring like any other call.
I have just bought a VOIP phone
and am trying it
out. So far - I am
delighted!! Its on WebCam too!
My Skype username is: seniorsnetwork2
Try
SKYPE now - it is Free
when you call another person who is also on Skype |
Computing
Channel -
