Understanding VoIP

What is VoIP?

The Internet which has changed the way people communicate is also making its presence felt in telecommunications. VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol enables you to make phone calls over the Internet.
This revolutionary technology makes it possible to transfer data which includes voice as well as video from anywhere in the world. The technology is extremely cost effective as compared to traditional telephone network especially for making long distance or international calls.

How does it work?

VoIP also referred to as Internet telephony requires an Internet connection an IP telephone and VoIP software to make or receive calls. The Internet connection should be a high speed broadband of at least 256 kilobytes per second (kbps).
The technology works through the medium of Internet protocol by digitization of the analog voice signals. The digital voice signals are transferred in the form of data packets from one network to another.

How can I use it?

To use VoIP you would need to subscribe to the services of a VoIP provider such as Vonage or Qwest. You can then download the VoIP software and install it on your PC or laptop from the service provider’s website. After you have installed the software you would need to create a new user account. Follow the directions given by the service provider in the installation package or those mentioned on their website.

Your PC needs to be equipped with speakers and a microphone or headset to enable conversation. You can also hook the cable to an IP phone for easy and quick dialing and receiving of calls. Or you could connect the Internet cable to your landline telephone using a VoIP adapter.

You can add your contacts name and phone no on the VoIP application interface by way of the "Add Contacts" section. You can make a call by double clicking on one of the contacts in your list or by using the virtual dial pad usually referred to as a “softphone”. The actual look and feel of the interface along with the features offered will differ according to the service provider.

What features are available?

Some of the features offered by
VoIP installation service providers include call waiting facility, three-way conference calling and voicemail.

Most service providers allow free calls from IP or softphone to other phones using the same service although PC-to- phone calls are usually not free. A notable advantage of using VoIP is the flexibility it enables. You can easily carry your VoIP phone anywhere in the world while having the same dial number. A truly convenient feature especially when one has to travel frequently due to business reasons. A portable VoIP handset, software installation CD and a USB cable to connect with a PC or laptop is all you will need to make phone calls from virtually anywhere.

Another feature that needs mention is the conference facility. Conference calling is a boon for offices operating from multiple locations helping save precious time. A conferencing station can easily be installed in your office through a network of IP or analog phones connected via a VoIP adapter.

Offices around the world are making extensive use of VoIP and cutting their phone bill by as much as 30-50 percent. VoIP is a truly versatile communication technology helping save money along with offering a variety of user friendly features.