| |
| |
|
VOIP Articles |
|
|
|
What Is VoIP and How Does It Work
Introduction The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances things have already changed. Take long distance calls for instance, many service providers are already using a technology called Voice Over IP or VOIP for short. If you have never heard of VOIP before, then the following article will change the way you think about how long distance phone calls are being made now, and about how all phone calls will be made in the future. Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a method for turning analogue audio signals into digital data that can be transferred over the internet. You may be asking yourself how this is useful. Well think about it for a few seconds. If it is possible to turn analogue signals into digital data, then VOIP can turn a standard internet connection into a method for placing phone calls anywhere in the world virtually free, except for your internet service fee, enabling you to bypass the phone companies entirely. Voice Over IP (VOIP) has the potential to completely revolutionise the way the worlds phone systems operate. There are many VOIP service providers that have been around for a while, and are growing steadily. Now the worlds leading telecommunications operators are waking up to the endless possibilities of this new technology, setting up VOIP calling centres around the world and promoting the sales of Voice Over IP phone systems. Making a call With VOIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three ways: ATA (gateway) - The simplest way to make a VOIP phone call is through the use of ATA's (analogue telephone adaptor) sometimes called gateways. These devices enable you to make use of your existing standard analogue phones. You simply plug your standard handset into the ATA (gateway) then connect the ATA to your computer or your internet connection, enabling you to make VOIP calls. An ATA takes the analogue signal from your standard phone and turns it into a digital signal that ready for transmission over the internet. Some ATA's (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer, enabling you to configure it for VOIP accurately. IP Phones - These handsets look just like normal standard handsets. They have an RJ 45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the necessary software and hardware to handle VOIP calls already built in them. They connect directly to your router, providing a very fast and cost effective entry into the world of Voice Over IP. Computer to computer - This is the easiest way to make use of the VOIP technology. There are many companies offering cost effective software that you can use for this type of VOIP. Usually the only charge you pay is the monthly one from your internet service provider, even for long distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable sound card and a fast internet connection. Chances are that you have already made a VOIP call without even realising it. The major phone companies already use VOIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing VOIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it finds its way into every business and household across the globe. VoIP Features Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATA's with them on trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone. Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone is a specially developed software application that loads the VOIP service onto your desktop computer or laptop. Some even have an interface on the screen that looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to place VOIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a broadband connection. Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra features that are added to your account. With VOIP service providers these usually come as standard. Features such as: 1. Caller ID 2. Call Waiting 3. Call Transfer 4. Repeat Dialling 5. Return Call 6. Three-Way Dialling Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using caller ID information. They allow you to: 1. Forward the call to a particular number 2. Send the call directly to voicemail 3. Give the caller a busy signal 4. Play a "not-in-service" message Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the internet or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or PDA. It's best to check with VOIP phone system suppliers and service operators exactly what features they offer as package and service prices vary greatly. There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a streamlined VOIP phone system network. For the network administrators, a VOIP phone system means they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VOIP phone systems can be configured using a web interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC (move, add, change) process is made much easier, and you will not have to call your system/service provider for every MAC you carry out. All this means lower ongoing costs for your company. Another cost saving for companies who implement a VOIP system is, because multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world are seamlessly connected, they can share many of the features VOIP can offer, such as: 1. One single receptionist 2. Auto attendant facilities 3. Voice mail system Choosing a VOIP phone system If you have decided that a VOIP phone system is the right step for your company, next you need to determine which of your existing telephone equipment you are able to keep. The potential cost savings that can be made through using any existing digital equipment are huge. Many digital phone systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions and software upgrades. When shopping around for potential systems you need to be certain of the features they provide as standard and which are optional cost extras. You also need to be certain of exactly what is included with the system. Many suppliers claim to include everything you need, but standard components can vary from one company to the other. So you need to sure you are comparing equivalent systems when approaching potential suppliers. You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The technology used in many VOIP systems may affect the implementation of any existing telephone hardware. You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax machines, credit card processors, and security systems etc can be integrated into your new VOIP phone system. You should make any potential vendor aware of such devices so they can provide you with a suitable phone system for your requirements. Finally, do not try to save money by buying used VOIP phone systems. Remember VOIP is a new technology, so even last years equipment is outdated. Also the installation cost will still apply whether the system is new or second hand, and the service costs may even be higher due to reliability issues. To put it simply it just isn't worth the hassle, the higher secondary costs will wipe out any potential saving. Thanks for reading, Jason *********************************************************************************
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Will the Bell System Survive? A Massive Transfer of Wealth from Bell to VoIP is Underway Will the Bell System Survive? A Massive Transfer of Wealth from Bell to VoIP Is Underway.The "Internet Revolution" has brought us e-mail, the World Wide Web and quick, convenient ways to communicate that we've come to take for granted. Try VoIP for Free - No Commitment, No Hardware Try VoIP Before BuyingSo you like the concept of 'cutting' your phone service in favour of VoIP but are hesitant to take the plunge and abandon your 'Landline' without trying it out for yourself first. Perhaps the advertised features and rates all sound a little 'too-good-to-be-true'. Is VoIP the "Next Big Thing" in Telecommunications? VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol has been simmering for the past few years. This year the market has heated up. How VoIP Works -- Busting Out of Long Distance Rates VoIP is the newest advancement in audio communications technology, and has a variety of different applications that make it useful. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and how VoIP works is actually quite revolutionary because it streamlines the process of sending analog audio signals by converting them to a much easier to send digital form for transmission. Will VoIP be a Mass Market Product? A common thinking among "Marketing people " is that for every product that enters the market there must be a path, a target, a need ( real or created) that decides how the product must enter the consumer's life, which part of the population is more likely to go for it, which niche it is going to fill and, most important ".. Text To Speech - Its Simple Looking for a natural voice speech engine? Curious about what software can read your e-mails. Here is the latest TTS (text-to-speach) news. Alarm Systems & VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Phone Lines An astounding and unexpected number of people are dropping their (POTS) plain old telephone system, for the latest trends in phone service, VoIP. According to Frost & Sullivan there were 100,000 VoIP users at the end of 2003. Using a Bluetooth Headset with your PC BluetoothFor those of you not familiar with the term, Bluetooth refers to a wireless protocol (or set of rules) designed for short range electronic applications (usually less than 30 feet in distance). Although the technology has been around for several years, Bluetooth support for PC users has been limited due to hardware manufacturers focusing on the more traditional 802. What Do You Know About VoIP? What is VoIPVoIP is an acronym for voice over internet protocol, aka voice over ip phone. A VoIP, in essence, is a computer phone that allows you to make phone calls from your computer to anyone in the world, e. VoIP Phone Home? The movie Extra Terrestrial (ET) coined the phrase "phone home" and each year American's look for more cost effective ways to do just that. The past 10 years have seen the development and growing popularity of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies to achieve cost savings over the traditional circuit-switched telephone networks. Google Joins the Internet Phone Revolution Its not so long ago that the idea of free phone calls over the Internet would have been thought an impossibility, but as any knowledgeable user will tell you they are now commonplace. Skype the pioneer and market leader has 51 million users and a great, easy to use software package that allows your computer to make Internet phone calls between subscribers. VoIP in the Home VoIP is set to revolutionise home communications. With VoIP you can make telephone calls over your broadband connection for free! Well in some cases you can, in other cases you might need to pay a monthly subscription to a VoIP service provider. Making PC to Phone VoIP Calls over Dial-Up Internet Connections There's a lot of hype these days surrounding Internet-based voice communications (VoIP) replacing traditional telephone service. Most of this revolves around companies such as Vonage who coin themselves as the 'Broadband Phone Company'. Faxing over VoIP As far as VoIP has come in Voice telephone calls, faxing over VoIP still has a lot of room to improve.Have you ever tried to fax on your residential VoIP line? I have, and it didn't go well. Things You Should Consider When Selecting a VoIP Provider The following are very important factors to consider when you are selecting a VoIP provider. Educate yourself and be informed before you choose. Needless HIGH RISK Exposure For Business Using Computer Phones The Facts? Computer phones (VoIP) offer the most optimal means of communicating when considering quality and cost, and can save businesses up to 80% on their phone bills when calling from PC to PC, to landlines, or to mobile phones, regardless of company size.? Over 90% of all VoIP solutions providers operate on unsecure lines or platforms, whether free or charging for services. Take Advantage of Internet Phone Calls (VOIP) Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a relatively new technology. Voice Over IP allows people to leave behind the old and very traditional analogue phone networks and now adapt in favor of the very new and very progressive Internet-based calling system infrastructure. Outstanding VoIP Voicemail Features Makes Getting VoIP Voicemail Extremely Convenient There are many types of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) protocols that are employed by the VoIP providers currently providing VoIP calling plans. Luckily for the consumers, the VoIP providers have listened to what functions the consumers want in their Voicemails. Do You Text Chat (IM) Online? IM (Instant Messaging) - man, we thought we had it made in the shade when we stumbled over this unique way to communicate! Outside of talking person-to-person on the phone, IM was the next best thing. Texting talk was endless and cost was nonexistent. How Voip Can Mask The Size Of Your Business And Save You A Bundle Have you heard the buzz about VOIP (Voice Over Internt Protocol)? Basically, it's like communicating over the phone without a phone. Instead you plug your microphone into your computer log on to a website and "boom" you're talking baby.
|
| home | site map | Voip Friends | Resource Directory |
| © 2006 |
