By: Masni Rizal Mansor
VoIP
is Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard telephone lines are referred to as PSTN or the Public
Switched Telephone Network. PSTN works on circuit switching. A good example of circuit switching is
the old switchboard operator who would connect callers to receivers by the use of electrical
circuits. VoIP is Packet Switching. Packet Switching consists of data packets, or packets of
information being carried across the Internet, from your computer to either another computer or
PSTN telephone.
VoIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VoIP when you use an Instant
Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ,
and even Google have VoIP Instant Messaging programs. The benefits of these programs are that they
are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk
over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the
same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can
talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VoIP Instant Messengers.
Another method of VoIP technology is to use a VoIP service provider for your basic telephony
needs. A very familiar company is Vonage. For a monthly fee, you will receive VoIP services, the
same as you pay for your regular telephone services. You can choose to use your VoIP service over
the Internet, or you can choose to connect your VoIP to your standard telephone. By connecting a
VoIP phone adapter to your modem and standard phone, you will be able to use your VoIP service and
your telephone as you would with any other telephone service provider.
Many people prefer to use a VoIP service provider because the cost of local and long
distance calling with VoIP is very inexpensive. Many providers offer unlimited calling plans. There
are other features that are often bundled with your service plan. Features such as Voicemail,
Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, and 3 Way Calling are often included for free in your
selected VoIP plan. By choosing your VoIP service provide and installing a phone adapter, you will
be on your way to making low cost VoIP calls in minutes.
You can also purchase a specialized VoIP phone. These phones come in both cordless and
corded styles. The cordless VoIP phones work the same as standard cordless phones.
Many of these phones also come with conferencing features and are suitable for small or home
business needs.
Another form of VoIP telephones are the VoWiFi phones. These are wireless VoIP phones. This
is the same technology as VoIP, only you are not limited to a plugged in connection. You can use
your VoWiFi phone wherever there is a wireless High Speed Internet Connection. These phones are
more expensive then mobile phones, and haven’t had all of the kinks worked out yet. However, they
are still a cost effective choice for those who would like to save a little money.
VoIP has proved to be a viable source of telecommunications. Many companies are now offering
VoIP services and those who aren’t have plans to do so. Companies such as Verizon and Sprint offer
VoIP services. Other companies are working on creating VoIP phones and VoWiFi phones.
There are Hybrid phones on the market, which allow for both VoWiFi and Cellular calling.
These phones have many people excited. They can work in a network range as a cellular phone, and
then, they can work as a VoWiFi phone, avoiding all roaming charges.
The FCC has issued some regulations regarding VoIP and the ability to call 911. Because VoIP
uses the Internet and not a landline phone, when a call is made to 911 from a VoIP connection, the
operator who receives the call receives none of the caller’s pertinent information. This includes
address or location of the call. Some service providers do not supply 911 at all; others have what
is known as Enhanced 911 services. To use these services you may need to activate your service, as
well as register your information with 911. However, you will need to sign a statement when you
apply for your VoIP services stating that you understand your 911 capabilities may be lim
Article source: http://www.articlecube.com/Article/What-You-Should-Know-About-VoIP/17430
