.: VoIP – More Basic than a Basic How To
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Have you not even heard the expression VoIP or Voice over internet protocol. It provides the ability to make phone calls over the internet at very low cost or even free. But what is it all about and how do you use it?
VoIP has several different ways in which it can be utilized. The first method is known as a softphone which basically means you download some software from a provider like Skype or VoipStunt, connect up a headset, set up the account and away you go. In other articles I have written I have provided comparisons of several providers including Skype, VoipStunt and Vonage.
The second method of making phone calls over the internet is by having an account with a VoIP provider such as Vonage or Skype (or Engin in Australia) and utilizing a piece of hardware known as an ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor. This connects to your internet connection through an Ethernet connection to your ADSL or cable modem and allows connection of a standard telephone being normal, cordless or DECT. Often you can also connect a fax.
Methods of Operation
There are varying methods of operation. You may only wish to make outgoing calls through VoIP which means you will not need a ‘normal’ type phone number. If you wish to receive incoming calls from landline telephones, ie the caller isn’t calling over the internet using VoIP, you will need to have that service ability with your provider and a number to go with it.
It is possible that you can retain your fixed line and have both VoIP and normal PSTN to the ATA which will mean both will ring at the same time. Additionally if there is a blackout or power failure you can still connect to the PSTN.
You will need to review your providers conditions to work out costs of calling outside of the VoIP network. In many cases this can still be free or very low cost indeed, including overseas calls. Often there is a flat rate for local and long distance calls but again this varies from Voip provider to provider. As mentioned earlier, previous articles I have written compare some of the services offered by the larger VoIP players.
There is an issue to consider around emergency calls. Skype and VoipStunt openly include in their terms and conditions that they do not provide access to emergency services calls. For this reason they are realistically utilized as a second phone service. However certainly in Australia, Engin provide access to emergency services through the triple zero 000 emergency number. Many people now have mobile phones so access to emergency services is much more available anyway.
Equipment
From earlier in the article you can see that equipment needed and relevant costs can vary from a headset, to an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. These are not overly expensive and often available for free or cheap when joining a VoIP provider. A google search or visit to eBay will provide ability to get updated on current costs however it does not cost a fortune to commence accessing cheap or free phone calls.
Summary
This article has looks at the absolute basics of VoIP and how to get started. Further articles, information about VoIP products can be accessed by reading previous articles I have written.
Article keywords: Voip, vonage, voipstunt, skype, broadband telephone, internet telephone, ata, analog telephone adaptor, softphone
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol
.: New VOIP Articles
1). 6 Voice Over IP Tips
There are many benefits to VoIP. Here are 6 benefits we found to voice over ip. You may be able to think of even more reasons to switch or to include this exciting way to communicate at reduced prices.
2). Top 10 Reasons You Should Switch To VoIP
If you are considering changing to voice over internet protocol or VoIP for short you need to know the arguments for changing. Here are our top 10 reasons to switch to VoIP.
3). 7 Good Reasons Not To Switch To Voice Over IP Technology
For every positive there is a negative when it comes to voice over ip technology. Here are 7 good reasons not to switch in spite of the savings you may realize.
4). How To Choose The Best Voice Over Ip Provider
Choosing the best voice over ip provider may require you to do something that you have never done before. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best voice over ip provider.
5). Residential VoIP: Things to Consider Before Switching
Choosing VoIP over traditional telephone services has its pros and cons just like anything else. It is up to the consumer to weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and to come to a conclusion with eyes wide open.
6). Advantages of IP Telephony for the Residential Consumer
As more of us are building our own local area networks at home to connect our family members to each others data and appliances, broadband connections to the outside world have expanded our pipe to the Internet, giving us plenty of bandwidth to consider converging our home network with voice over IP telephony.
7). VoIP Communication Technology
VoIP... or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is the latest and greatest communications technology.
.: Top VOIP Articles
1). VoIP Problems?
Well of course there's VoIP problems, although I think problems is too strong of a word. Instead I would call this VoIP issues. (Just semantics? maybe, read on!)
Some may be old enough to remember making long distance calls where there was static or crackling on the phone line connection. Maybe you remember having to speak LOUDER in order to be heard on the line.
2). How To Set Up A Business VoIP System
To set up a business VoIP system, you need several components. A central device to manage the calls, the way a private branch exchange (PBX) or key system unit (KSU) does in traditional phone systems is one of them.
This can be a dedicated piece of hardware such as an IP PBX, a regular PBX that has been IP-enabled, or a server running specialized software.
3). VoIP Information: Benefits & Drawbacks
Once upon a time, a telephone was just a telephone. You set the base in your home and it featured either a corded or cordless handset for talking to family and friends. Even though that same telephone remains the standard, VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is increasing in popularity and gradually beginning to change the way that the world sends and receives telephone calls.
4). Skype versus Yahoo
With the influx of complaints regarding Skype’s fall from grace, Danny Wirken measures up the top competitor and internet giant Yahoo!’s news internet telephony service.
Cheaper, faster, better quality, better customer service and a brand you can trust. These are the things Yahoo! want you take away from any of their promotional material for the new Yahoo! voice VoIP service.
5). Voice Over Ip – What Is It And What Are The Choices?
Voice over Internet Protocol. First was the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell had a vision. He saw people communicating over long distances with their own voice, not trough beeps and squeaks. Then came the Internet. A few students and the US military had a vision, somewhat similar to Bell’s. They saw people communicating over long distances, but this time in writing.
6). Why VOIP?
Voice Over Internet Protocol delivers the service of converting the analog line into a digital signal so that voice could be transferred through the internet and this proves to be a lot cheaper than the PSTN (public switched telephone network). Voip is the best for making long distance calls in, inexpensive rates.
Voip and IP telephony are fields which have seen extensive growth and they continue to develop efficiently.
7). Advanced VoIP Gateway Technology
Increased demand for video-based applications in the mobile network drive the deployment of 3G networks. Inherent complexities in traditional video gateways cause performance bottlenecks and inflate costs. If the industry expects to absorb the impending explosion in demand, these proposed cost-saving and complexity-reducing changes are needed.
Unrelenting market demand for video-based applications over mobile networks is driving the increased deployment of 3G networks.