SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series
VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol)
How
Exactly Does VoIP
(Voice over Internet Protocol) Work?
by Jeff Cohen
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 limited.
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