SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series
VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol)
VoIP:
What Do I Need To Use It?
by Jeff Cohen
To
use Voice over Internet Protocol, you will need some basic
things. First needed is an up to date computer with
High Speed Internet access. You will also need to have updated
audio and video Codecs as well as the updated version of
DivX. You can keep your computer updated by utilizing
your Windows Update program.
You
will also need to decide which service provider you will
like to use. A good idea is to make a written
list of your needs, wants, and features in a phone. This
will help you compare different plans and choose the service
provider that will best fit your needs. If you are looking
for residential or business service, make sure that you
note that in your list. Residential plans usually come
in two forms- basic (which is a certain amount of minutes)
and unlimited (which will give you unlimited local and
long distance talk time). Business plans can include amenities
such as multiple phones, greater minute talk time, greater
unlimited calling plans, business features bundled with
your plan, faxing and voicemail to your computer capabilities,
and extras such as yellow page listings. Check with the
company to find the plan that meets your requirements.
The service provider that you select will also let you
know what type of computer requirements you will need.
Make sure that your computer is up to date and in compliance
with your chosen provider’s requirements.
You
will also need a Telephony Adapter. Your VoIP
service provider will provide this.
With
a phone adapter you will be able to transform your household
phone into a phone that will work with your VoIP service.
Phone adapters simply plug in to your Cable or DSl modem
by an Ethernet cable, and then you can connect your telephone
to the adapter with a phone jack. You can also connect a
portable phone to the adapter and have a portable phone that
operates on your VoIP service. This is not to be confused
with a cellular phone; this is just a standard portable phone
to be used indoors.
You
will also have the option of choosing your phone number. This
is one of the best features that VoIP has to offer. If
you just want to transfer your old number to your new VoIP
system, check with your service provider before making
your final decision. Many VoIP providers will allow you
to transfer your phone number. If you want to select a
different area code, this option has many advantages. First,
for friends and family members who don’t have unlimited
long distance calling, selecting the same area code as
them can save them money. They will appreciate being able
to call you as if it were a local call.
This
strategy is also very beneficial for those whose businesses
are targeting specific areas. Say there is a California company,
yet they want to increase business in Tampa, Florida. By
selecting the Tampa, Florida area code, they can increase
sales and productivity by having a local number for customers
to call. This also reduces the need for a toll free number.
You
will also need to install your features and activate them. This
can be done easily over the Internet.
VoIP
comes with many features included in your service plan. For
residential customers these include Voicemail, Caller ID,
Call Forwarding, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Always
check with your service provider for a detailed listing
of the features included with your plan. For Small businesses,
amenities such as multi phone users, free fax lines, and
integrating your VoIP and web features are all available.
VoIP also contains many of the same features bundled with
basic plans as well. When you are choosing a provider,
compare their business plans and select the one that best
fits your business needs.
As
VoIP technology continues to advance, a new array of accessories
appears on the market. Today you can choose from VoIP phones,
headsets, and even VoIP videophones that work as a web camera
incorporating video with your audio.
Finally,
you will need to enjoy using your VoIP service. Whether you
choose basic or unlimited plans, you will find that VoIP
provides more freedom, reliability, high standards of quality,
and the most cost efficient method of handling your telecommunications
needs then thought possible.
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