SolveYourProblem eLearning Series
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

What Do VoIP Phone Adapters Do?
by Jeff Cohen

VoIP phone adapters enable users to use their standard telephones with their VoIP services. VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. It is the technology of transmitting audio as data packets over the Internet to a receiving computer, VoIP enabled phone, or a standard telephone. The standard telephone system is known as the PSTN or Public Switched Telephone Network. The very infrastructure of VoIP and PSTN are completely different networks. People have experienced VoIP technology by using a microphone and speakers connected to their computers, but thanks to phone adapters, users can put away the microphones and speak over VoIP with standard telephones.

A simple form of VoIP is used with many Instant Messaging programs. For free, a computer user can download an Instant Messaging program, connect their computer speakers and a microphone, and make a free long distance (or international) call to another pc user. Many Instant Messaging programs are incorporating VoIP services. You can use Yahoo Messenger, AOL, Skype, ICQ, MSN, and Google to make pc-to-pc free phone calls.

Another more advanced form of VoIP is to use a monthly service provider for the handling of all of your telephone needs. A VoIP provider will work much like your traditional telephone service yet you will not need to have your house wired or have phone jacks installed. With a phone adapter you will be able to transform your household phone into a phone that will work with your VoIP service. You can also connect a portable phone to the adapter and have a portable phone that operates on your VoIP service. Your service provider will provide you with the telephony adapter.

As VoIP products and services continue to evolve, we can expect more VoIP phones will hit the market. There are currently a few models on the market as well as VoWiFi phones- VoIP’S answer to cellular.

People prefer VoIP to standard PSTN networks. For many it is the cost savings that are making this the telephony method of choice. You can find unlimited local and long distance calling plans for as little as $20.00 a month. VoIP providers are creeping up everywhere. From major telephone companies like Verizon to Cellular giants such as Cingular everyone is eyeing VoIP.

VoIP offers tremendous benefits. For instance, many of the calling features that are available on a pay basis with standard telephone networks are typically included free of charge with VoIP service providers. These features include but are not limited to: Voice Mail, Caller Id, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, and *69.

Residential customers are pleased with the freedom that the phone adapter offers them. Though many would still use VoIP if they were confined to a microphone and speakers, the ability to speak freely on your telephone or cordless handset has even greater appeal for those who are considering VoIP services.

Businesses are also taking advantage of the amazing saving opportunities that come with VoIP. Small businesses like the ability to integrate features such as voice, fax, and web-based applications that are provided with VoIP. VoIP has great audio quality and offers employers and employees flexibility. Many businesses have noticed a significant increase in productivity and employer/employee relations since switching to VoIP.

Phone adapters give mobile employees the ability to take their phone number with them, anywhere they have a High Speed Internet connection. This has revolutionized the concept of customer service, and brought an increase of services provided by those in sales and other occupations where travel is a frequent requirement. Now, if a worker is away from the desk, traveling, or about mobile business, there needs to be no hesitant for customers or clients to stay connected. There is no need to transfer calls through secretaries stationed at desks. Thanks to VoIP, employees can receive their important business calls unhindered.

Call centers have also adopted VoIP as their method of communications. VoIP integrates so many features that are vital to the success of a prosperous business that it is any wonder that not every company has made the switch to VoIP.

Though the future will unveil many other new products and features, phone adapters continue to bridge the distance between PSTN and VoIP. The ability to bring your phone number with you has positively revolutionized the way people communicate.

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