VoIP - Voice Over Internet

From early starts in 1973, the capability to transmit voice messages over the Internet was added over the years, the way we make phone calls is changing. Take long distance calls, for Many service providers are already using a technology called Voice Over IP or VOIP for short, Other expressions for the same subject are also Voice over Broadband, Broadband Phone, Broadband Telephony, IP Telephony and Internet Telephony.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is a method for turning analogue audio signals into digital data that can be transferred over the internet. The digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You first hear a dial tone than the call is made. You are also able to place a call directly from your computer using a conventional telephone or microphone.

Integration of VoIP with other services that are available for the Internet includes video conversation, audio conferencing, and data file exchange, sharing address books, and finding out if additional partners (friends or colleagues) are present online.

There may be differences about the charges (or the lack of them) for long range connections who different service providers may or may not debit to their customers. Some services are offered at no cost, but not all the facilities normally proposed by regular phone companies are available to Voice IP users.

Your existing incoming high-speed Internet connection should be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal. In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). ATA takes the analogue signal from your standard phone and turns it into a digital signal that ready for transmission over the internet. Some ATA's (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer, enabling you to configure it for VOIP accurately. Alternatively, you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice. This is called an SIP Phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant.

Not all VoIP services provide connections with centers of emergency services. Emergency call numbers of Public telephone services are generally unreachable through the Internet except if special procedures are in place.

Moreover, VoIP reliability is put in the cause because occasional power blackouts may hinder transmission as these services are not backed up as phone companies are.

It is difficult to locate geographically network users who are using IP Telephony. Therefore, Emergency Calls cannot be easily routed to a call center near the origin except if the caller can provide an address.

Although there are many advantages of VoIP, present are also quite a few disadvantages.

• The problem of privacy of voice transmission over VoIP is still unlocked as encryption is adopted only by some service providers. Therefore, it is believed that eavesdropping of Voice IP conversation is possible, using open source solutions.
• If for any reason, you lose your internet connection. You will not have to phone service. Therefore, you must use a cellular phone should this type of situation arise.
• If your network has a large quantity of computers connected, and they are all using the internet at the same Your TIME VoIP quality will generally be less than desirable. One way to avoid this situation is to invest in an Ethernet.
• Audio quality is one of the largest issues. No matter what your VoIP service offers you, the basic role of any phone is voicing communication. If the quality is not up to par, next there is absolutely no point to all the bells and whistles that comes with the service. If you have a lot of background noise, then a VoIP that can handle music, video, caller ID and a variety of other advanced features is practically useless. The type of phone you have, as well as the frequency can affect the quality of your VoIP. Many people believe that the higher a phone's frequency is, the improved the quality of VoIP. However, in some instances, a lower frequency phone may fit your connection better; you may want to try a phone if you are experiencing a lot of audio feedback.

Even with all the advancements of VoIP, there are times when the audio quality suffers. Since VoIP relies completely on the internet connection, anytime the internet suffers so will the VoIP.

If you have decided that a VOIP phone system is the right step, next you need to determine which of your accessible telephone equipment you are able to keep. The potential cost savings that can be made through using any existing digital equipment are huge. Many digital phone systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions and software upgrades.

When shopping around for potential systems you need to be sure of the features they provide as standard and, which are optional cost extras. You also need to be certain of exactly. What is included with the system? Many suppliers claim to include everything you need, but standard components can vary from one company to the other. So you need to sure you are comparing equivalent systems when approaching potential suppliers.

You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The technology used in many VOIP systems may affect the implementation of any existing telephone hardware.

You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax machines, credit card processors, and security systems, etc. can be integrated into your new VOIP phone system. You should make any potential vendor aware of such devices, so they can provide you with a suitable phone system for your requirements.

Overall, VoIP - Voice over Internet is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP is not passing through, they are here to stay. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service; it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.

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