With VOIP technology, you can now place a phone call to someone on the
other side of the world using your broadband internet connection rather
than a telephone. VOIP technology, in essence, takes the analog signals
from your voice and converts them into digital signals able to travel
over the internet. Then, at the other end, VOIP converts the digital
signal back to the spoken word. Types of VOIP service vary.
Some VOIP providers only allow you to call other users of the same VOIP
provider; other VOIP providers allow you to call anyone with a
telephone. To break it down, there are three basic types of VOIP
service: With an ATA (an analog voice adaptor), which is box that
connects your computer (or your internet connection) to your telephone
for VOIP use. With an IP phone, a special VOIP phone that is by all
appearances a regular telephone but with special Ethernet connectors
allowing you to hook it up to your router. Before long, WIFI VOIP
phones will be on the market, allowing you to place a VOIP call from
any internet hot-spot.With just your computer, you can install VOIP
software and place, for free sometimes, VOIP phone calls anywhere in
the world.
Get a sound card, speakers, a microphone, and an internet connection,
preferably broadband, and youÕre good to go. Probably one of the most
apparent benefits of VOIP is how it relieves you of the need to pay the
telephone company for phone service. That's one more bill out of your
life! You only need to pay your broadband bill (plus VOIP charges) to
have your telephoning needs met as well, and a VOIP bill is usually
much cheaper than a phone bill. If you carry an internet-enabled laptop
with you wherever you go, say, on a vacation, then all you need to do
is bring your VOIP adapter and/or IP telephone and you've got service
as good as, if not sometimes better than, a cell phone.You must also
consider the disadvantages before diving in and going VOIP. For one,
your VOIP service may not respond well during power outages and server
failures. If your internet is ever out, your VOIP will be out as well,
and thus your ability to place phone calls.
Additionally, not all VOIP providers offer 9-1-1 or directory
assistance calls. Before purchasing VOIP hardware and service, make
sure the VOIP company you choose provides the services you need.
Interestingly enough, you may have been placing VOIP calls for a long
time now without even knowing it. Telephone companies have been using
VOIP technology to make their services more efficient. You can also
expect most of the same features from your VOIP service provider as you
currently get from your phone company. VOIP service often includes
caller ID, call waiting, call transfer, return call, and other
convenient features youÕre used to.
Additionally some VOIP providers offer call-filtering services, letting
you choose how calls from a designated number are dealt with. Maybe you
forward the call to a different number elsewhere, maybe the caller gets
a busy signal from you, or a message saying your number is Òno longer
in serviceÓ. Some even allow you to check your voicemail over VOIP and
add voice messages as email attachments.VOIP is a burgeoning technology
with extremely promising possibilities ahead of it. Before long, Ma
Bell may become obsolete.
