Enjoy Free Calls and More with VoIP

Using VoIP can be very beneficial to a lot of people, including residential homes, small businesses and large corporations.  Everyday, people are making the big switch to Voice over Internet Protocol as a means of communication, because of its many features and advantages.  For you to fully understand what Voice Over IP can do, then it is recommended that you know a little background on the subject matter, what it is, and how it works.   

What exactly is it?

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is basically the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.  At first, the IP or Internet Protocol was originally designed for data networking.  But because of its growing success in data networking, it then expanded to voice networking. 

How does it work?

Voice over Internet Protocol works by converting analog signals (same with the sound you hear when talking on the phone) to digital data that can be recognized by the computer and transmitted over the Internet.  This digital data is then decoded back into analog signals for the call to be heard and understood by the receiver. 

There are three methods you can use to connect to a Voice over Internet Protocol network:

· Using a Voice over Internet Protocol telephone

Specialized Voice over Internet Protocol telephones look just like regular phones with a handset, cradle and buttons.  However, IP phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the typical RJ-11 phone connector.  It directly connects to your router, and contains all the necessary hardware and software in order for you to handle IP calls. 

· Using an “ordinary” telephone with a Voice over Internet Protocol adapter

You can use an ATA or analog telephone adaptor.  Through this, you can connect a standard phone to your computer or Internet connection for you to use Voice over Internet Protocol.  It is an analog-to-digital converter so it translates the analog signals from your regular phone into digital data that is ready for transmission over the Internet. 

· Using a computer with speakers and microphone

This is basically the easiest way for you to use Voice over Internet Protocol.  With it, you don’t have to pay for long-distance calls.  All you need is a computer, the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card, and a fast Internet connection.  The only fees that will be charged will be your normal monthly ISP fee, and no charge for computer-to-computer calls, no matter the distance. 

What are its benefits?

When compared to your ordinary landline telephone cost, using Voice over IP is a lot cheaper.  Also, it allows you to integrate computer applications like email, web conferencing, fax and video phone.  And you can have number portability, where wherever you go, you can use the same number, for as long as an Internet connection is available.  Other features like call forwarding, call waiting, do not disturb, caller ID, 3-way calling also come with Voice over IP.

So whether you plan to use your VoIP for residential purposes, or for your small business or corporation, it could be the answer to your communication needs.