VoIP is the latest advancement in audio communications technology and has a
variety of different applications that make it useful. VoIP stands for Voice
about Internet Protocol, and how VoIP works is actually quite revolutionary.
because it speeds up the process of sending analog audio signals by converting
to a much easier digital format to send for broadcast.
To understand how VoIP works, you will need to understand the basic concept
behind regular analog audio communication too, as this is the precursor
for VoIP. Analog phone calls are actually made over fiber optic networks by
digitize your voice communications to send the signal through thousands of
miles, but once you reach your final destination (a home or office phone, for
example), the signal is converted back to analog.
During these calls, the switches remain open even when there is dead air and
no conversation is taking place; the circuit is also open in both directions
even when only one party speaks and the other listens. this is not
terribly efficient, and slows down the communication of information
significantly.
Streamlines VoIP packet switching
VoIP works on a different premise: instead of circuit switching, data
packet switching sends and receives information only when you need it instead of
in a constant flow. It also sends information packets along any open
channels are available instead of a dedicated line, which is much more
efficient. The information is simply reassembled at the source.
The payload of each packet has a destination encoded that determines the
final destination. When the computer on the other end receives all these
packets, it will reassemble the information into a usable form. this way of
sending audio data is extremely efficient because you always need the cheapest
route that is also the least congested.
The compression of information and the use of multiple paths to send
that information through the most efficient path makes sending audio through packets
change faster, much less expensive and more efficient. the number of calls
that can be sent is orders of magnitude higher than it was with the most
traditional analog circuit switching systems.
For businesses, the savings on long distance charges can be in the hundreds or
even thousands of dollars a year. If companies also do extensive conference
calls, VoIP makes even more sense when combined with conferencing options like
such as document exchange in systems offered by companies such as Voxwire and iVocalize.
There are different types of VoIP calls available
- The most widely used VoIP system is from one computer to another. To set up this type of service, you will need to have a sound card installed on both computers along with microphones and an Internet connection. For practical purposes, you’ll want a broadband or DSL connection: a dial-up modem will be so slow that sound quality won’t be as good. Other than that, all you need is a software package that can set you up with everything you need to use VoIP to make phone calls to anyone who is also set up with the same system.
- You can also invest in IP phones if you want something that looks like your standard analog phones but with VoIP connectivity. These simply replace the old-style RJ-11 connectors with Ethernet (RJ-45) connectors. Hardware such as routers and the necessary software are integrated.
- Analog Telephone Adapters (ATA) allow you to connect a standard telephone to your computer’s Internet connection to take advantage of VoIP options. ATA converts analog signals to digital so that they can be transmitted correctly over the Internet.
- The newest option on the market is the Wi-Fi phone, which uses the short-distance Internet transmission of VoIP to replace cell phone calls. Wi-Fi transmits over the radio spectrum to cover areas that are short-range to users in certain areas, and these “hot spots” have appeared in the US.
The result of VoIP is that standard long distance charges may soon become a
a thing of the past As more and more consumers turn to VoIP and broadband
The connections make it easy and inexpensive (as well as practical) to make the phone
calls over the Internet, fewer people will be willing to pay high rates for
make a phone call that they can do for free or next to nothing through their
computer.
VoIP saves you money over long distance
There are no per-minute charges with VoIP, no set-up fees, and no “airtime.”
day” or overages. That’s the beauty of VoIP plans. You only pay a
monthly fee and you can make all the calls you want from your computer for one
monthly fee. It’s so simple and elegant, and it’s the solution that everyone
Been wishing and waiting too long.
You do not have to wait for a certain time of day of the day of the week to make
phone calls with VoIP. There is also the advantage of being able to use your
VoIP connection from anywhere; remember, you are not tied to a phone jack to
use your number, but an internet connection, so you can call from anywhere with
many calling plans.
Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calls
They are listed below with their most popular options:
- vonage currently offers a $24.95 per month unlimited VoIP package to anywhere in the US or Canada. Includes voice mail, call forwarding, three-way calling, call waiting, and caller ID.
- package 8 can provide unlimited VoIP for $19.95 a month in the US and Canada with a variety of features like call waiting and three-way calling, and can also give you videophone service for around $29.95 a month.
- AT&T Calling Advantage provides regular US and Canadian broadband calling with voicemail, call waiting, etc. along with email, a call log and a ‘do not disturb’ option, all for $29.99 a month. You can also keep your phone number for life no matter where you go, a great feature for those who move a lot.
VoIP in web conferencing packages
VoIP is used in almost all web conferencing services as an alternative to
standard conference calls, and looking at these packages will give you an idea
of some ways to combine VoIP with extras like whiteboards, document sharing
and video For less expensive options, many companies can provide strictly audio
VoIP conference calls mixed with text messaging and document sharing without
video.
Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate from
videoconference are:
- voxwire offers voice communication with features such as auto-queuing, mute options, individual speaker settings, and moderator controls along with a “follow me” browser system so all participants can see a shared desktop. Two people can use VoIP for $9.95 per month, or up to ten in a conference setting for $29.95 per month.
- VoiceCoffee offers similar services with a wide range of options ranging from VoIP-capable packages for five people at a time on a conference call to 500 on a conference call, all for a fixed monthly fee. Prices vary depending on the package you choose, and there are several.
- iVocalize offers VoIP along with Internet conferencing options such as PowerPoint presentation capabilities and recording presentations for future playback. They also provide optional Unicode translation in thirteen languages. The most basic VoIP package starts at $10.00 per month with prices gradually increasing based on your needs and how many will be participating in your conference calls.
It is obvious that both conference calls and standard long distance calls
calls will change a lot in the near future as VoIP changes the
phone service overview. The “fixed lines” for long distance calls
eventually becomes obsolete as broadband becomes more common and makes VoIP only
as common as any other type of phone call.
And with the increased portability of built-in softphone options on laptops and
using ATA phone adapters, VoIP usage in the average home will happen
Better sooner rather than later.
This article on “How VoIP Works” reprinted with
permission.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.