The Basics Of VoIP Devices

Making long distance phone calls usually means that you have to
commit to a long distance carrier through your phone company,
and pay often steep per-minute charges and fees just to call a
friend or loved one. Often, the cost of the phone call depends
on the day and time of the day that you are making it, as well
as the location you are calling to. The minutes you talk add up
quickly, and the monthly long distance bill can be a shock to
your system and your bank account. Fortunately, there is an
exciting technology that is gives you the option of saying
goodbye to traditional long distance for good. It is VOIP is or
Voice Over Internet Protocol, and it’s in the process of
changing the face of long-distance telephone systems forever.
VOIP works by taking analog audio systems and converting them
into digital data, which can be sent over the Internet. This
means that your kitchen telephone could possibly become
obsolete. It will not be the only place to call friends and
family that live far away. VOIP can make your Internet
connection, and your home computer, the place that you make your
long-distance phone calls - free of charge. Because you use VOIP
devices and software that are widely available, the phone
company is not involved. No phone company means that there are
no hefty long-distance charges for you to pay. VOIP is a
convenient and affordable way to keep in touch with those who
live far away from you.



There are several types of VOIP devices available that can be
used to place calls from your home computer. They are relatively
simple to use, and often cost very little, if anything at all,
to implement. They are all commonly in use, and each provides a
slightly different take on this exciting technology. The most
common device used in VOIP service currently is the ATA, or
Analog Telephone Adapter. This VOIP device allows you to hook
your typical telephone up to your home computer Internet
connection. This device converts the analog audio signal from
the phone and makes it possible to use over the Internet by
converting it to transmittable digital data. The ATA is simple
for anyone to use. Just plug the cord from your home phone that
would usually go into the wall jack into the ATA, and it is set
up for you to call anyone anywhere in the world.



Another type of VOIP device is the IP, or Internet Protocol,
phone. An IP phone looks like a regular home telephone, complete
with a handset and buttons for dialing. But, rather than having
standard phone connectors (RJ-11), an IP phone is equipped with
an Ethernet connection (RJ-45). This VOIP device connects to
your computer’s router, and allows you to make phone calls
directly from your home computer, dialing it just like a typical
home telephone.



Yet another type of VOIP device is known as
computer-to-computer. With this method, long-distance phone
calls are made free of charge. All you pay is the monthly ISP
fee you are already paying. Many companies offer free or
low-price software that you install on your computer. If your
computer is equipped with a microphone, PC speakers, and a sound
card in addition to your Internet connection, then you will
quickly be set up to talk to anyone in the world using VOIP.
This is an extremely easy and affordable type of VOIP device
that allows you to keep in touch with those far away from you.



As you can see, not only will VOIP change the way you make phone
calls forever, but it will save you money as well. Utilizing
equipment that the vast majority of us already have in our homes
today, VOIP technology provides consumers with easy and
affordable options in long distance phone service. With the
exception of your current ISP’s monthly charges, there is little
to no expense at all. And since there are several options of
VOIP devices from which you can choose, there is no reason not
to consider VOIP as your primary means of making long distance
phone calls to far away friends and family.

The Basics Of VoIP Devices
by Mark Woodcock