VOIP-Voice Over IP at Home: Is it Right for You?
By Andrew Kelly.
VOIP AT HOME What is VoIP? Chances are you've heard of VOIP, or "voice over Internet." If not, you will soon, as major phone companies are now trying to get in on the action. Why? VOIP allows users to make phone calls using their high-speed Internet connection. This essentially translates into "free" long distance, or, depending on set-up, unlimited long distance for a low set price for the service. When using VOIP, the traditional phone company is left completely out of the loop--literally. The concept is much the same as email; for the price of an Internet connection and provider, you can send unlimited email messages.
VOIP Pros: VOIP is an affordable method for long distance calling, and depending on where you live, you may be able to transfer you current phone number to a VOIP system. VOIP is easy to use, and depending on the service and method you choose, installation can be as easy as downloading software or attaching an adaptor to your computer. For the most part, sounds exactly the same as with a traditional telephone line. If you are using VOIP and the other person is not, they will not know the difference.
VOIP Cons: Some areas do not yet have this availability, but it is still possible to transfer long distance only to VOIP--it just means that you'll have a separate number for long distance calling. This may be a slight inconvenience, but the savings may offset the cost--it all depends on your needs. Also, some users report hearing an echo when using VOIP. There can also be a slight delay at the beginning of the call. One primary issue regarding VOIP is the ability to dial out for emergencies. Some providers work to place 911 calls (by configuring your service), and some do not. If you will be replacing your landline or mobile completely with VOIP, this is something you will want to research before choosing a provider and service.
Is VOIP Right for Me? Deciding to choose VOIP depends on your needs. If you make a large number of long distance calls, it may be well worth looking into. VOIP services are often much less expensive than traditional providers. When comparing VOIP to cell phone programs, it again depends on needs. Most VOIP packages are considerably less than cell phone unlimited calling plans, but of course, VOIP is not as flexible (yet) as far as portability and other features you may not want to give up on your cell plan.
How Do I Get Set-up for VOIP? Technical requirements for VOIP depend on the service and method you choose to use. There are three types of VOIP options. • ATA stands for analog telephone adaptor, and it's very simple to use. You connect it to your computer or Internet connection, plug in a regular phone, and you're ready to go! Providers such as Vonage and AT&T CallAdvantage use this option. • IP phones are special phones that look like traditional phones, but they connect with an Ethernet connector. A similar phone in the works is one that operates with Wi-Fi, which means that when you take your laptop to the local coffee bar to access wireless Internet, you could also make a long distance call. • Computer-to-computer is an easy way to use VoIP and long distance calls are free; you only pay for the software. To use this method, you will need to download and install the software and be equipped with a microphone, speakers, a sound card and a high-speed Internet connection such as DS or cable.
Aside from the software, the only fees are those for your monthly ISP. You'll need a high-speed Internet connection to use VOIP, such as DSL or Cable. Most VOIP options are easy to install. Providers of ATA, for example, will usually send you the adaptor you need when you sign up for the service. If you have a standard Internet set-up, you should be able to easily install the adaptor and software yourself, and be on your way. The process is very simple and straightforward, and once installed, the service is immediate (no waiting 3-5 business days for your phone service!).
Connecting an IP phone is equally easy, and computer-to-computer simply requires the downloading and installing of software. Andrew Kelly is a Technology Consultant who helps keep businesses at the leading edge of technology.
VOIP-Voice Over IP at Home: Is it Right for You?
by Jean Beardsall
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Showing posts with label Voice over IP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Voice over IP. Show all posts
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How To Get A Free Voip - Voice Over IP?
VoIP is the transmission of voice traffic over IP networks.
It's an internet advent which is known as Voice over Internet
Protocol. VoIP is a new technology which allows you to bypass
a traditional telecommunication companies to get your own
low cost call through your computer.
How To Get A Free Voip or Voice Over IP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol ) technology enables you
to make and receive free phone calls over the internet.
You can only receive a call from other people who have
downloaded the same piece of software. In some case, it is
only a PC to PC system. For example, if you've downloaded
Skype VoIP software, you can only make and receive calls
from other people who have Skype.
How To Make A Call with VoIP?
VoIP allows you to make a call directly from:
- your computer,
- a special VoIP phone,
- a traditional phone connected to an adapter.
When you're using a VoIP service , your voice is sent
through the Internet in a digital signal form. When you
call a person who uses a traditional phone lines, your
voice will be converted into a regular telephone
signal before it reaches the destination.
What Do You Need as VoIP Equipment?
To get the most out of your VoIP technology, you need:
a broadband (high speed Internet) connection such as
a local area network or high speed services ( DSL ).
You also need:
- a computer,
- an adapter,
- or specialized phone
- some software
- an inexpensive microphone
In most cases you can use your Computer while talking
on the Phone. VoIP technology offers services and
features a traditional phone companies do not. VoIP
calling is no different than using any other type of
telephone. You can save money by eliminating the need
for a phone line and paying only for high speed
internet access.
It's an internet advent which is known as Voice over Internet
Protocol. VoIP is a new technology which allows you to bypass
a traditional telecommunication companies to get your own
low cost call through your computer.
How To Get A Free Voip or Voice Over IP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol ) technology enables you
to make and receive free phone calls over the internet.
You can only receive a call from other people who have
downloaded the same piece of software. In some case, it is
only a PC to PC system. For example, if you've downloaded
Skype VoIP software, you can only make and receive calls
from other people who have Skype.
How To Make A Call with VoIP?
VoIP allows you to make a call directly from:
- your computer,
- a special VoIP phone,
- a traditional phone connected to an adapter.
When you're using a VoIP service , your voice is sent
through the Internet in a digital signal form. When you
call a person who uses a traditional phone lines, your
voice will be converted into a regular telephone
signal before it reaches the destination.
What Do You Need as VoIP Equipment?
To get the most out of your VoIP technology, you need:
a broadband (high speed Internet) connection such as
a local area network or high speed services ( DSL ).
You also need:
- a computer,
- an adapter,
- or specialized phone
- some software
- an inexpensive microphone
In most cases you can use your Computer while talking
on the Phone. VoIP technology offers services and
features a traditional phone companies do not. VoIP
calling is no different than using any other type of
telephone. You can save money by eliminating the need
for a phone line and paying only for high speed
internet access.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Voice over IP VoIP Features
Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATA’s with them on trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.
Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone is a specially developed software application that loads the VOIP service onto your desktop computer or laptop. Some even have an interface on the screen that looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to place VOIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a broadband connection.
Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra features that are added to your account. With VOIP service providers these usually come as standard. Features such as:
1. Caller ID
2. Call Waiting
3. Call Transfer
4. Repeat Dialling
5. Return Call
6. Three-Way Dialling
Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using caller ID information. They allow you to:
1. Forward the call to a particular number
2. Send the call directly to voicemail
3. Give the caller a busy signal
4. Play a “not-in-service” message
Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the internet or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or PDA. It’s best to check with VOIP phone system suppliers and service operators exactly what features they offer as package and service prices vary greatly.
There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a streamlined VOIP phone system network. For the network administrators, a VOIP phone system means they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VOIP phone systems can be configured using a web interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC (move, add, change) process is made much easier, and you will not have to call your system/service provider for every MAC you carry out. All this means lower ongoing costs for your company.
Another cost saving for companies who implement a VOIP system is, because multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world are seamlessly connected, they can share many of the features VOIP can offer, such as:
1. One single receptionist
2. Auto attendant facilities
3. Voice mail system
Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone is a specially developed software application that loads the VOIP service onto your desktop computer or laptop. Some even have an interface on the screen that looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to place VOIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a broadband connection.
Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra features that are added to your account. With VOIP service providers these usually come as standard. Features such as:
1. Caller ID
2. Call Waiting
3. Call Transfer
4. Repeat Dialling
5. Return Call
6. Three-Way Dialling
Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using caller ID information. They allow you to:
1. Forward the call to a particular number
2. Send the call directly to voicemail
3. Give the caller a busy signal
4. Play a “not-in-service” message
Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the internet or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or PDA. It’s best to check with VOIP phone system suppliers and service operators exactly what features they offer as package and service prices vary greatly.
There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a streamlined VOIP phone system network. For the network administrators, a VOIP phone system means they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VOIP phone systems can be configured using a web interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC (move, add, change) process is made much easier, and you will not have to call your system/service provider for every MAC you carry out. All this means lower ongoing costs for your company.
Another cost saving for companies who implement a VOIP system is, because multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world are seamlessly connected, they can share many of the features VOIP can offer, such as:
1. One single receptionist
2. Auto attendant facilities
3. Voice mail system
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