By: Sunny Keer
Voice over Internet Protocol also known as VoIP, IP Telephony, Internet Telephony and Broadband Phone, is revolutionising the way in which we make long distance phone calls. VoIP has made it possible to provide a method of communication very similar to the standard telephone network, using an Internet connection.
The increases in Internet bandwidth, when combined with the advances of audio compression and machine speed has allowed VoIP services to be capable of a high quality, sometimes even better than the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). However, many users are also likely to accept a drop in quality for the benefit of free long distance calls that using VoIP gives you. This being the case, an even wider range of people are able and likely to use these systems. It is not surprising therefore that VoIP is increasingly being used today.
With VoIP, there's not just one way to make a call. There are actually three:
Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) - With VoIP, you are able to use your existing telephone handsets, eliminating the cost of having to purchase any additional hardware. Currently, the most commonly used VoIP method is using an ATA which simply connects to your regular telephone and to your Internet connection. The ATA is an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) which takes the analogue signal (your voice) from your regular phone and converts it into digital data ready to be transmitted over the Internet. An ATA can either be purchased or provided free when you sign up with a VoIP Service Provider. Utilising an ATA is very basic, simply plug the cable from your phone into the ATA instead of the wall socket, and you're set.
IP Phones- IP Phones look just like standard telephones. They have a handset, buttons and a cradle. IP phones use an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connector. They already contain the relevant circuitry to convert your voice into digital data. An IP phone is more convenient for taking advantage of many of the extra features that are included free with your VoIP account - call display, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail plus many other others. Wi-Fi IP phones are also now available allowing you to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi point. An additional benefit that makes VoIP so attractive for home and small business users is flexibility. With VoIP, you can make a call anywhere there is broadband connection. Incoming VoIP calls can be automatically re-directed to your VoIP phone regardless of the location, as long as it is connected to the Internet. For business travellers, this means they can take their phone or ATA with them on their travels, and never miss a home phone call.
Computer-to-Computer - Also known as SoftPhones, this is the most traditional and possibly the easiest way to use VoIP. With this method you can make free Internet phone calls worldwide. All that is required is a PC connected to a broadband internet connection, and a headset consisting of earphones and microphone connected to the soundcard of your computer. You will also need to download and install VoIP software. With the software installed, invite all your friends to download the same software and when someone is up and running, give them a call! VoIP software is free to download, and allows you to make completely free VoIP calls to other users of the same software, regardless of distance.
Instant messenger programs based on VoIP such as Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, and Gizmo Project also have the ability to be mobile, enabling you to receive and make phone calls using VoIP technology.
