VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a way to transfer voice conversations and other multimedia sessions over the Internet, including the Internet itself. VoIP generally refers to any system that allows voice communication over an internet connection. It is typically used for business and consumer communication over the internet. VoIP is one of the most popular methods of communication today, with over 25% of all telephone calls made using some form of VoIP technology.
VoIP services generally connect via a broadband high speed internet connection (ISP) to either an internal IP network, or to a public switched phone network. These systems utilize an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), also known as ATA Ethernet over twisted lines (OTC-switched ATA). The ATA carries the digital voice data, and the Ethernet network connects the digital data signals to the internet protocol (IP) servers. When VoIP phones are used internally, the ATA acts as a physical adapter that receives, encrypts, transmits, and sends the voice data back and forth between the internal computer and the internet protocol servers.
Because VoIP phones use the same technology as normal telephone calls,
the voices actually arriving on the phone lines can be virtually identical to those coming through a traditional phone line, except for the fact that VoIP uses compression to reduce bandwidth use. This means that while traditional phone service may consume up to forty megabits per second of bandwidth, voice traffic can be transmitted over ten megabits of data per second using a simple VoIP phone. This translates to significant cost savings, making VoIP telephony a good alternative for high-bandwidth, long-distance calls. In addition, there are no interruptions in the voice signal, and no problems associated with static or dropped call traffic. All of these features make VoIP telephony an excellent choice for commercial VoIP services and for residential users as well. These and other benefits have made many businesses and residential consumers interested in making VoIP calls.
Consolidation – With VoIP, it is easy to communicate with a wide range of customers and business partners because it integrates the personal and business communications. For example, individuals may be able to take advantage of video conferencing or business phone conferences, which are similar to traditional face-to-face meetings. The video-conferencing feature allows participants to view a person’s computer screen and hear them through headphones, or ear pieces, just like they would in a traditional setting. Business phone conferences allow businesses to connect with their employees in real time via video conferencing or audio conference calls.
Greater versatility – In addition to the aforementioned benefits, there are numerous additional perks that VoIP calling provides. For example, avoid calling utilizes the same equipment and software as traditional telephone communications, and allows customers to make free local, long distance, and even international calls using the same IP network. There are also a number of ways that businesses can use VoIP to save money on telecommunications expenses.
High Speed Internet Connection – An essential feature of any VoIP system is its high-speed Internet connection. This ensures that all of the devices that will be participating in a VoIP call will be able to receive and make the call properly. Because VoIP uses the same technology as regular phone calls, an Internet connection is not required. However, DSL and other high speed services may be required for some locations. If a high-speed Internet connection is necessary, however, it is always preferable to opt for a reliable broadband provider.
Additional Features – Because VoIP utilizes the same technologies as traditional phone lines, it is possible to incorporate VoIP technology into existing systems. The most popular features of VoIP include auto attendant, call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding. The auto attendant is an automated function that provides the name, address, and other information about the caller when the user presses the telephone keypad. Caller ID is an application that can be integrated into the VoIP software. It allows users to capture a particular phone number, which can then be stored into a database, and allow users to instantly answer call that came to their telephone without having to press the phone button.
Using VoIP has many advantages over traditional phone service.
Because it makes calls using a computer’s IP technology, it allows users to make calls anywhere within the world at affordable rates.
- It also allows users to make calls around any time.
- There are a variety of plans for customers to choose from based on their needs.
- Business VoIP makes calls between the office and clients, long-distance phone calls, conference calls, toll free and other advanced features that will improve productivity.