2. What is VoIP? Voice over Internet protocol is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP based networks.The Internet protocol was originally designed for networking. The success of IP in becoming a world standard for data networking has led to its adaption to voice networking. VoIP has become popular largely because of the cost advantages to consumers over traditional telephone networks. Most Americans pay a flat monthly fee for local telephone calls and a per-minute charge for long-distance calls. VoIP calls can be placed across the Internet. Most Internet connections are charged using a flat monthly fee structure. Using the Internet connection for both data traffic and voice calls can allow consumers to get rid of one monthly payment. In addition, VoIP plans do not charge a per-minute fee for long distance.
3. Who Uses VoIP? VoIP provides a cheaper alternative to making overseas phone calls, so if you regularly make such calls then you could save a lot of money through the service. It also allows users to make video calls, a feature which has proved hugely popular with such services as Skype as it provides an extra level of communication when keeping in touch with friends and family in differentplaces. Xbox live, ichat and Google Talk also use this service as its easy to use and very reliable. But VoIP is not just used by casual users: it is also used for businesses to make large savings on phone bills. Not only are internet calls cheaper and free in many cases, but some providers also allow you to pay a monthly fee and receive a number of different features for convenience and cost savings. These include receiving your own landline number that people can phone to connect directly to you, meaning wherever you are in the world people can still phone the same number to contact you. Some providers also allow you to make unlimited calls to a territory or number of territories for a monthly fee.
4. How do Business’s Use VoIP? Computer to Computer: Most people use VoIP to make phone calls from one broadband-connected computer to another, but you don’t always need a computer. The only thing that is always required is an internet connection. Computer to computer calls are free, not taking into account the cost of the internet connection and the computer. This service has become the main way that most people use VoIP when not in a business setting. Both parties need to use the same provider, and all you need to do is purchase a headset or phone (and a web cam if you want to make video calls), plug it into your computer and you’re ready to make calls. Computer to Phone: But you don’t just have to phone other computers; you can also use VoIP to phone normal landlines and mobile phones. However, the service won’t be free and this is how the providers make their money. Having said that, phone calls are often a lot cheaper than making them from landlines, and are particularly cheap when making international calls. The receiver does not have to be connected to the internet, and instead, your provider routes your call through to the landline number so it’s just like receiving a normal call for them.
5. How do Business’s Use VoIP? Continued… SIP: SIP uses the same technology as PC to PC calls. However, it is more common to use a SIP phone to make the calls, and this can plug straight into your broadband connection so you don’t have to turn your computer on to make or receive calls. This is very popular for companies that have offices in different countries – they can all install SIP phones and are able to make unlimited free calls to each other. Normal phones can also be adapted with a SIP adaptor to become SIP phones. Mobile Phones: Many new smart phones now come with VoIP capabilities. This means you can download a provider’s package directly to your mobile handset and use it just as you would from your computer. However, some mobile phone operators are reluctant to allow this feature on their phones because they fear it could prevent people from making calls via their networks. For this reason, VoIP is sometimes restricted to Wi-Fi connections and is not available on 3G connections.
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7. Type of Handsets You have a number of options for choosing a handset to use to speak via VoIP: Headset– This plugs into your computer and comes with a microphone and speakers. VoIP handset – This works just like a phone but instead plugs into your USB to provide a more familiar feel. IP Phone – This plugs straight into your router so you don’t need to turn the computer on. Dual phone – Capable of making normal calls and VoIP calls
8. Advantages & Disadvantages of VoIP Advantages of VoIP: - Free to use for computer-to-computer calls. - Easy to use Cheap long-distance calls. - Numerous extra features available. - Can be used for conference calls. - Video call capabilities. - Can use the internet whilst making calls. - Good sound quality. Disadvantages of VoIP: - Broadband connections are not always reliable. - Can’t always get access to emergency services. - Restrictions on some international locations - Cot be used during a power failure.
