What Is VoIP and How Does It Work
By Jason Morris
The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances things have
already changed. Take long distance calls for instance, many service providers are already
using a technology called Voice Over IP or VOIP for short. If you have never heard of VOIP
before, then the following article will change the way you think about how long distance
phone calls are being made now, and about how all phone calls will be made in the future.
Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a method for turning analogue audio signals into digital data that
can be transferred over the Internet.
You may be asking yourself how this is useful. Well think about it for a few seconds. If
it is possible to turn analogue signals into digital data, then VOIP can turn a standard
Internet connection into a method for placing phone calls anywhere in the world virtually
free, except for your Internet service fee, enabling you to bypass the phone companies
entirely.
Voice Over IP (VOIP) has the potential to completely revolutionise the way the worlds
phone systems operate. There are many VOIP service providers that have been around
for a while, and are growing steadily. Now the worlds leading telecommunications operators
are
waking up to the endless possibilities of this new technology, setting up VOIP calling
centres around the world and promoting the sales of Voice Over IP phone systems.
Making a call
With VOIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three ways:
ATA (gateway) – The simplest way to make a VOIP phone call is through the use of ATA’s
(analogue telephone adaptor) sometimes called gateways. These devices enable you to
make use of your existing standard analogue phones. You simply plug your standard
handset into the ATA (gateway) then connect the ATA to your computer or your Internet
connection, enabling you to make VOIP calls. An ATA takes the analogue signal from your
standard phone and turns it into a digital signal that ready for transmission over the Internet.
Some ATA’s (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer,
enabling you to configure it for VOIP accurately.
IP Phones – These handsets look just like normal standard handsets. They have an RJ 45
Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the
necessary software and hardware to handle VOIP calls already built in them. They connect
directly to your router, providing a very fast and cost effective entry into the world of
Voice Over IP.
Computer to computer – This is the easiest way to make use of the VOIP technology. There
are many companies offering cost effective software that you can use for this type of
VOIP. Usually the only charge you pay is the monthly one from your Internet service
provider, even for long distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable
sound card and a fast Internet connection.
Chances are that you have already made a VOIP call without even realising it. The major
phone companies already use VOIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a
circuit switch and into an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end
and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing
VOIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it finds its way into
every business and household across the globe.
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
Choosing a VOIP phone system
If you have decided that a VOIP phone system is the right step for your company, next you
need to determine which of your existing telephone equipment you are able to keep. The
potential cost savings that can be made through using any existing digital equipment are
huge. Many digital phone systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions and
software upgrades.
When shopping around for potential systems you need to be certain of the features they
provide as standard and which are optional cost extras. You also need to be certain of
exactly what is included with the system. Many suppliers claim to include everything you
need, but standard components can vary from one company to the other. So you need to
sure you are comparing equivalent systems when approaching potential suppliers.
You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The
technology used in many VOIP systems may affect the implementation of any existing
telephone hardware.
You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax machines, credit card
processors, and security systems etc can be integrated into your new VOIP phone system.
You should make any potential vendor aware of such devices so they can provide you with a
suitable phone system for your requirements.
Finally, do not try to save money by buying used VOIP phone systems. Remember VOIP is
a new technology, so even last years equipment is outdated. Also the installation cost will
still apply whether the system is new or second hand, and the service costs may even be
higher due to reliability issues. To put it simply it just isn’t worth the hassle, the higher
secondary costs will wipe out any potential saving.
Thanks for reading, .... Jason
Jason Morris is co-author of Business Phone Systems Direct. An established
communications company, offering advice and implementation of high quality business
phone systems.
By Jason Morris
The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances things have
already changed. Take long distance calls for instance, many service providers are already
using a technology called Voice Over IP or VOIP for short. If you have never heard of VOIP
before, then the following article will change the way you think about how long distance
phone calls are being made now, and about how all phone calls will be made in the future.
Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a method for turning analogue audio signals into digital data that
can be transferred over the Internet.
You may be asking yourself how this is useful. Well think about it for a few seconds. If
it is possible to turn analogue signals into digital data, then VOIP can turn a standard
Internet connection into a method for placing phone calls anywhere in the world virtually
free, except for your Internet service fee, enabling you to bypass the phone companies
entirely.
Voice Over IP (VOIP) has the potential to completely revolutionise the way the worlds
phone systems operate. There are many VOIP service providers that have been around
for a while, and are growing steadily. Now the worlds leading telecommunications operators
are
waking up to the endless possibilities of this new technology, setting up VOIP calling
centres around the world and promoting the sales of Voice Over IP phone systems.
Making a call
With VOIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three ways:
ATA (gateway) – The simplest way to make a VOIP phone call is through the use of ATA’s
(analogue telephone adaptor) sometimes called gateways. These devices enable you to
make use of your existing standard analogue phones. You simply plug your standard
handset into the ATA (gateway) then connect the ATA to your computer or your Internet
connection, enabling you to make VOIP calls. An ATA takes the analogue signal from your
standard phone and turns it into a digital signal that ready for transmission over the Internet.
Some ATA’s (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer,
enabling you to configure it for VOIP accurately.
IP Phones – These handsets look just like normal standard handsets. They have an RJ 45
Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the
necessary software and hardware to handle VOIP calls already built in them. They connect
directly to your router, providing a very fast and cost effective entry into the world of
Voice Over IP.
Computer to computer – This is the easiest way to make use of the VOIP technology. There
are many companies offering cost effective software that you can use for this type of
VOIP. Usually the only charge you pay is the monthly one from your Internet service
provider, even for long distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable
sound card and a fast Internet connection.
Chances are that you have already made a VOIP call without even realising it. The major
phone companies already use VOIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a
circuit switch and into an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end
and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing
VOIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it finds its way into
every business and household across the globe.
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
Choosing a VOIP phone system
If you have decided that a VOIP phone system is the right step for your company, next you
need to determine which of your existing telephone equipment you are able to keep. The
potential cost savings that can be made through using any existing digital equipment are
huge. Many digital phone systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions and
software upgrades.
When shopping around for potential systems you need to be certain of the features they
provide as standard and which are optional cost extras. You also need to be certain of
exactly what is included with the system. Many suppliers claim to include everything you
need, but standard components can vary from one company to the other. So you need to
sure you are comparing equivalent systems when approaching potential suppliers.
You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The
technology used in many VOIP systems may affect the implementation of any existing
telephone hardware.
You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax machines, credit card
processors, and security systems etc can be integrated into your new VOIP phone system.
You should make any potential vendor aware of such devices so they can provide you with a
suitable phone system for your requirements.
Finally, do not try to save money by buying used VOIP phone systems. Remember VOIP is
a new technology, so even last years equipment is outdated. Also the installation cost will
still apply whether the system is new or second hand, and the service costs may even be
higher due to reliability issues. To put it simply it just isn’t worth the hassle, the higher
secondary costs will wipe out any potential saving.
Thanks for reading, .... Jason
Jason Morris is co-author of Business Phone Systems Direct. An established
communications company, offering advice and implementation of high quality business
phone systems.
| VOIP Solution Journal.com |
| ____________________________________________________________________ |
| ____________________________________________________________________ |
| VoIP Solution Article ID 104117 |
Selecting VoIP Solution
Selecting VoIP Solutions
| Selecting a VoIP Solution- Business VoIP Service. VoIp Solutions, providers, Service, resources, articles, tips, and help for selecting a VoIp Solution Today! |
| Copyright © voipsolutionjournal.com - 2007 All Rights Reserved - VOIP Solution Journal VoIP Solution Journal Selecting a VoIP Solution- Business VoIP Service. VoIp Solutions, providers, Service, resources, articles, tips, and help for selecting a VoIp Solution Today! |