The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology pertains to the transmission and reception of voice over the Internet. VoIP services convert your v...
The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology pertains to the transmission and reception of voice over the Internet. VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),
simply stated, is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular or analog phone line. VoIP is also called as IP Telephony, Internet telephony or Digital telephony.
Technically speaking, connection between the caller and the called person is made possible using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). SIP has multifarious functions like successfully negotiating the codecs used during the call, while transferring and terminating calls.
It is however not feasible for analog phones as also cellular phones to use SIP and peer-to-peer calling. VoIP invariably uses an Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange (IP PBX) to serve as a link between a phone using IP-based calling and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Analog phones and cell phones can connect to the PSTN.
By directing the voice from a VoIP phone through an IP PBX or the PSTN, a VoIP phone can successfully connect a call with an analog or cellular phone.
Furthermore, wireless ‘hot spots' in places like airports, parks, and restaurants allow you to connect to the Internet and therefore you can use VoIP service wirelessly.
To avail VoIP facility, you need a reliable broadband (high speed Internet) connection. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. If you use your computer, then you will need some software and a microphone.
Whereas some VoIP services only work over your computer or using a special VoIP phone, other services will let you use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area (similar to your existing, traditional telephone system). Other VoIP providers will permit you to call any part of the world at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
The importance of VoIP phone system lies in its functionality, multiple features and several other advantages - principally cost-savings Please know that VoIP services offer standard as well as many advanced features that are not available with a traditional phone, or made available at extra cost.
VoIP has many useful features like Speed Dialing, Find-me-follow-me, Do not Disturb, Call Transfer, Toll-Free Numbers, Caller ID Blocking, Multi-Ring facility, Distinctive Ringing, Enhanced Voicemail, Area Code Selection, Anonymous Call Block etc.
While traveling, you can continue to use of your same number which means you will not miss out on any valuable business call and this feature lends VoIP the much-needed portability status.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls can save a lot of money on use of cell phones, landline phones and even Web conferencing. Three-way calls with VoIP can help business owners to connect with vendors, clients and outsourced agencies in other countries spending very little money.
VoIP also offers a substantial cost savings over traditional long distance telephone calls and this is one of the chief reasons why more and more business organizations are opting for VoIP.
