Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor.
VOIP Providers:
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How VoIP / Internet Voice Works :
VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal
that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number,
the signal is then converted back at the other end. VoIP can allow you
to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a
traditional phone using an adapter. In addition, new wireless "hot
spots" in public locations such as airports, parks, and cafes,
allow you to connect to the Internet, and may enable you to use VoIP
service wirelessly. If you make a call using a phone with an adapter,
you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider
may also provide a dial tone. If your service assigns you a regular
phone number, then a person can call you from his or her regular phone
without using special equipment.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through
a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. You
can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through
a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.
What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?
1. Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone.
2. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.
3. With many VoIP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection).
4. You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.
What Are Some disadvantages of VoIP?
1. If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service
with VoIP, there are some possible differences:
2. Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.
3. Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1.VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
