| While there are a number of ways that VoIP is | | | | For large companies, VoIP also offers some very |
| currently being used, most individual callers fall into | | | | unique possibilities. Some larger companies are |
| one of three categories: ATA, IP Phones, and | | | | already utilizing the technology by conducting all |
| Computer-to-Computer. | | | | intra-office calls through a VoIP network. Because |
| ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, is the most | | | | the quality of sound is comparable to and in some |
| common way of using VoIP. This adaptor actually | | | | cases surpasses that of analog service, some |
| allows you to hook up the phone, which is already | | | | international companies are using VoIP to route |
| in your house, to your computer, and then to | | | | international calls through the branch of their |
| your Internet connection. What the ATA does, is | | | | company, which is nearest the call's destination |
| turn the analog signals your phone sends out into | | | | and then completing it on an analog system. This |
| digital signals that can be sent over the Internet. | | | | allows them to pay local rates internationally and |
| Setting up this system is quite simple. It simply | | | | still utilize the same intra-office VoIP network, as |
| requires that you order an ATA, plug the cable | | | | if they are calling someone in the next cubicle. |
| from your phone (which would normally go into | | | | Advantages of VoIP |
| the wall socket) into the ATA, and then the ATA | | | | While your current long-distance plan covers you |
| gets plugged into your computer, which is | | | | for only one location, say calls made from your |
| connected to the internet. Some ATAs include | | | | office, you can make a call from anywhere |
| software that has to be installed on your | | | | where you can get a broadband connection with |
| computer before it is ready to be used, but | | | | VoIP. That is because all three methods |
| basically it is quite a simple process. | | | | mentioned above, unlike analog calls, send the call |
| The next type of VoIP usage utilizes IP Phones | | | | information via the Internet. Hence, you can make |
| instead of your home phone. The IP Phone looks | | | | calls from home, on vacation, on business trips |
| just like a normal phone, with all the same buttons | | | | and almost anywhere else. With VoIP, you can |
| and cradle. The only difference is that instead of | | | | bring your home phone along with you anywhere |
| having a normal wall jack connector, it has an | | | | you go. In the same way, computer-to-computer |
| Ethernet connector. So, instead of plugging in your | | | | connections imply that as long as you have your |
| IP phone to the wall jack (like you would with a | | | | laptop and a broadband connection, you are ready |
| regular analog phone), it is plugged directly into | | | | to go. |
| your router. This option allows you to circumvent | | | | There are also some nifty benefits to having your |
| your personal computer. It also means that you | | | | calls transmitted over the Internet. For example, |
| will not have to install any software because it is | | | | some VoIP service providers allow you to check |
| all built into the handset. In addition, with the | | | | your voicemail via your e-mail, while others allow |
| availability of Wi-Fi IP phones, subscribing callers | | | | you to attach voice messages to your e-mails. |
| can make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spots. All | | | | The Future of VoIP |
| these features make IP Phones an extremely | | | | While most analysts believe that it will take at |
| exciting option. | | | | least another decade before companies and |
| Lastly, the simplest and cheapest way to use | | | | telephone providers make the full switch to VoIP, |
| VoIP is through computer-to-computer calls. | | | | the potential for VoIP technology's use today is |
| These calls are entirely free, meaning that there is | | | | already quite astounding. A report by the |
| no need for any calling plans. The only things you | | | | Forrester Research Group predicts that by the |
| need are the software (which can be found for | | | | end of 2006, nearly 5 million U.S. households will be |
| free on the internet), a good internet connection, | | | | using VoIP phone service. With the savings and |
| a microphone, speakers and a sound card. Except | | | | flexibility that VoIP technology already offers, and |
| for your monthly internet service fee, there is | | | | new advances just ahead on the horizon, we can |
| literally no cost for making these calls, no matter | | | | expect those numbers to escalate further in the |
| how many you make. | | | | future. |