| VoIP also called as Voice over Internet Protocol, | | | | IP phones are directly connected to the router |
| Voice over Broadband or VOB, Internet | | | | with all the necessary software and hardware in |
| Telephony, IP Telephony, Broadband Phone, and | | | | handling IP calls. IP phones that are Wi-Fi will also |
| Broadband Telephony refers to the voice routing | | | | soon be available. VoIp calls can be done at all |
| conversations via Internet or any other network | | | | Wi-Fi hotspot. |
| that are IP-based. VoIP Protocols or Voice over | | | | 3. Computer to computer is the easiest method |
| IP Protocols is used for carrying voice signals over | | | | of using VoIP. Calling long distance is free. There |
| IP networks. It is the result of the Network Voice | | | | are a few companies which offer free or very |
| Protocol experiments invented on 1973 for | | | | cheap software to make use of this method. The |
| ARPANET providers. One network is used for | | | | user only needs a microphone, sound card, |
| carrying data and voice especially for users with | | | | speakers, Internet connection (via DSL modem or |
| underutilized network. This allows saving significant | | | | cable) and the software. However, the users |
| amount of money because phone calls using VoIP | | | | need to pay the ISP monthly fee. |
| on different providers are usually free. However, | | | | Trying VoIP is not a problem since there is plenty |
| calling from VoIP to PSTN will charge the person | | | | of VoIP software in the Internet for free. All you |
| using the VoIP. | | | | need to do is to download and setup it at about 3 |
| The PSTN to VoIP services are Direct Inward | | | | to 5 minutes. To test it, you could invite a friend |
| Dialing (DID) and access numbers. In DID, the | | | | to do the same and check it if it's really working. |
| callers is directly connected to the user of VoIP | | | | This is a good opportunity. VoIP are used by |
| but in access numbers, the callers is required to | | | | most phone companies in streamlining their |
| enter the VoIP user's extension number. A | | | | networks. They are routing phone calls via IP |
| monthly fee is charged on DID while access | | | | getaway and circuit switch reducing the bandwidth |
| numbers is free of charge for VoIP users and | | | | they are using for long hauls. Once the getaway |
| local calls for callers. VoIP changes the entire | | | | received the calls, the other side will route, |
| viewpoint of people regarding long distance calls. In | | | | reassemble, and decompress it locally in a circuit |
| this method, the audio analog signals are being | | | | switch. |
| transformed to digital data that are transmitted | | | | This will take time but the current networks of |
| via the Internet. The standard connection of the | | | | circuit-switched are replaced by a technology |
| internet becomes a way in placing phone calls for | | | | called packet-switching. The data networks just |
| free. Utilizing VoIP software for free is the | | | | retrieve and send data whenever the user needs |
| practical way of saving money and bypassing | | | | it. It does not allow routing of data via dedicated |
| phone companies and its entire charges. VoIP is | | | | line instead it allows flowing of data packets |
| an innovative technology with an ability to rework | | | | through chaotic networks provided with numerous |
| the phone systems completely all over the world. | | | | possible paths. It simply opens brief connections |
| VoIP is a one way phone call but offers different | | | | to send the packets (small piece of data) from |
| VoIP services commonly used today. | | | | systems to systems. This method is very |
| 1. ATA is the most common and simplest way of | | | | efficient because packets flow through the |
| service using the Analog Telephone Adaptor | | | | cheapest and least congested lines while still |
| device which converts analog signals to digital | | | | allowing both communicating computers to accept |
| signals. It allows standard phone connection to | | | | information. |
| your computer or internet connection for VoIP | | | | IP technology really makes sense both in |
| use. The converted analog signals are transmitted | | | | infrastructure and economics requirements. More |
| on the internet. | | | | businesses are installing the VoIP systems and this |
| 2. IP phones are specialized phones resembling | | | | technology will grow more in popularity making its |
| normal phones with cradle, buttons, and handset. | | | | way for home use. VoIP is a breakthrough in |
| The only difference is that a phone connector | | | | improving traditional phone systems to become |
| (RJ-11) is used by standard phones while an | | | | very efficient and a reliable way of |
| Ethernet connector (RJ-45) is used by IP phones. | | | | communication. |