| Voice over Internet Protocol also known as VoIP, IP | | | | cradle. IP phones use an RJ-45 Ethernet connector |
| Telephony, Internet Telephony and Broadband Phone, | | | | instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connector. They |
| is revolutionising the way in which we make long | | | | already contain the relevant circuitry to convert your |
| distance phone calls. VoIP has made it possible to | | | | voice into digital data. An IP phone is more convenient |
| provide a method of communication very similar to the | | | | for taking advantage of many of the extra features |
| standard telephone network, using an Internet | | | | that are included free with your VoIP account - call |
| connection. | | | | display, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail plus many |
| The increases in Internet bandwidth, when combined | | | | other others. Wi-Fi IP phones are also now available |
| with the advances of audio compression and machine | | | | allowing you to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi point. |
| speed has allowed VoIP services to be capable of a | | | | An additional benefit that makes VoIP so attractive for |
| high quality, sometimes even better than the PSTN | | | | home and small business users is flexibility. With VoIP, |
| (Public Switched Telephone Network). However, many | | | | you can make a call anywhere there is broadband |
| users are also likely to accept a drop in quality for the | | | | connection. Incoming VoIP calls can be automatically |
| benefit of free long distance calls that using VoIP gives | | | | re-directed to your VoIP phone regardless of the |
| you. This being the case, an even wider range of | | | | location, as long as it is connected to the Internet. For |
| people are able and likely to use these systems. It is | | | | business travellers, this means they can take their |
| not surprising therefore that VoIP is increasingly being | | | | phone or ATA with them on their travels, and never |
| used today. | | | | miss a home phone call. |
| With VoIP, there's not just one way to make a call. | | | | Computer-to-Computer - Also known as SoftPhones, |
| There are actually three: | | | | this is the most traditional and possibly the easiest way |
| Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) - With VoIP, you | | | | to use VoIP. With this method you can make free |
| are able to use your existing telephone handsets, | | | | Internet phone calls worldwide. All that is required is a |
| eliminating the cost of having to purchase any | | | | PC connected to a broadband internet connection, and |
| additional hardware. Currently, the most commonly | | | | a headset consisting of earphones and microphone |
| used VoIP method is using an ATA which simply | | | | connected to the soundcard of your computer. You |
| connects to your regular telephone and to your | | | | will also need to download and install VoIP software. |
| Internet connection. The ATA is an analogue-to-digital | | | | With the software installed, invite all your friends to |
| converter (ADC) which takes the analogue signal (your | | | | download the same software and when someone is |
| voice) from your regular phone and converts it into | | | | up and running, give them a call! VoIP software is free |
| digital data ready to be transmitted over the Internet. | | | | to download, and allows you to make completely free |
| An ATA can either be purchased or provided free | | | | VoIP calls to other users of the same software, |
| when you sign up with a VoIP Service Provider. Utilising | | | | regardless of distance. |
| an ATA is very basic, simply plug the cable from your | | | | Instant messenger programs based on VoIP such as |
| phone into the ATA instead of the wall socket, and | | | | Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, and Gizmo Project also |
| you're set. | | | | have the ability to be mobile, enabling you to receive |
| IP Phones- IP Phones look just like standard | | | | and make phone calls using VoIP technology. |
| telephones. They have a handset, buttons and a | | | | |