| over IP is a new technology which lets you have a | | | | Since you need access to the Internet, it is obvious |
| conversation over the internet with someone else | | | | that securing an internet connection is required (High |
| without actually using a traditional telephone line. This is | | | | speed preferred). Other equipment you will need |
| possible by combining both the right type of equipment | | | | depends on the kind of VoIP service you avail of. It |
| and service provider. | | | | can be as simple as a microphone and speaker set to |
| VoIP is also known as Internet protocol telephony (IP | | | | a VoIP-enabled telephone set. In some circumpstances, |
| Telephony). This technology works by converting | | | | an ATA may be necessary as well. |
| regular sound waves such as your voice (which is | | | | Making calls for free |
| analog) into digital signals which in term can be | | | | It is actually possible for you to take advantage of the |
| compressed and sent over the internet to its | | | | VoIP benefits and not pay a dime for the service!. The |
| destination, in this case the person you are talking to. | | | | most famous and widely known piece of software |
| The person on the other end percieves the | | | | which lets you do this is called Skype. Users who have |
| re-converted signals from digital to analog. Such | | | | installed the software on their computers can make |
| conversion is done via modems (Modem stands for | | | | calls to people who have the same program installed in |
| Modulate/Demodulate) thats why a high speed internet | | | | their systems. It is also possible to calls landlines and |
| connection is often required, if its not, then lags and | | | | mobile phones but a fee is charged for that. |
| delays may be noticed during the conversation. | | | | Of course the limitation lies in the fact that if the |
| As it is with technologies which develop rapidly (VoIP), | | | | person you wish to call does not have Skype on their |
| it is imperative for you to know what this technology is | | | | computer , you won't be able to make that free call. |
| about as well as the latest changes and updates | | | | Nevertheless, this option is widely popular among |
| concerning it. Being familiar with these details become | | | | people who wish to try out the technology without |
| useful when making a decision to what phone | | | | having to pay a subscription fee for it. |
| equipment and VoIP provider to select. | | | | Whether you choose a free service such as PC to |
| A VoIP service has a range of options that depends | | | | PC calling with Skype or subscribe to a service |
| on what kind of service and equipment you choose. | | | | provider using a provider such as Vonage, touching |
| Among these are: | | | | base with someone in the neighborhood or across the |
| (1) being able to call only people who use the same | | | | globe has become not only easier but cheaper as well. |
| service provider | | | | All you need is to know what you want and the |
| (2) calling long distance, even international numbers and | | | | amount of money you’re willing to invest to |
| mobile phones | | | | avail of it – there is bound to be service that will |
| (3) calling from a computer using a microphone or VoIP | | | | address your requirements. Once that is settled, |
| telephone | | | | it’s just a matter of reaching out and touching |
| (4) using a traditional phone that is connected to a | | | | someone. |
| device called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). | | | | If you want to know more about VoIP visit our basic |
| Required Equipment | | | | guides at the VoipDocument. |