| VoIP uses a standard Internet connection to place free | | | | configure it. Either way it's a very simple setup. |
| phone calls. The most important consequence is that | | | | IP Phones: These are specialized phones which look |
| by using some of the free software that is available, | | | | like the normal ones but have a handset, a cradle and |
| you can bypass the phone company and the related | | | | buttons. These are directly connected to your router |
| charges completely. | | | | and have all the hardware and software necessary |
| It is an innovative technology that has the potential to | | | | installed right onboard to take the call. Wi-Fi allows |
| completely revise the world's phone systems. Many | | | | subscribing calls from any Wi-Fi hotspot using VoIP |
| providers of this system have already been around for | | | | system. |
| a while and are growing steadily. | | | | Computer to Computer: This is the most convenient |
| Let's have a look at the principles that make this | | | | way to use VoIP. You don't have to pay for these |
| technology work, its applications and the future | | | | long-distance calls. There are several companies |
| prospects. | | | | offering free or very low-cost software that you can |
| There are various ways of placing a call through VoIP. | | | | use to make calls. The only things you need for this |
| The commonly used ones are: | | | | are the concerned software, a microphone, speakers, |
| Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA): This is the simplest | | | | sound card, and an internet connection, preferably one |
| and most common way.This method requires you to | | | | with good speed like you get through a cable or DSL |
| connect a standard phone to your computer or your | | | | modem. There is usually no charge for |
| Internet connection. This system is an analog-to-digital | | | | computer-to-computer calls, no matter the distance |
| converter. It receives the analog signal from the | | | | except for your monthly connection charges. |
| standard phone and converts it into digital data for | | | | If you are considering this source for making long |
| transmission over the Internet. You get a telephone | | | | distance calls and connect with your loved ones, you |
| adaptor when you call for this service from the | | | | should try the internet first. You can download a few |
| provider. You just have to plug in the adaptor, connect | | | | set ups and install them within minutes. Ask one of |
| the cable from your phone and you can use the ATA | | | | your friends to do the same, connect and see how it |
| to make VoIP calls. Some ATAs come with additional | | | | works for you. It won't be long before you are hooked |
| software that is installed in the host computer to | | | | on to this technology once you get a hang of it. |