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