|
What Is VoIP and How Does
It Work
Introduction
The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances
things have already changed. Take long distance calls for instance,
many service providers are already using a technology called Voice Over
IP or VOIP for short. If you have never heard of VOIP before, then the
following article will change the way you think about how long distance
phone calls are being made now, and about how all phone calls will be
made in the future. Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a method for turning
analogue audio signals into digital data that can be transferred over
the internet.
You may be asking yourself how this is useful. Well think about it for
a few seconds. If it is possible to turn analogue signals into digital
data, then VOIP can turn a standard internet connection into a method
for placing phone calls anywhere in the world virtually free, except
for your internet service fee, enabling you to bypass the phone
companies entirely.
Voice Over IP (VOIP) has the potential to completely revolutionise the
way the worlds phone systems operate. There are many VOIP service
providers that have been around for a while, and are growing steadily.
Now the worlds leading telecommunications operators are waking up to
the endless possibilities of this new technology, setting up VOIP
calling centres around the world and promoting the sales of Voice Over
IP phone systems.
Making a call
With VOIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three
ways:
ATA (gateway) ' The simplest way to make a VOIP phone call is through
the use of ATA's (analogue telephone adaptor) sometimes called
gateways. These devices enable you to make use of your existing
standard analogue phones. You simply plug your standard handset into
the ATA (gateway) then connect the ATA to your computer or your
internet connection, enabling you to make VOIP calls. An ATA takes the
analogue signal from your standard phone and turns it into a digital
signal that ready for transmission over the internet. Some ATA's
(gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host
computer, enabling you to configure it for VOIP accurately.
IP Phones ' These handsets look just like normal standard handsets.
They have an RJ 45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ 11
connectors. These phones have all the necessary software and hardware
to handle VOIP calls already built in them. They connect directly to
your router, providing a very fast and cost effective entry into the
world of Voice Over IP.
Computer to computer ' This is the easiest way to make use of the VOIP
technology. There are many companies offering cost effective software
that you can use for this type of VOIP. Usually the only charge you pay
is the monthly one from your internet service provider, even for long
distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable
sound card and a fast internet connection.
Chances are that you have already made a VOIP call without even
realising it. The major phone companies already use VOIP to route
thousands of long distance calls through a circuit switch and into an
IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end and
then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies
are installing VOIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and
grow until it finds its way into every business and household across
the globe.
VoIP Features
Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a
broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATA's with them
on trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.
Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone
is a specially developed software application that loads the VOIP
service onto your desktop computer or laptop. Some even have an
interface on the screen that looks like a traditional phone. These
softphone applications allow you to place VOIP calls from your laptop;
anywhere in the world you have access to a broadband connection.
Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra features that are
added to your account. With VOIP service providers these usually come
as standard. Features such as:
1. Caller ID
2. Call Waiting
VoIP
Explained
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP, is one of today's hottest and
most confusing new .....
3. Call Transfer
4. Repeat Dialling
5. Return Call
6. Three-Way Dialling
Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering
features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a
specific number are handled by using caller ID information. They allow
you to:
1. Forward the call to a particular number
2. Send the call directly to voicemail
3. Give the caller a busy signal
4. Play a "not-in-service" message
Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the
internet or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer
or PDA. It's best to check with VOIP phone system suppliers and service
operators exactly what features they offer as package and service
prices vary greatly.
There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a streamlined
VOIP phone system network. For the network administrators, a VOIP phone
system means they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The
portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is
because most VOIP phone systems can be configured using a web
interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC
(move, add, change) process is made much easier, and you will not have
to call your system/service provider for every MAC you carry out. All
this means lower ongoing costs for your company.
Another cost saving for companies who implement a VOIP system is,
because multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world are
seamlessly connected, they can share many of the features VOIP can
offer, such as:
1. One single receptionist
2. Auto attendant facilities
3. Voice mail system
Choosing a VOIP phone system
If you have decided that a VOIP phone system is the right step for your
company, next you need to determine which of your existing telephone
equipment you are able to keep. The potential cost savings that can be
made through using any existing digital equipment are huge. Many
digital phone systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions
and software upgrades.
When shopping around for potential systems you need to be certain of
the features they provide as standard and which are optional cost
extras. You also need to be certain of exactly what is included with
the system. Many suppliers claim to include everything you need, but
standard components can vary from one company to the other. So you need
to sure you are comparing equivalent systems when approaching potential
suppliers.
You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of existing
equipment. The technology used in many VOIP systems may affect the
implementation of any existing telephone hardware.
You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax machines,
credit card processors, and security systems etc can be integrated into
your new VOIP phone system. You should make any potential vendor aware
of such devices so they can provide you with a suitable phone system
for your requirements.
Finally, do not try to save money by buying used VOIP phone systems.
Remember VOIP is a new technology, so even last years equipment is
outdated. Also the installation cost will still apply whether the
system is new or second hand, and the service costs may even be higher
due to reliability issues. To put it simply it just isn't worth the
hassle, the higher secondary costs will wipe out any potential saving.
Thanks for reading,
Jason
About the Author
Jason Morris is co-author, search
engine optimization and marketing consultant of http://www.businessphonesystemsdirect.co.uk">Business
Phone Systems Direct. Specialists in the supply and installation of
business phone systems and accessories
|
