What is VoIP and How Does it Work?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that enables you to make calls using Internet rather than traditional telephone lines. It makes use of packet technology. Packet technology allocates different channels for individual user whenever that individual is engrossed in conversation. It is far more efficient than the telephone lines.
You can make calls in three ways by using VoIP:
1. Analog Telephone Adapter
Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) is the simplest of all three for making calls. It is sometimes known as gateway. You can use this adapter with your phone that you are using.
Connection of three devices (phone, computer, ATA) is necessary for making calls by using ATA. You need to have Internet connection and do the following:
- First you need to connect ATA with phone
- Then you need to connect ATA with your computer
- You need to turn on Internet connection in your computer
What happens after the connection is established? ATA takes a signal from your phone and makes it ready to send it to desired location through Internet.
Even if you have connected your phone with VoIP, you can choose either VoIP or normal mode for making calls. For incoming calls you can do the same. You can change between VoIP and normal mode while allowing incoming calls.
2. A Voice over Internet Protocol Phone
While ATA is the simplest way to make calls using VoIP, a VoIP phone is the cheapest way of making calls over Internet by using VoIP. VoIP phones look like the handsets that you normally use. It directly establishes a connection with router for making calls. You can also connect your PC by using an USB.
This technology does away with the use of an extra device instead it calls for the use of an USB port or ETHERNET. The phone is equipped with all software packages that are needed for establishing calls over Internet using VoIP.
3. By Using a Software
This process establishes connection between two PCs. Both PCs need to be connected to the Internet. Both PCs should also have some special devices connected to those. You need high speed Internet connection along with speakers and microphones to enjoy calls over Internet using software. This process requires a lot of adjustments in speakers and microphones. You need to install the software in your computer to make calls.
Why should you make calls over Internet using VoIP when you can make calls using your phone?
- VoIP is highly cost effective. Making calls to long distances can cost you a lot of money. Apart from installation cost there is no other fees or costs to burden you with.
- The devices used for making calls over Internet using VoIP are portable. You can easily carry the devices used for making calls using VoIP.
- You can utilize the extra facilities and recent advancements of VoIP. By using VoIP you can make normal calls. Apart from that you can make both video calls and conference calls using VoIP. As per recent advancements you can redirect the call to another number or you can get a voice mail in your voice mailbox or you can simply reject the call.
