| If you have never heard of the term "VoIP", don't | | | | instead of a phone jack. The Ethernet cable would |
| worry. You are not alone. Many people are unfamiliar | | | | plug right into a router, eliminating the need for a |
| with the changing technology that comes to us in the | | | | computer or additional software. The last way to use |
| form of Internet-related products. VoIP is one such | | | | VoIP is computer to computer. This requires no VoIP |
| product. VoIP is an Internet phone service that can | | | | service provider and the software required can be |
| save people a lot of money. Let's give you a short | | | | downloaded for free from the Internet. The only |
| course in what VoIP is and how it can be beneficial | | | | cost involved is the monthly Internet fee. |
| to you. | | | | Unlike the traditional landline phone, VoIP doesn't use |
| So what is VoIP? VoIP stands for Voice Over | | | | PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). With |
| Internet Protocol. It involves transmitting voice in | | | | PSTN, the caller and receiver are always connected. |
| digital form. The traditional phone system transmits | | | | VoIP uses packet switching, which requires the |
| voice over wires and fibers. Once you dial a number, | | | | parties to be connected only when a packet is being |
| through a series of electronic switches, you reach | | | | transmitted. This allows the packets to travel the |
| the intended designation you called. The connection | | | | most efficient path and does not allow for a |
| between the two ends is a wire. The farther away | | | | dedicated line. |
| the person you called, the longer the wire, the higher | | | | Now that we have established the basics of VoIP, |
| the cost. In contrast, VoIP sends audio over an IP | | | | how does it become an attractive option for you? |
| based network. The data packets are broken down | | | | There can be significant cost savings using VoIP, |
| into pieces and transmitted to the receiver, where | | | | since they offer lower cost local and long distance |
| the data packets are reassembled back in order. | | | | plans, as well as, bundling added features into the |
| Since the data connection is through the Internet, | | | | basic plans. It also allows portability and flexibility since |
| there is one fixed cost for phone calls. | | | | you can take your phone with you anywhere there is |
| One way of using VoIP is through an Analog | | | | a broadband Internet connection available, and you |
| Telephone Adaptor (ATA). This adaptor would hook | | | | would then use the phone as if you were home. |
| up to your phone, which is hooked up to your | | | | VoIP is fast becoming a common word in our world |
| computer and Internet. The adaptor turns the analog | | | | today. Subscribers to this new technology are |
| signal into a digital signal. It is easy to install, requiring | | | | increasing. Many telephone companies today are even |
| just one additional piece of equipment, the adaptor. | | | | utilizing this service. You may not have known what |
| Another way of using VoIP is through an IP phone. | | | | VoIP was and may not be a subscriber, but you may |
| The IP phone resembles a regular phone. The | | | | very well have used it when you made your last long |
| difference is it has an Ethernet cable connector | | | | distance phone call. |