If you are on the lookout for the latest in communications technology, then you should definitely consider getting VOIP. This piece of technology may be a bit costly when compared to the regular phone line. But when you are managing or operating your very own business, then getting a VOIP phone handset is one of the worthy investments you can ever make. With the growing popularity of VOIP to support it, it is definitely clear that this particular handset has caught the attention of a lot of people all over the world.

There are a number of VOIP phone handsets that you can use for your service. The first kind is actually your normal handset that you use for the regular phone service. This is the usual handset that you can get at Circuit City or at Radio Shack. In fact, you can go to just about any retail store to purchase this handset! But how does this work? All you have to do is plug the phone into the phone outlet, and you can now use the phone! The phone outlet is actually termed as the RJ-11 jack.

With the regular VOIP phone handset, your VOIP service provider will then give you an ATA device, or an Analog Telephone Adapter device. This gadget is as small as a regular deck of cards, which is then plugged into your regular electric outlet. Thus, if you are using the regular VOIP handset, then you should make sure to have an extra power outlet handy ahead of time. At one end of the ATA device is the port wherein you should insert your regular telephone plug. At the other end, is where the RJ-11 hack goes in. The ATA device also comes with another cable that plugs right into what is known as an RJ-45 jack. This jack is similar to the one used in plugging your desktop or your laptop right into.

Once the connections have been established, your VOIP service should then be available for usage. The process behind this is actually very simple. Your ordinary handset transmits analog signals whenever you make VOIP calls. The signals are then transmitted to the ATA device, which then converts them into data packets of digital signals. The digital data is then sent to the Internet, enabling you to make and receive calls in a jiff. Of course, there may be a need to use software for this service, so you need to confirm with your provider for such software prior to installation of the ATA device and other pieces of hardware.

Another handset you can use in making VOIP phone calls is the IP Phone. This pretty much has a similar appearance to that of the regular handset. What makes it different though is the fact that it only works with VOIP calls. With the IP Phone, you cannot make regular calls with your traditional phone service. There is no need to get the ATA device for this handset because it can actually be plugged right into the RJ-45 jack that you can find on your Internet router. But when you compare call quality with both phones, there is actually not much difference for both can promise optimum quality for the calls made and received.

Lastly, there are VOIP providers that offer you the option of getting a soft phone. A compatible headset and microphone is then plugged into your desktop or your laptop. When you establish an Internet connection, via DSL or WiFi, you can then make VOIP calls easily. You also have the option of downloading dialing software onto your system.

In choosing which of the 3 options to get, you should weigh each of them out to determine which suits your needs the best. This way, you are sure to get the most from the system that you will be purchasing.