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Frequently Asked Questions About VoIPBy NetArticles |
Frequently Asked Questions About VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol or better known as VOIP, is basically a technology allowing people to do voice calls with the use of a broadband Internet connection rather than the regular “analog” telephone line. A number of VoIP services only permit the caller to call people that use the same service. However, there are also some services that may allow callers to make calls to anyone who has a phone number –including long distance, local, international, and mobile numbers.
How does a VoIP/Internet Voice work?
A VoIP service converts a person’s voice into digital signal that travels through the Internet. If a person is calling a regular telephone number, this signal is transformed to regular phone signal before reaching its destination.
VoIP may allow a person to make calls directly from the computer, a regular phone connected to a VoIP adapter, or through a VoIP phone. Moreover, there are also wireless “hot spots” in places like parks, cafes, and airports that allow a person to connect to the Internet, enabling a user to utilize wireless VoIP service.
What equipment is needed?
One is required to have a broadband “high-speed Internet” connection to be able to use VoIP. This may be through any high-speed services like DSL or local area network, or via a cable modem. Additionally, an adaptor, specialized phone, or computer is also required.
Several VoIP services only work through the computer or VoIP phone, while others allow one to use traditional phone that’s connected to VoIP adapter. If a computer is used, it will need a number of software, as well as a low-cost microphone. A special VoIP phone can be plugged directly into the broadband connection, operating largely like that of traditional phones. Those opting to use telephone with VoIP adapter, will be able to dial like they use to, and their service provider might also give them a dial tone.
Who can I call with a VoIP service?
Depending on the service, a person may have a limited call to only those other subscribers that have the same service, or they may get a service that allows them to call anyone with a phone number. If you’ll be calling someone that has regular analog phone, they won’t need any special device to be able to talk to you. A number of VoIP services allow a person to speak with several people at a time.
What’s the difference between making long distance call and local call?
A number of VoIP providers will normally offer free services for calls to other subscribers of the same provider. The provider may also allow a subscriber to choose an area code that’s different from their area code. It will also mean that those who call the subscriber can incur charges for ling distance, depending on the service and their area code.
Some providers may charge long distance call to numbers outside the calling area, just like traditional phone services. Other providers allow subscribers to call anywhere at falt rate for fixed minutes.
What are some benefits of VoIP?
Several VoIP service provides services and features that aren’t available through traditional phones, or can be availed only for additional fees. One can also avoid paying for both the traditional phone line and the broadband connection.
What are some drawbacks of VoIP?
There are a number of possible differences with traditional phone service with VoIP. Several VoIP services do not work during a power outage and a service provider may not be offering backup power. Moreover, not every VoIP service connects directly to “emergency services” through 911. A VoIP provider may or may not also offer white-page listings or directory assistance.
Computer technology and the Internet have transformed the way people work, live, and communicate. The VoIP technology is among the converged technologies in communication revolution. With VoIP, consumers have now been able to make calls worldwide for very low costs.
How does a VoIP/Internet Voice work?
A VoIP service converts a person’s voice into digital signal that travels through the Internet. If a person is calling a regular telephone number, this signal is transformed to regular phone signal before reaching its destination.
VoIP may allow a person to make calls directly from the computer, a regular phone connected to a VoIP adapter, or through a VoIP phone. Moreover, there are also wireless “hot spots” in places like parks, cafes, and airports that allow a person to connect to the Internet, enabling a user to utilize wireless VoIP service.
What equipment is needed?
One is required to have a broadband “high-speed Internet” connection to be able to use VoIP. This may be through any high-speed services like DSL or local area network, or via a cable modem. Additionally, an adaptor, specialized phone, or computer is also required.
Several VoIP services only work through the computer or VoIP phone, while others allow one to use traditional phone that’s connected to VoIP adapter. If a computer is used, it will need a number of software, as well as a low-cost microphone. A special VoIP phone can be plugged directly into the broadband connection, operating largely like that of traditional phones. Those opting to use telephone with VoIP adapter, will be able to dial like they use to, and their service provider might also give them a dial tone.
Depending on the service, a person may have a limited call to only those other subscribers that have the same service, or they may get a service that allows them to call anyone with a phone number. If you’ll be calling someone that has regular analog phone, they won’t need any special device to be able to talk to you. A number of VoIP services allow a person to speak with several people at a time.
What’s the difference between making long distance call and local call?
A number of VoIP providers will normally offer free services for calls to other subscribers of the same provider. The provider may also allow a subscriber to choose an area code that’s different from their area code. It will also mean that those who call the subscriber can incur charges for ling distance, depending on the service and their area code.
Some providers may charge long distance call to numbers outside the calling area, just like traditional phone services. Other providers allow subscribers to call anywhere at falt rate for fixed minutes.
What are some benefits of VoIP?
Several VoIP service provides services and features that aren’t available through traditional phones, or can be availed only for additional fees. One can also avoid paying for both the traditional phone line and the broadband connection.
What are some drawbacks of VoIP?
There are a number of possible differences with traditional phone service with VoIP. Several VoIP services do not work during a power outage and a service provider may not be offering backup power. Moreover, not every VoIP service connects directly to “emergency services” through 911. A VoIP provider may or may not also offer white-page listings or directory assistance.
Computer technology and the Internet have transformed the way people work, live, and communicate. The VoIP technology is among the converged technologies in communication revolution. With VoIP, consumers have now been able to make calls worldwide for very low costs.