Understanding Voice Over IP (VoIP)

Voice over Internet Protocol refers to the transmission of voice traffic over a Internet Protocol (IP) based network. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that then travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end.

Communicating with the Voice over Internet Protocol came to pass in February 1995 when Vocaltec, Inc. initiated it's Internet Phone software. The call originated on a 486/33-MHZ personal computer and telephone.

It was equipped with a sound card, speakers, microphone and modem. You can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. VoIP calling is just a simple as creating a normal touch tone telephone call. The person you call will not even notice whether you are calling on a VoIP phone. The main difference is that VoIP travels over the Internet rather than through the local company's wires.

VoIP calling requires a high speed Internet connection. This can be through a cable modem, or DSL phone line connection. VoIP calling requires one of the following three hardware configurations.

- 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 analog phones. You simply plug your standard handset into the ATA (gateway) then connect the ATA to your internet connection, enabling you to make VoIP calls. The ATA takes the analog signal from your standard phone and turns it into a digital signal that's ready for transmission over the internet. When you sign up with a VoIP provider the company usually provide this hardware.

- 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 or LAN connection. You see these more often in a business environment.

- 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. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable sound card and a fast internet connection. I personally use software from www.skype.com. Skype is a little program for making free calls over the internet to anyone else who also has Skype. It's free and easy to download and use, and works with most computers.

One major advantage of VoIP is that it avoids tolls charged by ordinary telephone service. You can talk as long as you want without incurring toll charges. As we progress into the future, VoIP?has the potential to completely change the way phone calls are made.

Ollie Brandt is a Microsoft Certified Professional and A+ certified PC technician. Visit his web site at www.acecomputerguy.net