Understanding Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Some services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor. The calls are made over a data network like the internet. VoIP converts the voice to a digital signal that can travel over the internet then converts it back to voice once it reaches the other end. This enables you to speak to anyone with a regular phone number. When placing a VoIP call using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. VoIP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone or a microphone. Placing a Call All VoIP Services are a bit different in the way you place a call. If you have an adapter connected to your internet Connection you can-just pick up your phone and dial the number. The call goes through your local phone company to a VoIP provider. The call proceeds over the internet to the called party's local telephone company and the call is completed. You can also plug a microphone headset into your computer, this is a good option it you have a slow (dial-up) connection as it cuts out some of the echo commonly heard in slow connections. Utilizing a headset, the number is dialed using a keyboard & routed through your cable modem.

Equipment Needed for VoIP High-Speed Broadband connection, IP Phones (Softphones will require PC) or Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs) and VoIP Service Provider, currently there are 505 in the U.S. alone, the best known probably being Vonage.

When you looking for a VoIP provider be sure to check what the they offer, some companies allow you to make calls only to other subscribers of their service. But most companies will allow you to call anyone, land line, cellular, local, long distance and some companies even allow you to talk to more than one person at a time.

Many people today use their cell phone as their primary phone, with VoIP you could eliminate your landline phone altogether. You can call anyone, any where in the world and talk along as you want. VoIP calls do not have to pay toll or distance charges so the possibilties for consumers and small business to save money are the most attractive feature of Voice over Internet Proticol.

Christine is the owner of http://onlinevoipinfo.com<br /> which deals specifically with PC to Phone and PC to PC VoIP. The site includes a comprehensive information on VoIP.

Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) with Dial-Up

Have you had a chance to try it? Most people that have had a chance to try it have experienced hit or miss quality, dropped calls as well as some speech delays. But there are some steps that you can take to really improve the quality and consistency of you VoIP calls over your internet Connection.

There is a lot of buzz these days around Internet based communication, VoIP, replacing regular/traditional telephone service. Much of the buzz has been created by/around a company called Vonage, who's motto is "Leading the Internet Phone Revolution".

Even if you do not have a broadband connection, you can still save a fortune by using VOIP service for long distance calls. A broadband connection will give you more consistent, reliable call quality, but similar results can be obtained using a dial up account if some guidelines are followed.

All VoIP service providers are different, they do not all support dial-up users. Companies such as Vonage happens to be one that backs away from dial up connections. The providers that do support dial up usually only support dial-up above certain speeds. The two most popular companies that do support dial up VoIP are Callserve and Go2Call.

If you close programs that are running in the background, you will get higher call quality. If you are using windows, just right click & close all open non-essential applications that are shown in your taskbar at the bottom right of your screen. If you are using windows XP & there are other users logged on, be sure they log off before trying to make a call. You also need to be conscience of what you are doing while you are on the call. If you overload the limited data capability your call quality will suffer. Other activities that will compete for bandwith are: Instant Messaging, checking your email, web cameras, surfing the internet or downloading anything.

Scan your system frequently for Viruses and Adware, these programs can tie up your browser and internet connection, slow down your system and affect your call quality. Make it a habit to scan your system every month so your virus software remains uo to date. McAfee or Nortons are good programs, Spybot - Search & Detroy is good for removing spyware.

Use a headset with a boom microphone and this should eliminate annoying voice echoes often associated with VoIP phone calls. If you use a headset, voice signals are limited in volume and thus the chances of your microphone 're-transmitting' those voice signals is greatly reduced.

So if you have dial up you can still enjoy the cost savings of making PC to VoIP call

<br /> Christine is the owner of http://onlinevoipinfo.com<br /> which deals specifically with PC to Phone and PC to PC VoIP. The site includes a comprehensive information on VoIP.

How to choose a VoIP provider

VoIP (or voice over internet protocol) has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional long-distance phone calls. The reason? Cost. A VoIP provider can reduce your phone bills by as much as 80%, more than justifying the initial costs of buying the equipment and monthly or annual fees.

Choosing to go VoIP is easy; which VoIP provider you sign up with is trickier. With the number of companies and the diversity of packages to choose from, it's hard to tell if you're really getting your money's worth. Here are some things to consider as you narrow down your choices:

* How much are you willing to spend? Look at your budgets. How much can you allot for this service? How much do you really save by getting it? * How much of your phone calls are long distance? If you rarely make long distance phone calls then you won't really feel the "savings"; but if you have friends and family around the world, then VoIP is a lifesaver. Look at your previous phone bills and make a rough estimate. Compute the cost of those calls on a traditional phone provider and through VoIP. * How good is their customer service? Customer service is frequently the worst in companies that offer very low rates. They usually have a deluge of subscribers whose needs or quieries they may not be able to handle Check out how their after-salves customer service is by asking friends who use VoiP or VoiP sites that have message boards? * What features are included in the package? Some packages may appear that they are cheaper but It could be because they have a very skeletal list of services. Others have a higher fee but offer so many additional services. But crucial to this is asking yourself which services are most important to you. Do you want call waiting? Do you need 3 way calling? Do you want fax capabilities? By defining what your priorities are you can weigh the overall monthly subscription fees with the kind of value you get for your money. * Can you keep your old number? Some companies allow you to transfer your existing phone number to the VoIP service. This is a very helpful feature that saves you the trouble of informing others or, even more importantly, losng contact with those who were not told about the change. This can be too much of a risk to people who run homebased businesses. * Do they offer emergency services? Not all VoIP services allow emergency numbers like 911. In this case it's advisable that you retain a cell phone or land line. It pays to be safe than sorry! * How many international calls do you need to make? There is a wide variety of packages that appropriate a certain number of minutes for long distance calls. Find out your typical usage and assess how much you need.

Choosing a VoIP provider is an important decision.

For more information on VoIP companies and services, go to the http://www.voipworth.com website.

The Pros and Cons of Voip

For sure you have heard about Voip. But maybe you would like to know the difference between Voice over Internet Protocol phone services (Voip) and the Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). Here are some answers.

There are, in fact, a great many positive reasons to switch from POTS to VoIP:

1. It's cheaper. Way cheaper. From about $9.95 for the most basic service (still far better than POTS) to $39.95 for residential; business plans usually run from $49.95-to-$99.95 and include a separate fax number.

2. The free VoIP "modem" is shipped to you in 5 to 10 days; buy it at a store for same-day service and the VoIP firm will reimburse or credit it against your bill.

3. "Extra" services widely standard: VoiceMail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, 3-Way Conferencing, Call Forward, Repeat Dialing, Call Block, unlimited calling (local and LD) - in short, virtually every option ever offered - for an additional fee - by any POTS company.

4. No charge for incoming calls from anywhere, unlike US cellular providers; same for outgoing "local" calls (depending on plan; some use a cellular-style monthly minutes package).

5. With VoIP, "local" in North America almost always includes both the US and Canada; some also include Western Europe, parts of Asia and parts of Latin America. For those countries not included free, international plans are available for far less than standard LD companies. Or you can make occasional calls without a plan for far lower per-minute charges than most LD plans. This generally applies - more or less in reverse - for VoIP services in Europe, Asia and elsewhere, as well.

6. No computer needed, just plug a standard phone cable from the VoIP box to your regular desktop phone or portable base station.

7. Activate every phone jack in the house - just plug the VoIP modem into any existing wall jack, after first disconnecting your house's internal phone wiring from the POTS world at the phone box outside, probably on your front wall. This option generally is not available to apartment dwellers. Sorry.

8. Virtual Phone Numbers: For a low price (usually about $5), you can have a phone number in almost any area code, so friends or family can dial a local number that rings on your phone. You can't use it for outgoing calls because it isn't a "real" line.

9. Low-cost 800 Numbers: Want to make it free for a lot of callers without bankrupting you? Most VoIP providers offer cheap 800 numbers - free to the caller, fixed monthly rate for you (varies, but roughly $5 for the first 100 minutes each month, then 4.5-cents or so per minute beyond that).

10. Find Me: Some include a system that, if you don't answer, will call three or more other numbers you designate, in sequence or simultaneously, then go to voicemail if you still don't answer.

11. And this is THE KICKER: Take your home or office "phone" with you when you travel. Just pack the VoIP modem in your suitcase; on arrival, plug it into any high-speed Internet connection (hotel room, friend or relative's house, airport, whatever) and, bingo, you can place and, more importantly, receive calls made to your regular phone number. And that is true anywhere in the world (with charges based on your home location). Go to Bora Bora and someone calling your home or office number in Des Moines will never know you're not in Iowa when you answer; call someone and your usual Caller ID shows.

For every ying, of course, there must be a yang - so now for the downside:

1. If you have a cable Internet connection, your downline is 2 to 10 times faster than your upline. As a result, you may hear the other person clear as a bell and they may not hear you at all. This will lead to them hanging up on you (they don't know you're there) or demanding you "get off the speaker" or "hang up your cell and call me from a real phone". And those are the polite ones.

The VoIP companies insist 256K up should be more than enough for a clear signal; that does not appear to be the case in actual use. There are ways to overcome this, if you get a knowledgeable VoIP support tech.

2. High-speed connections vary in quality based on a host of factors, from how many other users are sharing that cable line to how far it is from the nearest DSL booster node. Which means day-to-day, even call-to-call, VoIP quality is going to vary, as well - sometimes to wild extremes.

3. When no one is speaking, there is a "dead" silence that makes most people, accustomed to the slight "buzz" of a POTS signal, think the connection has been broken. If you don't want to hear a constant "are you still there?", explain this to everyone at the start of any conversation.

4. If you try to "activate" a new credit card by calling via VoIP, the computer at the other end may insist you are not calling from your home phone. "Why?" is an as-yet unanswered question from the VoIP providers.

5. Never, ever, let anyone put you on silent hold. If your VoIP service doesn't hear something on that line for several minutes (how many seems to vary), it may simply disconnect you, apparently on the theory your phone is actually off the hook.

6. If your up-line signal is not strong enough, your call won't go through, leading to an annoyingly frequent "Your call cannot be completed at this time" recording.

7. Occasionally, your VoIP will just stop working. The fix varies slightly by provider, but basically involves a lot of unplugging and replugging of VoIP modem, router, cable/DSL connection, in a specific sequence provided by the VoIP company.

8. Last - and by far worst: If your Internet connection goes down for any reason, you have no phone service. Anyone depending entirely on VoIP is strongly encouraged to keep a cellphone handy (keeping in mind you can set VoIP up to automatically call your cell if you don't answer the VoIP line).

Bottom line: Commercial VoIP is a real telephone service, unlike computer-based "messengers" or even Skype (which clearly states it is not telephony); marks against, include no video (yet) and a lot of bugs yet to resolve. Still, at a savings of $30 to $100 a month, these problems aren't so severe you can't learn to live with them. It's a bigger issue for your office, but add a cellphone to the mix for back-up and you may soon join the growing number of consumers who have gone all-VoIP, with no intention of ever going to POTS again.

Here you can find many articles about Voip related topics:

VOIP: There's no point in waiting to buy anymore

If you've been considering getting VOIP access, there really is no reason not to. The technology has advanced greatly in the last few years, and it's ready for prime time. You can actually get more features for less money with most VOIP deals, so make no mistake about the great advantages that VOIP offers to savvy consumers. As a matter of fact, VOIP is no longer being sold as being a cheaper product, but clearly it's being positioned as a cheaper and better product. The words cheaper and better have spelled doom for the tradional telecom industry.

To force an inherent change in how people live, a product must be sold on a mass scale. VOIP has now achieved a mass scale of distribution. Cable companies, which are the leading backbone providers of broadband access, are now selling over half of the VOIP lines being installed. With the marketing clout of these large corporations behind them, a new generation of VOIP evangelists have helped forge a market of immense size. With the amount of people working for these entities, the speed of product improvement is coming even faster. Each day, new modules and add-ons are introduced which extend the basic functionality of the phones.

Is VOIP difficult to install? Not at all. Part of the rollout of VOIP has been the easy to install nature of it. You can have a VOIP connection running in under a half hour, even if you're not technically inclined. Sure, it's more complicated

than an analog phone, but it can do a lot more too! If you're able to read a few instructions and plug in a few items, you will have no problem installing a VOIP phone. Learning about the features may take some more time, but it depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

Google Inc is leading the way into VOIP with a number of innovative products geared for VOIP. Google sees the opportunity in the genre, and it's no wonder why: VOIP subscribers tend to be upscale and tech-savvy. Google, who has stated that their corporate mission is to "organize the World's information", is on a mission to help spread the utilization of broadband utilities like VOIP, with the secondary goal of pushing the prices down in the process. As you can see in the last few years, prices have dropped impressively on computers, handhelds, and broadband. At some point in the future, use of all of these products will be virtually free, but ubiquitous.

If you've been putting off purchasing VOIP, I at least urge you to re-consider your decision. Open up your mind to the possibilities that exist using VOIP and shop a few plans against your current telecom account. I'm almost sure that you'll find the answer is "YES" to buying VOIP very soon. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
Please visit the home of the VOIP Products at http://www.nccw.net

What is VoIP?

VoIP means "Voice over IP" and it is quite simply a way of utilizing the Internet for telephone conversations. The primary motivations for doing so are cost and convenience as VoIP is significantly less expensive than typical telephone long distance packages, plus one high speed Internet connection can serve for multiple phone lines. VoIP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone or a microphone.

How Can I Place a VoIP Call? Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. When placing a VoIP call using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need? A high speed Internet connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.

Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call? Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means you may not incur long distance charges if you call a number in your area code regardless of geography. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service. Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

If I have VoIP service, who can I call? Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.

What Are Some Advantages of Internet Voice? Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.

With many VoIP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection). You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.

What Are Some disadvantages of Internet Voice? If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:

-Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. -Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1.

-VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.

Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone? Yes

Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I Travel? You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same as from your home or business.

Does my Computer Have to be Turned on? Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.

How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call? It will ring like any other call.

Does the FCC Regulate VoIP? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its' role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest.

Summary VOIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and is rapidly overtaking the traditional Voice Market. Several years ago, when most Internet Connections were Dial-Up, this technology didn't stand a chance against established phone services. However, with the High-Speed wired and wireless networks available today, this disruptive technology is recognized and opens up many new opportunities.

David Cowgill is the founder of the VoIP Blog: Voice over IP News ( http://www.aboutvoip.org ).

VoIP Phone Systems

VoIP phone systems are used with Voice over Internet Protocol technology. VoIP is the technology used to transmit audio as data or Packets over the Internet to either a computer user or to a landline telephone. VoIP is increasing in popularity, as it is highly valued for its great quality, low cost, sometimes completely free and has incredible features. VoIP phone systems are a viable solution for business needs as well. This will also allow long distance calls for either free or for just pennies compared to traditional phone services.

You can also use VoIP technology by using Instant Messaging services that have voice options enabled. These include, AOL, Yahoo Messenger with VoiceInstant Messenger, Ebay's Skype, MSN and even Google has started their own VoIP messenger.

When using VoIP services, you can simply use a microphone and speakers to communicate with your caller. You need a High Speed Internet connection to allow for your calls to be in real time, and you will also need a soundboard and computer that is up to date with VoIP technology. You may also need a phone adapter for converting standard telephones into VoIP phones, or a VoIP phone.

VoIP phone system adapters are another means of communicating with VoIP. A VoIP phone adapter will connect between your standard telephones, and your Internet modem. Your phone adapter will come with installation and user instructions. Generally, you will need to power off your computer, then connect the adapter to your Internet modem and then plug your telephone into the adapter's phone jack. Power everything back up and you should be good to use your phone. You will need to make sure that you have VoIP service previously installed.

You can also purchase a VoIP phone, specifically designed for use with your VoIP service. VoIP phones come in both corded and cordless forms. VoIP corded phones come with many features. You can purchase a desktop phone that includes speaker phone, Call Waiting, Hold, Speed Dial, Transfer, and programmable keys such as Menu, Dial, Volume, Transfer, Cancel, and Headset or Speaker mode.

New 2 line VoIP corded telephone are also available. Some of the features that come with a phone include 3 Way Conferencing, phone to phone/PC or phone to gateway direct dial. These VoIP phone systems are perfect for small businesses or for use in the home office.

VoWiFi is another option which is becoming popular. VoWiFi stands for Voice over Wireless Fidelity. This is the use of VoIP over a wireless connection. A VoWiFi phone operates by using a wireless network's access point. The advantages of using VoWiFi, is that you can easily pick up network signals or "hotspots" for free. However, VoWiFi will not work if it is out of a wireless range, and immediately you will be terminated from your call. If you have a wireless network that you are local to, you will find VoWiFi to be a great advantage and extremely cost effective.

Another popular choice in VoIP phones is the cordless VoIP phone. These cordless VoIP phones are not the same as VoIP wireless or VoWi FI phones systems. These phones are similar to cordless standard phones. They will work in your house, but not outside, apart from your basic VoIP service.

Issues with network connectivity has driven the need for Hybrid VoIP phone systems. A hybrid is a cross between a cellular phone and VoWiFi. A Hybrid will place your call when you are in your cellular network range, and then, to prevent roaming charges, can pick up free VoWiFi by entering a hotspot. This is a great combination of two technologies and time will tell where the hybrid phone will evolve in the future.

In conclusion, VoIP is an advancement in telecommunications that is here to stay. Whether you use your computer, and Internet Messaging program, a VoIP phone adapter, VoIP cordless or corded phones, VoWiFi or Hybrids the future points to VoIP as the telecommunication method of choice. Today you can choose from VoIP phones, headsets, and even VoIP videophones that work as a web camera incorporating video with your audio. Talk has become very cheap or even free with VoIP phone systems!

Mike Rohan makes it easy to understand and take full advantage VoIP phone system.Make your phone cheaper or even free. To learn more visit: VoIP Phone Systems