Communicating With People All Over The World With VoIP
With traditional landlines, calling people overseas usually creates holes in our pockets. And because of this, even when we badly yearn for our loved ones abroad, we always limit our phone calls so as to limit our phone bills. Luckily, it’s now a thing of the past.
With VoIP, we can make and receive calls anytime and anywhere we want as long as there is Internet. This is because calls using VoIP are usually free, as long as the person you are talking to is also using VoIP.
An IP phone is need for VoIP to work. The particular phone is connected to the computer using a network cable. When voice comes through the IP phone, the device converts the data into packets, and transmits the data into the computer system. Special software in the system will then transmit the data over the Internet using the IP protocol and the one on the other end receives the data. Data will then be converted back to voice again in the IP phone.
Just about everybody who has Internet connection can make and receive calls using VoIP technology. Just a little amount of money is needed to purchase the required hardware and software. But sometime, the hardware and software required will be given by the VoIP service provider. You just have to ask your local provider to know if they are the one responsible for the said requirements.
VoIP has allowed people across the globe to communicate with one another. Calls are normally free, and if ever there is a fee or charge, it’s typically just a small conventional fee for overseas calls. We can either use this technology for business or pleasure.
VoIP video conferencing is also being tried by big shot businesses and people all over the world. And it’s not gonna take long until every household has this amazing communication tool.
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Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: data, IP, modern communication, required, software, VOIP, voip call quality, voip quality
VoIP and Bandwidth Management
In the advent of Internet and dial up, VoIP was always deemed luxury. It was so hard to make voice calls back then, considering the latency and lag associated with slow speeds. VoIP was mainly used as a last resort back then; it was only used when other means of communication over the PSTN phone system are not working.
It’s a thing of the past now. Broadband speeds of today are more than enough for the measly traffic that VoIP always comes with. A sample for this would be this: some of the most high quality audio codecs used with VoIP in HD voice require around 128 kbs upload and download speeds. Majority of us today have over 2-3mbps connections. With speed connections reaching 10mbps, you’ll never have problems with bandwidth when using VoIP.
However, you can still have a bandwidth crunch when you use VoIP in a mobile. Today, 3G technologies give more than sufficient bandwidth to pave way for a seamless VoIP experience. It’s not the speed of the mobile Internet that serves as a limiting factor, but the latency and lag that come with wireless connectivity.
Wi-Fi connection serves to be a great alternative since it is covered by a standard Ethernet connection. It’s much more reliable within its area of operation. However, emerging 4G technologies are proving to be the perfect one for VoIP, which yields a new acronym – VoLTE – Voice over LTE.
Maybe the biggest threat to mobile VoIP is not the technology per se, but the data caps that are imposed by carriers. VoIP might not put a dent in your usage rates, it’s the wrong way of thinking that using it might cause overshooting in the data limits.
Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: bandwidth management, connections, data, PSTN, speeds, used, voip bandwidth, VoIP/PSTN
The Military Chooses VoIP
The military has these phone adjustments that come with built-in VoIP feature. They are now implementing VoIP data networks to get ready for a huge shift to Voice over Internet Protocol. This would surely streamline communications on, and between, Army bases all over the world.
Military stations, camps, and posts across the globed are being set for the change, with data networks and mainstay campus groundwork being installed. Over the years, preparing for this change has been one of the priorities. A lot of VoIP handsets were distributed on top of switches and data networks. The number is limited, considering every handset should “meet and comply with DoD standards for interoperability and Information Assurance.”
Service is given by an arrangement of these phone switches with built-in VoIP gateway capability. The data networks can carry VoIP across the military bases. But, they would then be converted into Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) prior to exiting the base network, since Internet capability is not yet available in carrying VoIP between military bases.
The advantages that come with VoIP usage in the Army is its reliability; the military requires complete availability. This can be accomplished in two VoIP applications and legacy telephony through the integration of excessive power, such as generator or any other better backup.
The military plans include integrating more VoIP communication, however it will immensely rely upon TDM (a service not used much by private companies or individuals since the rise of VoIP). VoIP is known to be faster, more affordable for high usage, and will ultimately be more efficient in handling military communication and transmissions in more secure and safer manner. The initial program combines both VoIP with TDM.
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Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: Army, change, data, military, TDM, time division multiplexing, VOIP
VoIP – Packet Switching and Circuit Switching
There’s a difference between Packet Switching and Circuit Switching, and that’s the fact that Packet Switching makes use of data or Packets and sends them over the Internet, whereas Circuit Switching does its work through using electrical circuits in order to make a telephone connection. Circuit Switching is similar to the old switchboard operators, attempting to connect the caller with the recipient. Packet Switching is utilized to transfer data across the web, which includes e-mail. Packet Switching converts audio formats into data packets and sneds them over the Internet, then it reassembles them on phone or computer of the person on the other end in real time.
Instant messaging programs that are all the rage these days have been using VoIP technology for years. Today, majority of these messaging programs have voice enabled features that let customers call a member of their buddy list. You just need to have a microphone and speakers, and you can then communicate with anyone anywhere in the world, through VoIP and your Instant Messaging program.
Instant messaging VoIP incorporates varied areas into one program. Using your voice enabled programs, you can now hook up a digital camera, web cam and take advantage of the video, as you speak on your microphone and listen to your speakers, and you can type back and forth on your chat program. You may even write an email while at it. The potential for VoIP phones use is relentless
You got it right! VoIP phone service is a superstar in the telecommunication world of today. It is a solid technology. You can integrate it into many existing applications, and you won’t need special equipment for it. You only need a PC with a microphone and speakers can use the service and it is extremely cost-efficient. Talk will be cheap!
Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: Circuit Switching, data, Guide, Packet Switching, voice, VOIP
Communicating With People Across The Globe Using VoIP
When you use conventional landlines, reaching out to people from other countries typically drains the wallet. Because of such, even when we miss our loved ones overseas, we tend to put a limit on our phone calls to avoid overspending on calls. But, it’s all in the past now.
With the help of VoIP, you are able to make and receive calls practically anytime you want to and from anywhere in the world as long as there is Internet. This is due to the fact that calls using VoIP are usually free, as long as the person on the other end is also using VoIP.
You need to have an IP phone for VoIP to work. This phone is connected to the computer with the use of a network cable. When voice comes through the IP phone, such device will be converting the data into packets, and will then be transmitting the data into the computer system. Special software in the system delivers the data over the Internet with the use of the IP protocol and the one on the other end will get to receive the data. Data will then be converted back to voice again in the IP phone.
Anybody who has Internet connection can make and receive calls with VoIP technology. Only little money is required to purchase the needed hardware and software. But in some cases, the hardware and software will be assumed by the VoIP service provider. You only need to ask your local provider to know if they are the one who should shoulder the said requirements.
VoIP lets people around the world communicate with each other. Calls are typically free, and if ever there is a fee or charge, it’s usually just a small conventional fee for overseas calls. We can use this technology for business or pleasure, it’s your call!
VoIP video conferencing is also being tried by huge companies and people across the globe. And it’s not going to take long until every home has this amazing communication tool.
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Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: Communication, data, Free Calls, hardware, IP, software, VOIP
Understanding VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP refers to the transmission of voice information over IP-based networks or the Internet. It is the delivery of voice information which is in digital form, like fax, SMS, and/or voice-messaging applications, in separate packets rather than the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network. You can now make and receive voice calls if you have broadband Internet connection. The main upside to VoIP is the fact that you get to save a sizeable amount of money, considering you are ridding yourself of high fees charged by ordinary telephone service.
The Internet Protocol or IP was originally meant for data networking. IP being a worldwide standard for data networking has made possible for its adaption to voice networking.
Other VoIP services will only let you call other people using the same service, but there are those that let you call everyone having a telephone number. VoIP will allow you to call straight from your computer, a special VoIP phone, or a regular phone connected to a special adapter. If the person on the other end has a standard analog phone, he or she is not required to have special tools to talk to you. Some VoIP services even let you speak to more than one person simultaneously.
You may come across other terms typically encountered and often used in the same way with VoIP, and those are IP telephony, Internet telephony, broadband telephony, voice over broadband (VoBB), and broadband phone.
You can make VoIP call with the help of the Internet. A lot of Internet connections are charged through flat monthly fee deals. Moreover, VoIP plans do not charge a per-minute fee for long distance calls and that is the reason why people are all raves about it.
To get the services of VoIP, you must least have a broadband (high speed Internet) connection. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services like DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is called for
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Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: data, IP, telephone, voice, Voice-over Internet Protocol, VOIP
Do you have to have a data plan to use the internet on your cellphone?
Question by Zayde: Do you have to have a data plan to use the internet on your cellphone?
I have a voice plan from wind and no data plan, can I connect my cellphone to my wireless signal at home to download and check my email stuff without getting charged? Or in any other cases anywhere where theres wifi ex the library?
Best answer:
Answer by EscalatorKid
Yes, you need a data plan to surf the internet on your phone… if you don’t want to pay ridiculous per-MB rate charges.
You might be able to connect to wi-fi, but more than likely, you’ll end up getting charged. At least depending on the phone you have.
Give your answer to this question below!
Categories: VOIP Questions Tags: cellphone, data, internet, plan
what are the advantages of using voice, video and data conferencing over IP?
Question by rkreidler2: what are the advantages of using voice, video and data conferencing over IP?
Best answer:
Answer by caulski
Cost – easily installed, all you need is stanadrd PC equipment with a webcam/headset and an internet connection (the faster the better).
Free apart from internet connection cost.
Cheap to replace if it breaks.
Simplicity – Everyone (nearly) knows how to use a computer or at least has some experience with one and does not take long to train someone to use it/or the software/hardware you are using.
Easily expanded – You can easily rollout more VOIP quickly as the infrastructure is already in place i.e. LAN and the internet.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Categories: VOIP Questions Tags: advantages, Conferencing, data, over, Using, Video, voice
Overcoming The Disadvantages And Improving the Quality Of VoIP
VoIP is a great way to communicate with family and friends at a very low price. However, there are a variety of hindrances with switching to VoIP. This article goes over many of the disadvantages of VoIP, which may have experienced. Additionally, this article will explain how you can improve the quality of VoIP phone service.
Disadvantages of VoIP
Although there are many advantages of VoIP, there are also quite a few disadvantages. Below are four of the most common disadvantages of VoIP.
1. Maintaining a Dependable VoIP Internet Connection
If for any reason, you lose your internet connection, you will not have phone service. Therefore, you must use a cellular phone should this type of situation arise.
2. 911 Access
When you place a 911 call, the location cannot be immediately determined. Unlike PSTN, you must register your phone number online so that should you need to make a 911 call from your VoIP, emergency services will know your location.
3. Networks Have a Large Number of Computers Connected
If your network has a large quantity of computers connected and they are all using the internet at the same time, your VoIP quality will generally be less than desirable. One way to avoid this situation is to invest in an Ethernet.
4. VoIP Poor Quality
Audio quality is one of the largest issues. No matter what your VoIP service offers you, the basic role of any phone is voice communication. If the quality is not up to par, then there is absolutely no point to all of the bells and whistles that come with the service. If you have a lot of background noise, then a VoIP that can handle music, video, caller ID and a variety of other advanced features is practically useless. In the next section, we will address this issue more thoroughly.
Even with all of the advancements of VoIP, there are times when the audio quality suffers. Since VoIP relies completely on the internet connection, anytime the internet suffers so will the VoIP.
Six Ways to Improve the Quality of VoIP
Poor audio quality (disadvantage #4) along with dropped calls, are all complaints that user of VoIP tend to make. Below are six ways the setup of your VoIP can affect the overall quality. By following these simple steps, you can easily improve the quality of your VoIP service.
1. Internet Connection
One of the first recommendations is a high speed internet connection. There are companies which offer VoIP for dial up users. However, the connection can result in poor audio quality. Eventually, you will grow to dislike your VoIP. However, it is not the VoIP, but rather the internet connection. Even if you have DSL, there are occasions when the connection may be slow and your VoIP quality will suffer. Therefore, an Ethernet connection is highly recommended.
2. External Factors
Weather conditions, such as thunder storms, heavy rains and snowstorms can all can an increase in static on broadband lines. In some instances, simply turning rebooting the VoIP can solve the problem. Another solution to reduce the static is for the VoIP service provider to replace the cables with a higher quality cable.
3. Compression Software
The technical details of codecs are a bit too much for this article. If you would like additional information, you can go to Wikipedia. Here is a quick overview of codecs as it pertains to VoIP. When sending data, VoIP compresses it. This is simply because if the data is too large, transmission can be extremely slow and ineffective. Codec is a software program that can be used for data compression. However, a poor quality codec will lead to poor audio quality.
4. VoIP Location and Hardware
The hardware you choose for you VoIP can affect the audio quality. Most of the most important pieces of hardware is the ATA/Router. The VoIP ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, brings ordinary phones to the networked world. The adaptor connects a phone handset to an Ethernet adaptor and therefore connects regular, analog phones with VoIP networks. If you are looking for additional information on ATA, check out Wikipedia.
In general, ATAs should have support for security and firewall, as well as echo cancellation and compression technologies. Many technicians have discovered that certain VoIP equipment can interfere with each and possibly create feedback or buzzing noises and dropped calls. Although VoIP equipment and hardware should be places as close as possible to each other, ATA should not be placed near the broadband internet router. The audio quality can be decreased if they are placed too close together.
5. Computer Maintenance and Hardware
There are a variety of different things that can affect the quality of your VoIP service. Therefore, computer maintenance is extremely important in improving the service’s quality. Make sure that you de-fragment your computer on a regular bases. As well, make sure that you have sufficient memory for the computer and high quality microphone and speakers.
6. VoIP Phone Type/Frequency
The type of phone you have, as well as the frequency can affect the quality of your VoIP. Many people believe that the higher a phone’s frequency is, the better the quality of VoIP. However, in some instances, a lower frequency phone may fit your connection better. You may want to try a phone with a lower frequency if you are experiencing a lot of audio feedback.
Overall, VoIP is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP are not passing through, they are here to stay. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service, as well as improve the overall quality. With all of the improvements continually going on with VoIP, it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.
Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of Be Successful News, a site that provides information and articles on how to succeed in your own home or small business.
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Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: connection, data, internet, quality