An Introduction to VoIP
VoIP or Voice-over IP refers to the communication of people between IP addresses over the Internet. It was first utilized in the year 1995 as a substitute for the telephone. It works by converting a voice signal into a digital signal. Then, it travels over the Internet as data.
Afterwards, it converts back into a voice signal to the other end. There are different ways to use VoIP. The first is to make use of a microphone plugged into the computer. You can also use a phone adapter or VoIP phone (the phone adapter refers to a device that converts your telephone signal so that it can be useful for VoIP calls). VoIP phones are the same with telephones, but they are mainly for VoIP calls. You can also use a regular telephone with VoIP.
VoIP is less costly compared to a regular telephone. This is because you use computers and the IP addresses, so there’s no longer a need for a telephone line to be installed. This will spare you time and money. The cost is the leverage of VoIP over regular telephones. You can save a lot on long distance calls. Because of the technology used, a long distance call costs the same as a local call. Businesses are also able to save a sizeable amount of money by using VoIP.
Because VoIP calls have to be converted into a digital signal and then back into a voice signal, there could be a slight time delay. Another disadvantage is that the voice quality may not be as clear as a regular telephone. But the technology is continually improving, and both these drawbacks are being enhanced.
The future is looking good for VoIP. More and more people seem to be taking interest in it (both personal and businesses) and this trend is not going to stop anytime soon. It may not have the same quality with a regular telephone, but it never ceases to improve.
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Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: regular, signal, telephone, voice, Voice-over Internet Protocol, VOIP
VoIP Perfect for Call Centers and Mobile Employees
VoIP has a myriad of benefits that every business has always dreamed of, like flexibility, cost efficiency and not to mention enhanced customer service applications. Call Centers, which are popular these days, are now taking interest in VoIP and are starting to make the switch too
Before, a Call Center is in a building where you run your business. This tends to be a problem when your business ultimately expands to another location in which another Call Center shall be provided and set up again. This equals more spending and it’s more time consuming.
With VoIP, if ever your business expands, you can now outsource your work overseas just by employing home-based employees for less labor fee practically anywhere across the globe. You can work together in different time zones. Not only can this spare you moolah, your business can also have even greater worldwide customer service 24/7.
With the integration of data, audio and other web based features, you can now handle customer service calls more effectively and conveniently. In such case, calls are transferred more professionally and better care can be given to the clientele.
Another nice way that your business can take advantage of VoIP is if you have employees who do traveling a lot to almost any part of the globe. In normal situations, the business would give the employees personal cell phones for them to make and receive calls as anywhere and anytime.
With the help of VoIP, these mobile employees of yours can remain connected with you and yet still helps you in saving money in fees, considering there are no roaming charges when you use VoIP. With this modern technology, your employees can contact one another and with the higher ups more frequently sans worrying about the long distance charges.
Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: Business, Call Center, Call Centers, charges, Switch, time, 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
Billing With VoIP System
Recent technological advances now allow for a much more efficient and faster way of doing things, like I need to say it. VOIP communication has boosted positive reception in the past years and has provided a much better way for wholesalers to deal with the ever increasing number of resellers. Effective billing system will spare you time, money and effort and at the same time give accuracy and precision. Read on and get more information with regard to the said topic and what benefits good billing software gives to consumers.
The telecommunications industry have gone through many significant changes in just a tiny amount of time that can be from the usual landline type to the ever present and ever changing wireless communication that makes use of phones and computers to the even more advanced VOIP system. VOIP gives a means that is actually very beneficial to individuals who could take advantage of them. It is a system that is known to be very cost-effective and do not charge a large chunk of money to its subscribers and users.
The features that are offered by the VOIP billing system give a high level of efficiency and accuracy, and at the same time highlighting the provision and saving of time, reduced costs, as well as accuracy.
Time is one commodity that is constant for every individual. Time is typically the most common, if not the biggest, factor to be taken into consideration in using this VOIP system. Billing systems that have tiptop quality can save up to almost 80% of the usual time it takes to do manual billing. People who are adept in using this system can even save more time than people who are neophytes to this major breakthrough.
Accuracy and efficiency are two of the major things the corporate world is after. This is the idea of maximum production in the least amount of possible time. Businessmen do not want unnecessary delays and glitches that may take place in their system.
By choosing software that will definitely cater to the needs of a billing business, a sizeable amount of money, time and effort can be saved.
Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: money, software, time, VOIP, voip billing, VoIP System
How VoIP Can Be Your Best Friend
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP, is a type of hardware and software that allows the Internet to be utilized as a means of transmission for phone calls. VoIP is made use of to send voice data in packets rather than the normal POTS circuits. The main upside to VoIP is the non attraction of surcharges on phone calls over the net beyond what the caller will pay for internet access, like nobody pays for sending e-mails online.
Given that VoIP is practically used for internet telephone calls, it is also dubbed as “Voice over IP “. The two features it boasts of are cost and ease of use, traditional phone services are more expensive and are not as quick as VoIP.
The advantages of VoIP include making phone calls at reduced rate. Different service operators charge just about anything for their packages. That is why there are long distance calls that are free on some networks, while some will charge but you get the same service.
You can take advantage of many features for free with VoIP services; while others provide them for a fee. Free VoIP features are voicemail, Call Forwarding, Call Transfer, Call Waiting, Call Waiting, and Call Transfer, among many others. For commercial purposes, you can also avail of free features such as email and web utilities.
VoIP lets you choose your own phone number and area codes. Long story short, you can maintain your current number by transferring it into a new VoIP.
Hit me with a comment below how VoIP changed your world. It could be in a good or bad way. Just so you know, it rocked my world to its core! Since I love touching base with my loved ones abroad, VoIP has always been my best friend ever since we met.
Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: Call Transfer, features, internet, number, Voice-over Internet Protocol, VOIP
What all voip, etc. carriers do phone number portability?
Question by dhampton82: What all voip, etc. carriers do phone number portability?
My dad has had the same home phone number since like 1978. He now wants to try out a voip or similar to try to save some cash. However, he says that it is not an option unless he can take his number with him. Please let me know who all will let him take his number as far as internet phone companies go!
Best answer:
Answer by S
Number portability is what your talking about. You need to ask the VoIP provider if your POTS number is portable to their VoIP system. Some are and some aren’t.
Also see this link…
http://voip.about.com/od/phonenumberportability/a/isnumportable.htm
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Categories: VOIP Questions Tags: answer, carriers, Etc., number, PHONE, portability, VOIP
VoIP Network Server
By now, you probably know VoIP. If not because of the ads, perhaps you heard about it from someone. But if you don’t know jack about it, well, it is a system that enables you to make and receive phone calls using the Internet and a service provider.
What makes it so special? First off, VoIP is very useful to people who make long distance calls almost daily. You need not be shocked when your monthly phone bill arrives, given that the amount you will be paying is fixed every month.
Considering VoIP utilizes the network server, it plays a significant role in its service. You practically cannot make a call without it. You can get a package that you believe will be best for your needs, but you still need a service provider in making phone calls because they are held responsible for keeping track of your calls. Fret not, since there will be so many service providers to choose from.
Your chosen network server sees to it that your calls are made and received the right way. However, just like everything else almost, you can’t really get a 100% guarantee with regard to the quality of the calls you makes. That’s the major problem VoIP is dealing with right now, but definitely, you will still be able to make your phone calls.
The network server serves as a mediator when you make a call between you and the person on the other end. It acts right below your service provider to ascertain that your calls are going properly. Additionally, the network server verifies that requests are getting through and that necessary data will be sent to another computer across a certain network or the Internet.
VoIP is deemed the future of telecommunication. It has been said that, eventually, every single one of us will be using VoIP and get rid of the costly traditional phones.
Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: acts, almost, Network Server, Next Generation Network, regard, server, VOIP
What are the benefits of VoIP vs. Landlines?
Question by Danys M: What are the benefits of VoIP vs. Landlines?
Want to get VoIP with Earthlink, but want to know the cons and pons.
Best answer:
Answer by mahlstedtat
Pros: Its cheaper than landline with all the same features and unlimited calling long distance.
Cons: Wont work if power goes out, you have to have high speed internet
What do you think? Answer below!
VoIP Is Now Mainstream
Voice-over Internet Protocol is getting more and more popular today especially in households. Recently, much importance has been given to broadband Internet. That is why VoIP has made its way into the list of people’s top choices regarding home telephony services.
VoIP has remarkable amounts of feature that other traditional telephone companies are not yet able to give. In the past, clarity and reliability of phone call were uncertain and unstable, but it’s a thing of the past. Many traditional telephone companies are trying to implement this technology to make current clients stay and lure in prospective ones.
Voice-over Internet Protocol is a service that lets customers to make us of broadband Internet to make and receive telephone calls. While conventional phones use analog signals, Internet telephony takes these analog signals and switches it into digital data packets.
What makes this technology particularly brilliant is that it allows the clientele to call friends and significant others even from the other side of the globe at a very affordable price.
VoIP is also popular for being flexible. One example of which is that customers are allowed to get a localized phone number even when used in another city, a feature which is very useful for those who travel frequently. Even those who have small businesses find this totally helpful. Voice mails can be sent into your e-mail and you can even block numbers if you wish, very helpful when you want more time to focus on your business.
VoIP is becoming very popular these day, and it won’t take very long before this becomes the top option in the phone industry.
It is rapidly making its way into mainstream and the reason for this is because not only does it make our lives much easier and enable us to communicate with our loved ones without much hassle, but it also makes sure that we don’t spend a fortune in our telephone bills every month.
Categories: VOIP Articles Tags: internet, Internet Protocol, telephone, thing, traditional, Voice-over Internet Protocol, VOIP