What is VOIP
VOIP Stands for the Voice Over Internet Protocol and it’s a technology that allows the voice and video communications over the IP based networks such as internet and over the packet switched networks. VOIP technology breaks up the audio and video signals into the small chunks and then reassembles those chunks at the destination. Through this technology you can make long distance calls at very low rates. The main advantages of this technology are its low cost and the increased functionalities such as voice mail, call waiting, PC to phone option, caller ID, call forwarding, FAX, local number portability, 3-Way calling, call transfer, contact list, international blocking, roaming, sending emails and the portability features for the travelers.
Voice Over IP technology allows two way communication system and the multiple concurrent calls can be handled at one time. VOIP technology also known as IP telephony, broadband telephony and the companies that provide these services are known as VOIP providers. Many providers charge a monthly fee and allow you to make unlimited long distance calls in a specified geographical area. Some providers offer VOIP to VOIP phone calls free of cost like Skype.
There are many internet telephony applications are available such as Netmeeting, Skype, SIPGate, Gossiptel and CoolTalk. Internet telephony technology has become popular over the conventional telephone service because of the advantages it offers to the consumers. Telephone technology can be added into your existing IP based network without building any extra IT infrastructure. Many corporate companies have implemented the IP telephony solutions to make the cost effective and easier long distance communications for their employees.
How To Make VOIP Calls
Making long distance internet calls is very simply. All you need to have the following things.
- High speed broadband internet connection.
- Headphone and microphone.
- VOIP software such as Skype, Net2Phone, Netmeeting or SIPGate should be installed and configured on your computer.
Skype is most popular and convenient way of making the long distance calls and it provides the free calls between the PC to PC. If you want to make PC to phone calls then you will need to buy some credits.
There are other providers like Vonage, that offers internet telephony hardware that allows you to make long distance PC to Phone calls or Phone to Phone long distance calls at very low monthly rates.
Additionally, you can use IP phones and plug into any broadband connection and make long distance calls.
Internet telephony is very interesting and advanced technology that offers you many advantages over the regular telephone systems.
Some of the challenges that the internet telephony technology has been facing are network latency, bandwidth utilization, packet loss, echo, security, reliability. Many service providers have given the solutions to deal with these challenges and to provide the secure and reliable voice communications over the internet.
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