What is Voice over IP?

Introduction

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband or Ethernet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. 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.

Common Questions

• What is VoIP/Internet Voice?
• How Can I Place a VoIP Call?
• What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
• Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
• If I have Internet Voice service, who can I call?
• What Are Some Advantages of Internet Voice?
• What Are Some disadvantages of Internet Voice?
• Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone?
• Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
• Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
• How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?

What is VoIP/Internet Voice?

VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can 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.

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 connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the network to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?

A broadband (high speed Internet) or 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, and/or an Ethernet Connection to your LAN (Local Area Network).

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 Internet Voice 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 IP Voice 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 IP Voice 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 IP 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, there are some possible differences:

• Some IVoice services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power;
• It may be difficult for some Voice services to seamlessly connect with the 999 dispatch center or identify the location of the 999 callers; or
• They may or may not offer 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.

Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology.You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.