|
Home >
How VoIP Works
How VoIP works -- busting out of long distance rates
April 5, 2005
By: Lori Wilkerson
VoIP is the newest advancement in audio communications
technology, and has a variety of different applications that
make it useful. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet
Protocol, and how VoIP works is actually quite
revolutionary because it streamlines the process of sending
analog audio signals by converting them to a much easier to
send digital form for transmission.
To understand how VoIP works, you’ll need to understand
the basic concept behind regular analog audio communication
as well, since this is the precursor for VoIP. Analog phone
calls are actually made via fiber optic networks by
digitizing your voice communications for sending the signal
across thousands of miles, but once it gets to the final
destination (a home or office phone, for instance), the
signal is once again converted to analog.
During these calls, the switches remain open even while
there is dead air and no conversation is taking place; the
circuit is also open in both directions even when only one
party is talking and the other is listening. This isn’t
terribly efficient, and slows down the communication of
information considerably.
Packet switching streamlines VoIP
VoIP works on a different premise -- rather than circuit
switching, data packet switching sends and receives
information only when you need it instead of in a constant
stream. It also sends the information packets along whatever
open channels are available rather than a dedicated line,
which is much more efficient. The information is simply
reassembled at the source.
The payload of each packet has a destination coded into
it determining the ultimate destination. When the computer
at the other end receives all of these packets, it will
reassemble the information into useable form. This form of
sending audio data is extremely efficient because it always
takes the cheapest route that is also the least congested.
The compression of information and use of multiple routes
in order to send that information over the most efficient
route makes sending audio over packet switching quicker,
much less expensive and more efficient. The number of calls
that can be sent is orders of magnitude higher than it was
with the more traditional analog circuit switching systems.
For companies, the savings in long distance charges can
be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. If
companies also make extensive conference calls, VoIP makes
even more sense when combined with conferencing options such
as document sharing in systems offered by companies like
Voxwire and iVocalize.
Different types of VoIP calling are available
-
The most commonly used VoIP system is from one computer to
another. To set up this type of service, you will need to
have a sound card installed in both computers along with
microphones and Internet connections. For practical
purposes, you’ll want a broadband connection or DSL -- a
dial-up modem will be so slow the sound quality just won’t
be that good. Aside from that, all you need is a software
package that can set you up with everything you need to
use VoIP to make phone calls to whomever is also set up
with the same system.
-
You can also invest in IP phones if you want something
that looks just like your standard analog telephones but
with VoIP connectivity. These simply replace the
old-style RJ-11 connectors with Ethernet connectors
(RJ-45). Hardware such as routers and the needed software
are built right in.
-
Analog telephone adaptors (ATA) enable you to connect a
standard telephone to your computer Internet connection in
order to take advantage of VoIP options. ATA converts
analog signals to digital so that it can be transmitted
properly via the Internet.
-
The newest option on the market is the WiFi phone, which
uses short-distance Internet transmission of VoIP to
replace cell phones calls. WiFi broadcasts over the radio
spectrum to cover short range areas for users in certain
areas, and these “hot spots” have popped up across the
U.S.
The upshot of VoIP is that standard long-distance charges
may soon become a thing of the past. As more and more
consumers turn on to VoIP and broadband connections make it
easy and inexpensive (as well as practical) to make phone
calls over the Internet, fewer individuals will be willing
to pay high rates to make a telephone call they can make for
free or next to nothing via their computer.
VoIP saves you money on long distance
There’s no by-the-minute charges with VoIP, no set-up
fees, and no “time of day” or overages. That’s the great
thing about VoIP plans. You just pay a monthly fee and get
to make all the calls you want over your computer for one
monthly fee. It’s so simple and elegant, and it’s the
solution that everyone’s been wanting and waiting for far
too long.
You don’t have to wait for a certain time of day of day
of the week to make telephone calls with VoIP. There’s also
the advantage of being able to use your VoIP connection from
anywhere -- remember, you’re not tied to a phone jack to use
your number, but an Internet connection, so you can call
from anywhere with many calling plans.
Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans
with unlimited calling are listed below with their most
popular options:
-
Vonage currently offers a $24.95 per month unlimited VoIP
package to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. It includes
voicemail, call forwarding, three way calling, call
waiting and caller ID.
-
Packet8 can provide unlimited VoIP for $19.95 a month in
the U.S. and Canada with a variety of features like call
waiting and three-way calling, and can also give you video
phone service for about $29.95 per month.
-
AT&T’s CallVantage provides the usual U.S. and Canada
broadband calling with voicemail, call waiting, etc. along
with email, a call log and a ‘do not disturb’ option, all
for $29.99 a month. You also get to keep your phone number
for life, no matter where you go -- a great feature for
some who move around a lot.
VoIP in web conferencing packages
VoIP is used in almost all web conferencing services as
an alternative to standard conference calls, and looking
into these packages will give you an idea of some ways to
combine VoIP with extras such as white boards, document
sharing and video. For less expensive options, many
companies can provide strictly audio VoIP conference calls
combined with text messaging and document sharing without
video.
Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing
packages separate from video conferencing are:
-
Voxwire offers voice communication with features like
auto-queue, mute options, individual speaker adjustments
and moderator controls along with a “follow me” browser
system so that all participants can view a shared desktop.
Two persons can use VoIP for $9.95 a month, or up to ten
in a conference environment for $29.95 per month.
-
VoiceCafé provides similar services with a wide range of
options that vary from packages with VoIP capability for
five people at a time on a conference call to up to 500 in
one conference call, all for a flat monthly fee. The
prices vary depending upon what package you choose, and
there are several.
-
iVocalize offers VoIP along with Internet conferencing
options like PowerPoint presentation capabilities and
presentation recording for future playback. They also
provide optional Unicode translation in thirteen
languages. The most basic VoIP package begins at $10.00 a
month with a prices going up incrementally depending upon
your needs and how many will be involved in your
conference calls.
It is obvious that conference calling as well as standard
long distance calling will be changing greatly in the near
future as VoIP changes the landscape of telephone service.
“Land lines” for long distance calling will eventually
become obsolete as broadband becomes more common and makes
VoIP just as commonplace as any other type of telephone
call.
And with the greater portability of soft phone options
built into laptops and the use of ATA phone adapters, the
use of VoIP in the average home will arrive sooner rather
than later.
About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a successful freelance writer providing
practical information and advice for consumers and businesses about
everything related to audio conferencing services and
VoIP
providers. Her numerous articles include tips for saving
both time and money; product reviews and reports; and other
valuable insights for persons searching the Internet for
information about the
history of the telephone and related topics.
Also See:
[ History of the
telephone -- from Bell to VoIP and beyond ]
[ Choosing the right headsets to
make daily communication easier ]
[ Conference phone guide
& tips when shopping for conference call phones ]
Home Page:
[ Audio-Conferencing-Guide.com ]
[ top of page ]
|
