What Is Voip

By Author: Scott Jantz
Total Articles: 2
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What is VoIPHow does it work?What kind of internet connection do I need?What features are included?Can I use the internet while making calls using VoIP?Can I hook all my house phone jacks up using VoIP?What kind of phone do I need for VoIP?Does VoIP work with Home Alarm Systems?What happens if I move or travel?
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. A fancy way of saying using the phone over the internet. It allows you to make and receive phone calls through your broadband internet connection.In the simplest terms, VoIP takes the information from your telephone and converts it to a digital format to transmit it across the internet via specialized software. This often requires an additional piece of hardware that connects between your phone and your broadband internet modem. The most common device for this, and what most VoIP providers use, is an ATA (analog Telephone Adapter) device. An ATA ...
... Device takes the information from your phone, which is an analog signal, and converts it to a digital signal. This allows the data to be transmitted through the internet to its destination. When purchased through a VoIP provider they are usually pre-programmed and can literally be unboxed and hooked up without any additional configuration. Adapters bought through an independent retailer may require specific configurations to point it to your VoIP Provider company, but they generally provide support in setting this up. A broadband internet connection, or an "Always On" connection is recommended for VoIP. Most DSL, Cable, and some satellite broadband connections are acceptable. You'll find as many features with VoIP that you can find with any traditional phone service, if not more. Because VoIP is so closely intertwined with computers and the internet, it provides a greater flexibility in how the data is handled and presented. For example, most VoIP providers now provide a "Voicemail to Text" option that allows your voicemails to be sent to you via a text or email. This is just one of the many features that are unique to VoIP. Providers vary greatly in what they provide and costs associated with each, if applicable. Yes! VoIP takes very little bandwidth and should not disrupt your normal internet use.In most cases, yes you can. This varies depending on the company you have VoIP through and how your home is currently wired for telephone. It's very rare that you are not able to complete this setup, but check with your specific VoIP provider and/or current phone company to be sure.Because of the ATA adapters, almost any existing phone you have can be used to make VoIP phone calls. There are also specific phones (called IP Phones) that can work without the use of an ATA device. These phones may require configuration from your VoIP company to function properly.Most alarm systems tie into your phone systems to call the alarm company or specified emergency department. You will have to check with your alarm company to verify if they can work alongside VoIP phone connections.One of the most amazing things that can be done with VoIP is the ability to take your number with you. Your phone number is associated with your ATA Adapter, not your address or your house. So you can physically take your adapter to another house, another state, or even another country...plug it in to a broadband internet connection...and make/receive calls on the exact same number! If there is a question you still have about VoIP that wasn't answered here, let us know and we'll find the answer and add it to the list. You can also check the forums to see if anyone already has an answer for you there!
Scott is the owner of TopChoice VoIP, a site that provides user reviews of Business VoIP Providers and Residential VoIP Providers.