VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard phone services use a
method known as circuit switching to connect calls. Circuit switching requires a
connection to be established and maintained over a dedicated line for the
duration of the entire call. VoIP is a phone service that has been altered to
utilise the same method of operation of the internet, this is known as packet
switching. Rather than establishing a connection that remains open for the
duration of a call, packet switching allows for data to be sent and retrieved as
required (i.e. a connection is established long enough to send a set amount of
data) over a number of possible paths, thus VoIP services are capable of
transferring phone calls using an internet connection.
By using an internet connection, the user is able to receive phone calls on the same number anywhere throughout the world, providing a broadband internet connection exists in that location.
Utilising the internet connection allows VoIP to bypass the requirement for access to a phone service provider, thus using VoIP can significantly cut down costs associated with phone providers, thus saving the user a significant amount of money.
To enable VoIP through your internet connection the appropriate software must be installed on your computer. Software is available online to download and is able to be installed on your computer in a matter of minutes.
There are three common methods for accessing VoIP. If the user has an existing phone they would like to use, it is possible to by an adaptor to alter the analogue signal of the normal phone and convert it to a digital signal capable of being transferred over the internet; these are known as Analogue telephone adaptors (ATA).
For those who are after the most cost effective means of accessing VoIP, computer to computer is they way to go. In order to access VoIP the user requires the appropriate software, a microphone, speakers and a sound card. This will allow the user to send call directly form one computer to another.
The final means of accessing VoIP is by purchasing an IP phone. These phones have an Ethernet connection and thus are able to connect directly to a computer or internet connection to access VoIP.
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