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What is VoIP

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP, sometimes referred to as broadband phone or digital phone, is a phone service which operates using your high-speed Internet connection. There are primarily two kinds of VoIP services: phone-based and computer-based. These services allow you to make phone calls using either your regular phone or a computer headset and microphone, respectively. As opposed to a traditional landline, when you use your phone or computer to call a number, the call is sent over the Internet instead of over a traditional phone line.

How does one place or receive a VoIP phone call

With a phone-based service you would use VoIP the same way you use a regular landline, by picking up the phone to answer it or dialing a number to place a call. With a computer-based service, you can call using a headset with a microphone plugged into your computer.

What benefits does VoIP offer

There are many benefits. Customers often see significant cost savings of 30%-90% using a VoIP service. Additional VoIP benefits include:
  • Ability to be mobile (Take your phone anywhere in the world)
  • Voice Mail, Caller ID, Call Conferencing, Call Forwarding, Fax
  • Unlimited in-country long distance and often to other countries
  • Check voicemail via email or online
  • Add multiple inbound area codes to create a 'virtual presence' in other cities or provide a local number to friends and family
  • Value added features like integration with other PC software

What are the disadvantages of VoIP phone service

Some VoIP services do not work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. Also, some providers do not have give the option list your number amongst the white pages of your phonebook.
•  What is Voice Over IP (VoIP)
•  How does VoIP work
•  How Do I Know If I have a VoIP Phone Call
•  What are the advantages of VoIP over traditional a telephone network
•  What type of service and equipment are needed to use VoIP
•  What kind of quality can I expect from Voice Over IP VoIP
•  Do I need a computer to make/receive VoIP calls
•  Can I surf the web during VoIP calls
•  Should I use an (ATA) or an IP Softphone
•  Can I use VoIP for all the phones in my residence
•  Can VoIP make and receive calls to/from public switched telephone lines (PSTN)
•  May I keep my existing phone number when migrating to VoIP
•  What are VoIP Service Providers
•  Does My Computer Need To Be Turned On
•  Does the FCC Regulate VoIP

Question: What is Voice Over IP VoIP

Answer: Voice Over IP (VoIP) is the technology that enables users to make and receive phone calls thru the Internet as opposed to using the traditional public switched telephone networks (PSTN's).

Question: How does VoIP work
Answer: VoIP involves the transmission of voice communication using the Internet Protocol that is already common in data transmissions on the Internet. Internet telephony software is also available that enables individuals to use the Internet as a transmission medium for essentially free telephone calls to anywhere in the world.

Question: How Do I Know If I have a VoIP Phone Call
Answer: It will ring like any other telephone call.


Question: What are the advantages of VoIP over traditional a telephone network
Answer: The primary main advantage of VoIP over traditional analog phone lines is it's cheaper. Other advantages of VoIP are as follows:
  • Digital features not commonly available on traditional phone lines such as voicemail
  • Caller ID
  • Conference
  • Music-on-hold
  • Conference calls
  • Call Filtering and Blocking
  • Receive voicemail to your email inbox or web page
  • Add multiple new inbound area codes for your phone allowing you to create a ‘virtual presence’ in other cities or provide a local calling number to friend and family members.

Question: What type of service and equipment are needed to use VoIP
Answer: The following equipment and services are required to use VoIP:
  • High-Speed Broadband connection
  • IP Phones (Softphones will require PC) or Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs)
  • A VoIP Service Provider.


Question: What kind of quality can I expect from VoIP
Answer: It depends on two primary factors, the amount of bandwidth available and the IP Endpoints connected (whether there are additional components that are providing processing power to improve the connection). Experts do not recommend VoIP through dial-up or other Internet accounts that offer “low” bandwidth. This causes severe loss of quality depending upon the amount of congestion on the Internet, bandwidth limitations leading to packet loss, latency, and jitters.


Question: Do I need a computer to make/receive VoIP calls
Answer: The answer depends on whether or not you will be using a softphone with your VoIP integration. VoIP does not require any computer to make/receive phone calls (only ATA devices or IP phones). If softphones are used instead of physical phones or (ATA devices), then computers are required.


Question: Can I surf the web during VoIP calls
Answer: Yes, VoIP allows web surfing while making and receiving VoIP calls simultaneously. It shares the bandwidth connection with other LAN computers and prioritizes voice.


Question: Should I use an (ATA) or an IP Softphone
Answer: It depends on your preference and budget. An (ATA) will allow you to use analog phones for VoIP. While this might save money, they do not have one touch feature keys (e.g. transfer, hold, etc). On the other hand, using IP softphones will provide more features that are similar to digital phones.


Question: Can I use VoIP for all the phones in my residence
Answer: Definitely, VoIP can replace every single phone in your residence. Both (ATA devices) and IP softphones can be used instead of regular analog phones. This setup requires an account with a VoIP provider. It is recommended that you keep your current telephone service because a loss of power will mean your internet connection will go down and you will not be able to make or receive VoIP calls. VoIP is currently looked upon as a way to reduce your long distance telephone charges while capitalizing on many of the advanced features offered by VoIP technology.


Question: Can VoIP make and receive calls to/from public switched telephone lines (PSTN)
Answer: Yes, VoIP users can make and receive calls to/from public switched telephone lines (PSTN) lines. Any type of calls (e.g. local, long distance, international, etc.) are allowed. This requires an account with VoIP Service Providers that provide termination.


Question: May I keep my existing phone number when migrating to VoIP
Answer: Most VoIP Service Providers will allow you to keep your existing public switched telephone phone number for VoIP. However, you will need to check with the provider since not all of them offer this service. A signed ''Letter of Authorization'' will be required by the provider when keeping your number.


Question: What are VoIP Service Providers
Answer: VoIP Service Providers are the next generation telcos that provide interconnection between VoIP and public switched telephone network (PSTN) networks. They allow call origination and termination between these two networks.


Question: Does My Computer Need To Be Turned On
Answer: No, but your Internet connection needs to be powered and working.


Question: Does the FCC Regulate VoIP
Answer: The FCC has organized an FCC Internet Policy Working Group to identify, evaluate, and address policy issues that will arise as telecommunications services move into Internet-based platforms.

 

  
   
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