With the advent of VoIP technology, long distance calls have gotten cheaper. It has created a revolution and has become the most accessible option for communication. With its fast growing popularity many of web users are still unaware of how VoIP works, but it becomes more important to equip yourselves with the know-how of making calls using VoIP and what its benefits are. So here is information on how you can use VoIP and benefits of it!
VoIP is:
VoIP is an acronym for Voice-over-Internet-Protocol. It is a technology that transmits analog audio signals from telephones and converts them to digital signals so that the computers can understand them and transmit them over the Internet.
Depending on the kind of technology, the following equipments may be required:
- High speed internet connection (DSL or cable modem)
- Computer
- Telephone
- Adapter
- Speakers (if not in-built in the computer)
- Microphone (if not in-built in the computer)
How it works:
VoIP can be used in one of the following ways:
- ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter): Use analog phone or home phone to connect to the adapter. The adapter is required to convert analog signals to digital signals that can be transmitted using the internet. To connect the home phone to the adaptor, remove the cable from the wall that is plugged into the home phone and plug it to the socket in the adapter.
- IP Phones: IP phones look very similar to home phones, but have a RJ-45 jack that is for Ethernet connection. Here too (like the ATA) the cable must be plugged to the router. IP Phones do not require the adapter, it only needs the software and hardware suitable for the VoIP calls in the phone.
- Computer-to-computer: Download the required software from the internet; connect microphone and speakers, and a sound card. The receivers of the call should also have the same service downloaded and active. It is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to use VoIP to make calls because the software is free, costs include internet rental and usage charges.
Benefits of using VoIP:
- Your expenses involved for making calls are substantially low.
- You can give up your home phone and use broadband, and reduce phone expenses.
- With wireless ‘Wi-Fi phones’ you can make and take calls at anytime, anyplace.
- There are no ‘roaming’ charges.
- You can make conference calls and speak to multiple users.
- Some VoIP providers have extra features like voicemail in the form of e-mails, call forwards, blocking unwanted callers, and so on.
Some drawbacks of using VoIP:
- Power connection must be continuous and stable.
- VoIP cannot be used without a high speed internet connection.
- Slow internet connectivity cause disturbances and delays in communication.
Select a VoIP service provider:
- Know what your needs are. Depending on what kind of calls you want to make (like computer-to-computer, computer to a mobile, computer to a landline, etc.) can help you zero in on your needs.
- Identify any additional charges like activation fees, installation charges, recurring deposits, validity periods, trial packs etc. Before you decide on a service provider.
- Identify free and chargeable services providers.
- Be sure to read the contract terms and conditions too.
