Understand VoIP phone service
Understanding VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a comprehensive identification for a family of communication technologies used to transmit voice and/or data communications when routed over IP networks, such as the Internet or separate packet-switched data networks. The shared terms associated with VoIP can be recognized as: IP telephony, voice over broadband, broadband telephone, Internet telephony or broadband telephony.
When you make a phone call using a VoIP phone service, the dialed number is transmitted to a voice gateway. The voice gateway then decodes the dialed digits and concludes the destination IP address of the gateway that will be able to service the dialed phone number. The remote gateway now notifies the desired party of an incoming call by calling the desired phone number.
When the phone is picked up at the other end, a communication is sent between the gateways and a virtual path is transmitted between the gateways. The virtual path now receives the audio communication, converts the signal to digital format, compresses and packs the processed information, includes the destination gateway address for each packet sent, and then routes the packets over the Internet to the gateway. destination link. In conclusion, the packets are converted from digital audio to its original analog form.
Getting started with a VoIP phone service
You have three basic types of phone alternatives to select from when choosing a VoIP phone service.
– PC-based softphone
– Dedicated VoIP phone
– Analog phone adapter
PC-based softphones – The cheapest selection of the three is a PC-based Softphone application (also identified as digital phones or Internet Phones). The user must first install a software program on their computer that allows VoIP calls without the need for dedicated hardware.
Typical softphone fulfillment is executing calls between an Internet telephony service provider to existing softphones or conventional phones. Today, some VoIP phone service providers may offer PC-to-PC calling at no additional charge; but keep in mind that most PC-to-phone and phone-to-PC calls are generally charged a per-use fee, be sure to check with your internet service provider as offers may vary.
Most of the softphones that are being implemented today are designed to work in a similar way to conventional telephones. An image of a telephone appears on the users’ computer screen as a representation of a traditional telephone, displaying a panel with buttons that allow the user to interact in the same way as when making a call on a conventional telephone.
Your computer must be connected to the Internet during the duration period to make and receive phone calls.
A headset is then plugged into a USB port or PC sound card to make or receive phone calls. To improve the voice quality of calls, it is suggested that you invest in a good quality headset that is capable of providing clear voice recognition. Cheaper headphones provide unreliable voice clarity with feedback and echo.
Currently, there are three internet phone service providers for PC-based softphones; Vonage, Skype and Google Talk supplying proprietary software to their end users. The software used by these companies is locked down and cannot be shared with other providers, preventing phone calls between them.
Dedicated VoIP Phone – Dedicated VoIP phones support VoIP calls without the gifts of a computer. In appearance, they are similar to your traditional desk phone or mobile phone. No adapters or computers are needed for this type of VoIP phone service. The transport of telephone calls is routed directly to an IP network through a connection of an Ethernet port and cable or WiFi service. The service is established through a VoIP provider who is responsible for routing your calls through the network, making this type of VoIP phone system the most expensive to operate.
VoIP phones can also be known as SIP phones. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a common protocol that is widely used to support the management of multimedia communication sessions, voice data, and video calls over IP (Internet Protocol). Some of the applications that can use this technology are online gaming, video conferencing, streaming media, and instant messaging.
The main advantages of dedicated VoIP phones are that most of them incorporate XML-based applications; large LCD screens for user input that can display keyboards or touch pads, display messages and caller ID information, Ethernet or wireless network hardware to send and receive messages on the data network, voicemail functions, and finally , provide an excellent choice for voice quality for the end user.
analog phone adapter – Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs) incorporate an Ethernet port on one end and an RJ11 telephone jack on the other, which are used to link one or more standard analog telephones to a digital or non-standard telephone system, such as a web-based network. Voice over IP. .
The Ethernet port connects to your router which is used in a broadband connection for an IP network, and the RJ11 phone jack connects to your home phone. Your computer does not need to be on to make phone calls. Most ATA telephone systems offer acceptable voice quality, but may require the end user to tune their phone to minimize background echo and feedback problems that can sometimes occur.
This type of VoIP phone service is offered primarily by broadband Internet providers, cable companies, and traditional phone companies at a considerably lower rate compared to conventional phone services.
Finally, VoIP phone services provide a variety of plans, services, and features. Be sure to look for a VoIP phone service that meets your needs and wants for your home or business.