Explaining VoIP

Objective of this section is to clearly define What Is VoIP. Internet Voice, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor.

So What Is VoIP? Simply, VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. When placing a VoIP call using a phone with an adapter, you’ll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. VoIP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone or a microphone.

What Is VoIP providing? VoIP lets you make toll-free long distance voice and fax calls over existing IP data networks instead of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Today businesses that implement their own VoIP solution can dramatically cut long distance costs between two or more locations.

Let’s see What Is VoIP history: For the past 100 years people have relied on the PSTN for voice communication. During a call between two locations, the line is dedicated to the two parties that are using it. No other information can travel over the line, although there is often plenty of bandwidth available. Later, as data communications emerged, companies paid for separate data lines so their computers could share information, while voice and fax communications were still handled by the PSTN.

What Is VOIP Gateway: VOIP Gateway provides intelligent interconnection of the enterprise PBX, IP network, and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Voice over IP (also known as, “Voice over Packet,” “Voice over Internet Protocol” or “VoIP”) is comprised of several interconnected processes that convert a voice signal into a stream of packets on a packet network and back again. VoIP allows the human voice to travel simultaneously over a single packet network line with both fax information and modem data.

What Is VoIP Server Cards: VOIP server cards can be an economical VOIP solution. However, they must be compatible with the server and operating system and installations can be complex.

What Is VoIP IP-based PBX: The IP-based PBX is usually software running on a computer based server. However, it often requires a forklift upgrade of the existing PBX or, at a minimum, an extensive software and/or hardware upgrade. An IP-based PBX is typically marketed to new installations where no legacy system is in place.

What Is VoIP PC-Based Telephony: PC-based telephony software is by far the cheapest VOIP solution, but it is also the clumsiest. It requires users to make phone calls using their PC instead of a phone. This usually involves user training and an investment in speakers and microphones for each PC. Plus, many users complain that voice quality for this solution is not adequate for business communications.