Summary
VoIP (`Voice over Internet Protocol`) telephony works on the same basic principle as using a computer and microphone to record a human voice. The analogue sound wave of the voice is `sampled`, many thousands of times per second, and the tiny, digital samples are collected together into `packets` for transmission over the Internet. Each single IP packet usually contains between 20 and 30 seconds of audio data. The digital data is converted back, upon receipt, into an audible, analogue sound wave.
VoIP Equipment & Services
The most accessible form of VoIP, perhaps, is that available from computer to computer. Many VoIP providers, themselves, offer free, downloadable software to enable this type of VoIP. The other components required are a sound card, a microphone, speakers and a broadband Internet connection. Skype, for example, offers free software and free Skype-to-Skype calls, together with inexpensive rates for local, national and international calls to traditional, and mobile, phones. Video calls can make conversations more interesting and intimate, and the addition of a webcam allows Skype users to make free video calls to other Skype users who are similarly equipped.
A VoIP handset, on the other hand, looks just like a traditional telephone handset. Instead of a conventional, `RJ-11`, telephone connector, however, a VoIP handset is often equipped with an `RJ-45`, Ethernet connector, allowing it to be connected to a broadband router, or a `USB` (`Universal Serial Bus`) connector. Vonage, for example, offer the V-Phone, which comes complete with Vonage Talk software already installed. Software does not, therefore, need to be installed onto PC, and it is simply a question of plugging in the phone, itself, and its earpiece microphone, in order to start making VoIP calls. This configuration has the obvious advantage that all the software, and, indeed, contact information, is contained within the
VoIP phone itself.
Another common method of accessing VoIP is via an `ATA`, or `Analogue Telephone Converter`. An ATA is an analogue-to-digital converter, which allows a conventional telephone handset to be connected to a computer, or Internet connection.
Conclusion
VoIP telephony provides a reliable and cost effective alternative to traditional telephone systems, particularly for home, or personal use. It may be possible, for example, to virtually eliminate the cost of long distance calls, while taking advantage of many features which are included free of charge by VoIP providers, but charged for by traditional telephone companies. Conference, or `3-Way` calling, for example, allows you to connect, and talk, to two other parties at the same time. Other benefits include call waiting, caller ID and voice mail facilities, amongst many others. Some VoIP providers include the facility to have your VoIP calls forwarded to a telephone number of your choice, should your Internet connection be disrupted, or your telephone adaptor become disconnected, until such a time as normal service is restored.
