More Information about VoIP and Broadband Phones

From crank phones to rotary and party lines to wireless and cell phones, telephones have changed a lot in the century and a half since their invention. Are you ready for the next phase? Now, with VoIP, you can reach out and touch someone on your own Internet phone using the power of your computer and your broadband connection.

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.  While there are many terms you may have heard that refer to it - broadband phones, Internet voice, Internet phone or digital phone - they all work the same way.  This method of communicating is fairly new (and quickly gaining popularity), but the technology has been around for awhile.

How VoIP / IP Phone / Broadband Phone Works

VoIP converts the voice signal from your Internet telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. The Voice over Internet Protocol enables you to make a call directly from a computer. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. If you make a call using a broadband phone with an adaptor, you’ll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone. If your service assigns you a regular phone number, then a person can call you from his or her regular phone without using special equipment.

Different Flavors of VoIP

There are three ways a VoIP connection can work.  Here's a basic breakdown:

ATA: Stands for Analog Telephone Adaptor.  This connects your standard telephone to a router and allows you to use your high speed Internet connection to call another standard telephone over the Internet.

IP Phones: IP Phones have an ethernet connector instead of a standard phone connector.  These phones are already set up to make calls over your Internet connection - no adaptors necessary. Also look out for WiFi IP phones, which allow you to make calls from hotspots.

• Top Cisco IP Phones

Computer to Computer: When you use computer to computer, there are no telephones or adaptors necessary.  Since your computer is already hooked up to a high speed Internet connection, all you need is a microphone, speakers and a sound card.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offers a powerful broadband phone alternative or complement to your traditional landline. Whether you want to switch over completely or just use it to save money on long distance calls, VoIP may be your phone of the future.

VoIP Providers

Not all VoIP providers and services are the same.  Some providers have a flat rate that covers unlimited calls to anyone in the world (whether or not they have VoIP service).  Other providers allow free calls to people who are also using VoIP, but charges apply to calls to regular phone lines. 

Make sure you check with your provider about their plans and fee requirements before signing any contracts.

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