The hottest new topic in telecommunications is VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, used to make phone calls over the Internet. VoIP is perfect for users who want to remain on the cusp of the latest technology and experience the enhanced features of a digital telephone system without paying premium prices. You don’t even have to know much about telephony to enjoy the benefits of VoIP. If you have a cable Internet connection, setting up VoIP phone services can be as easy as 1-2-3. You can even use your existing telephone to make VoIP calls with a VoIP converter.
Why High Speed Cable Internet for VoIP?
To understand why it is necessary to invest in an always-on, high speed Internet connection to get the most out of VoIP, it is useful to examine the history of the telecommunications service, and why VoIP hasn’t completely caught on for almost 10 years after its inception.
Since the mid-1990s, the technologically savvy have been legally “hacking” long-distance companies to make cheap or free calls over the Internet using specialized software that enabled phone calls over modems. The sound quality on these phones calls, however, was low; imagine using a walkie-talkie to call someone over a connection that periodically drops without warning.
Among other things, the low vocal quality of early VoIP calls was due to dial-up connections too slow to smoothly transmit data-rich information streams like the human voice. If you attempt to use a VoIP phone with satellite Internet or a dial-up connection today, you will notice the same, severely reduced sound quality that makes it difficult to hold a conversation. Cable Internet, on the other hand, delivers the bandwidth necessary to provide VoIP phone services that approach landline quality.
Internet Connection Types that Support VoIP
It is also possible to use VoIP if you have a DSL connection, although the service is slightly less popular for VoIP. This is partially because many cable Internet service providers offer packages that consolidate your cable television, Internet, and VoIP phone services into one low, monthly bill. DSL simply does not offer that level of convenience.
Using a VoIP Converter with Your Existing Phone
Using your existing phone to make VoIP calls is extremely easy once you make the jump to high speed cable Internet. In order to use always-on cable Internet, you or your service provider will have already set up a simple network consisting of a cable modem that is plugged into your broadband Internet connection. The modem, in turn, may or may not be plugged into an Ethernet router.
You should note that if you have a computer and would like to use your high speed broadband Internet on your computer as well as for VoIP, you will need a router. Also, wireless networks do not offer the same sound quality as a wired, Ethernet network, so take that into consideration when deciding on your networking options for the first time. One option you have is to buy a hybrid router that offers both wireless and Ethernet networking options, and then use your wireless network for your desktop computer or laptop, and your wired ports for your VoIP converter box.
Start Using VoIP Now - it’s Easy!
To turn your existing phone in a VoIP phone, simply plug a VoIP converter box into one of the ports on your router using an Ethernet cable. Then, plug your existing telephone into the appropriate port on the VoIP converter box. You are now ready to make VoIP calls.
