How To Get Started With Voice Over IP

Voice over IP allows you to make cheap telephone calls over an internet connection. Compared to traditional telephone systems, you can enjoy great savings when you make unlimited or long distance phone calls with VoIP. The only requirement for using VoIP is a high-speed internet connection, which can either be wireless or cable internet such as T1 or DSL. So, how exactly can businesses and individuals benefit from Voice Over IP (VoIP)? This technology allows you to use your normal internet connection to make free calls. When you use free VoIP software, what you are doing is avoiding telephone companies which charge high telephone costs. Hosted VoIP is a popular term which comes up when Voice over IP is mentioned.

The term hosted VoIP basically refers to a service where the servers, services, and VoIP equipment are hosted by the Voice over IP provider, which manages the subscriber’s calls before sending them to their telephone systems.

How does it work? 

The voice is first converted by an IP phone or ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) from an analog signal to data packets. From there, the packets are sent over the internet/ private IP network. With Voice over IP, you can call communication systems such as cell phones and landlines. In addition, subscribers can call computer-to-computer, where they both speak into a microphone and listen through computer headsets or speakers. Other VoIP users or traditional telephone users can receive your call worldwide. To enhance the security and voice quality, Voice over IP (VoIP) or other communication systems should be conducted on a private IP network.

Businesses that use VoIP can benefit from improved productivity, enhanced collaboration, and reduced costs. Instead of using two networks, you will use one network which will save you money. This communication system gives you the flexibility to change, move or add locations and phone extensions. Your employees can also use VoIP while traveling or from home.

Advantages of VoIP

Compared to other communication systems such as wired analog, this digital service comes with great benefits. The first benefit is cheaper infrastructure. When you compare VoIP which only requires adding Ethernet connections to laying copper for traditional telephones, you will find that the former greatly reduces the cost of communication. Second, the VoIP marketplace is more competitive compared to the PSTN market. Unlike the PSTN market which has few providers, the VoIP market has a large number of vendors that offer VoIP software and hardware. The competitive nature of the VoIP market leads to more features and reduced cost over time. Third, VoIP does not need network topology. This means you don’t need to configure any local network so that it works with VoIP software. This communication works well with the existing network.

Disadvantages of VoIP

The first drawback of VoIP is that it requires power. PSTN line can still function even when there is a power failure. However, with VoIP, it uses electricity and requires your devices and router to be connected to power. Second, VoIP is vulnerable to hackers just like any other technology connected to the internet. This is especially true if you use VoIP from providers who do not offer end to end encryption. Third, VoIP cannot be used to make emergency calls.