What is VoIP and how does it work?

Introduction

The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact, in many circumstances things have already changed. Take long distance calls, for example, many service providers are already using a technology called Voice Over IP or VOIP for short. If you’ve never heard of VOIP before, the following article will change your mind about how many long distance phone calls are made now and how all phone calls will be made in the future. Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a method of converting analog audio signals into digital data that can be transferred over the Internet.

You may be wondering how useful this is. Well, think about it for a few seconds. If it is possible to convert analog signals to digital data, then VOIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a method of making phone calls anywhere in the world for virtually free, except for your Internet service fee, allowing you to avoid the carriers. phone calls completely.

Voice Over IP (VOIP) has the potential to completely revolutionize the way the world’s telephone systems operate. There are many VOIP service providers that have been around for a while and are constantly growing. Now, the world’s leading telecommunications operators are realizing the infinite possibilities of this new technology, installing VOIP call centers around the world and promoting the sales of voice over IP telephone systems.

Making a call

With VOIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three ways:

ATA (gateway) – The easiest way to make a VOIP phone call is by using ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), sometimes called gateways. These devices allow you to use your existing standard analog phones. Just plug your standard phone into the ATA (gateway) and then plug the ATA into your computer or internet connection, allowing you to make VOIP calls. An ATA takes the analog signal from your standard telephone and converts it to a digital signal ready for transmission over the Internet. Some ATAs (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer, allowing you to configure it for VOIP precisely.

IP Phones – These phones look the same as normal standard phones. They have an Ethernet RJ 45 connector instead of the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the necessary software and hardware to handle VOIP calls already built in. They connect directly to your router, providing a very fast and cost-effective entry into the world of Voice over IP.

Computer to computer – This is the easiest way to use VOIP technology. There are many companies that offer profitable software that you can use for this type of VOIP. Usually the only charge you pay is the monthly charge from your Internet service provider, even for long distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable sound card, and a fast Internet connection.

Chances are, you’ve already made a VOIP call without even realizing it. Major phone companies already use VOIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a circuit switch and to an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing VOIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it reaches every business and household in the world.

VoIP Features

Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP or ATA phones with them on trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.

Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone is a specially developed software application that loads the VOIP service onto your desktop or laptop computer. Some even have an on-screen interface that looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to make VOIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world have access to a broadband connection.

Most traditional phone companies charge you for additional features added to your account. With VOIP service providers, these often come standard. Features like:

1. Caller ID

2. Call waiting

3. Call transfer

4. Repeat dialing

5. Call back

6. Three-way dialing

Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call screening features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using the caller ID information. You are allowed:

1. Forward the call to a particular number

2. Send the call directly to voicemail.

3. Give the caller a busy signal

4. Play a “not in service” message

Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the Internet or attach messages to email that is sent to your computer or PDA. It is best to check with VOIP phone system providers and service operators exactly what features they offer, as prices for packages and services vary widely.

There are many other cost saving benefits that come from an optimized VOIP phone system network. For network administrators, a VOIP phone system means that they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VOIP phone systems can be configured through a web interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC process (move, add, change) is made much easier and you won’t have to call your system / service provider for every MAC you make. All of this means lower ongoing costs for your business.

Another cost saving for companies implementing a VOIP system is that, because multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world, are seamlessly connected, they can share many of the features that VOIP can offer, such as:

1. A single receptionist

2. Automated attendant facilities

3. Voicemail system

Choosing a VOIP phone system

If you’ve decided that a VOIP phone system is the right step for your business, next you need to determine which of your existing phone equipment you can keep. The potential cost savings that can be achieved by using any existing digital equipment are enormous. Many digital phone systems can be IP-enabled through minor hardware additions and software updates.

When comparing possible systems, you should be sure what features they offer as standard and what are optional additional costs. You also need to be sure what exactly is included with the system. Many vendors claim to include everything you need, but the standard components can vary from company to company. Therefore, you should be sure to compare equivalent systems when approaching potential vendors.

You should also inquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The technology used in many VOIP systems can affect the implementation of any existing telephone hardware.

You will also need to ensure that any device, such as fax machines, credit card processors, security systems, etc., can be integrated into your new VOIP phone system. You should inform any potential vendors of such devices so that they can provide you with a telephone system suitable for your needs.

Lastly, don’t try to save money by buying used VOIP phone systems. Remember that VOIP is a new technology, so even last year’s equipment is out of date. Additionally, the installation cost will continue to apply whether the system is new or second-hand, and service costs can be even higher due to reliability issues. Simply put, it’s not worth the hassle, the higher secondary costs will eliminate any potential savings.

Thank you for reading,

Jason