Computer Phone, IP Phone or Internet Phone, all are names for a method of communication called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP brings the ability to make telephone calls over the Internet using your computer and your broadband connection.
VoIP can give you freedom. You can shop around and get the Internet connection you want, then shop around and find a VoIP provider that best meets your needs. Increasingly you are able to get both from a single provider.
Here is how it works: Just like on an old-fashioned phone, you pickup your telephone and dial the number of the person you wish to contact. Your computer or a special module connected to your network sends your request over the Internet to the computer or telephone exchange you are attempting to contact. Then the phone at their end rings.
In more technical terms, computers on the Internet communicate using a set of rules called TCP/IP. TCP/IP tells us that data needs to be sent across the Internet in small pieces called packets. These packets are sequentially numbered so that the computer on the other side can put them together in the right order.
A VoIP phone uses the same process. Your voice is converted to a digital signal. It is then broken into packets and transmitted over the Internet to the destination.
Voice over IP offers several advantages over traditional telephone systems:
- VoIP can be less expensive than your old telephone service.
- Internet telephony can make new technology such as video phones possible.
- VoIP allows you to reduce costs by eliminating the need for a dedicated landline.
- Individuals can benefit by gaining choices and lowering costs with services like free long distance.
- Businesses can benefit from VoIP by dramatically lowering their telecommunications costs
Unfortunately, like every thing else VoIP has some disadvantages:
- First, you need to have access to a broadband connection such as cable or DSL.
- Another problem is that some Internet services have a problem with latency. A clean Internet connection is vital; fortunately, many Internet services have upgraded their networks to minimize this problem.
- Some VoIP customers do not have access to 911 services. This too is becoming less of an issue with the advent of Enhanced 911 Service legislation passed in many states.
- Some telephone directories do not list Internet Phone customers. Is this really a disadvantage?
Despite the few disadvantages, Voice over IP is poised to explode. As non-traditional providers such as your cable company increase their market share, your communications needs can be integrated into a single package.
Voice over Internet Protocol technology is appearing in more and more homes almost daily. Take full advantage of the choices made available to you by this competitive industry. Do your research and choose your VoIP provider carefully, then enjoy the freedom and flexibility offered by this exciting technology.
See also: How does VoIP work?