VoIP is the newest advancement in audio communications technology and has a

variety of different applications that make it useful. VoIP stands for Voice

over Internet Protocol and how VoIP works is actually quite revolutionary

because it streamlines the process of sending analog audio signals by converting

them to a much easier to send digital form for transmission.

To understand how VoIP works youll need to understand the basic concept

behind regular analog audio communication as well since this is the precursor

for VoIP. Analog phone calls are actually made via fiber optic networks by

digitizing your voice communications for sending the signal across thousands of

miles but once it gets to the final destination (a home or office phone for

instance) the signal is once again converted to analog.

During these calls the switches remain open even while there is dead air and

no conversation is taking place; the circuit is also open in both directions

even when only one party is talking and the other is listening. This isnt

terribly efficient and slows down the communication of information

considerably.

Packet switching streamlines VoIP

VoIP works on a different premise rather than circuit switching data

packet switching sends and receives information only when you need it instead of

in a constant stream. It also sends the information packets along whatever open

channels are available rather than a dedicated line which is much more

efficient. The information is simply reassembled at the source.

The payload of each packet has a destination coded into it determining the

ultimate destination. When the computer at the other end receives all of these

packets it will reassemble the information into useable form. This form of

sending audio data is extremely efficient because it always takes the cheapest

route that is also the least congested.

The compression of information and use of multiple routes in order to send

that information over the most efficient route makes sending audio over packet

switching quicker much less expensive and more efficient. The number of calls

that can be sent is orders of magnitude higher than it was with the more

traditional analog circuit switching systems.

For companies the savings in long distance charges can be in the hundreds or

even thousands of dollars per year. If companies also make extensive conference

calls VoIP makes even more sense when combined with conferencing options such

as document sharing in systems offered by companies like Voxwire and iVocalize.

Different types of VoIP calling are available

The most commonly used VoIP system is from one computer to another. To set

up this type of service you will need to have a sound card installed in both

computers along with microphones and Internet connections. For practical

purposes youll want a broadband connection or DSL a dialup modem will be

so slow the sound quality just wont be that good. Aside from that all you

need is a software package that can set you up with everything you need to use

VoIP to make phone calls to whomever is also set up with the same system.

You can also invest in IP phones if you want something that looks just

like your standard analog telephones but with VoIP connectability. These

simply replace the oldstyle RJ11 connectors with Ethernet connectors

(RJ45). Hardware such as routers and the needed software are built right in.

Analog telephone adaptors (ATA) enable you to connect a standard telephone

to your computer Internet connection in order to take advantage of VoIP

options. ATA converts analog signals to digital so that it can be transmitted

properly via the Internet.

The newest option on the market is the WiFi phone which uses

shortdistance Internet transmission of VoIP to replace cell phones calls.

WiFi broadcasts over the radio spectrum to cover short range areas for users

in certain areas and these hot spots have popped up across the U.S.

The upshot of VoIP is that standard longdistance charges may soon become a

thing of the past. As more and more consumers turn on to VoIP and broadband

connections make it easy and inexpensive (as well as practical) to make phone

calls over the Internet fewer individuals will be willing to pay high rates to

make a telephone call they can make for free or next to nothing

via their

computer.

VoIP saves you money on long distance

Theres no bytheminute charges with VoIP no setup fees and no time of

day or overages. Thats the great thing about VoIP plans. You just pay a

monthly fee and get to make all the calls you want over your computer for one

monthly fee. Its so simple and elegant and its the solution that everyones

been wanting and waiting for far too long.

You dont have to wait for a certain time of day of day of the week to make

telephone calls with VoIP. Theres also the advantage of being able to use your

VoIP connection from anywhere remember youre not tied to a phone jack to

use your number but an Internet connection so you can call from anywhere with

many calling plans.

Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calling

are listed below with their most popular options:

Vonage currently offers a $24.95 per month unlimited VoIP package

to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. It includes voicemail call forwarding

three way calling call waiting and caller ID.

Packet 8 can provide unlimited VoIP for $19.95 a month in the U.S.

and Canada with a variety of features like call waiting and threeway calling

and can also give you video phone service for about $29.95 per month.

AT&Ts CallVantage provides the usual U.S. and Canada broadband

calling with voicemail call waiting etc. along with email a call log and a

do not disturb option all for $29.99 a month. You also get to keep your

phone number for life no matter where you go a great feature for some who

move around a lot.

VoIP in web conferencing packages

VoIP is used in almost all web conferencing services as an alternative to

standard conference calls and looking into these packages will give you an idea

of some ways to combine VoIP with extras such as white boards document sharing

and video. For less ex