eslamspot
2008-03-14 14:18:33 UTC
How VoIP Works -- Busting Out of Long Distance Rates
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, you'll 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 isn't 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, you'll want a broadband
connection or DSL -- a dial-up modem will be so slow the sound quality
just won't 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 old-style RJ-11 connectors
with Ethernet connectors (RJ-45). 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 Wi-Fi phone, which uses
short-distance Internet transmission of VoIP to replace cell phones
calls. Wi-Fi 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 long-distance 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
There's no by-the-minute charges with VoIP, no set-up fees, and no
"time of day" or overages. That's 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. It's so simple and elegant, and
it's the solution that everyone's been wanting and waiting for far too
long.
You don't have to wait for a certain time of day of day of the week to
make telephone calls with VoIP. There's also the advantage of being
able to use your VoIP connection from anywhere -- remember, you're 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
three-
way calling, and can also give you video phone service for about
$29.95 per month.
* AT&T's 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 expensive options,
many companies can provide strictly audio VoIP conference calls
combined with text messaging and document sharing without video.
Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate
from video conferencing are:
* Voxwire offers voice communication with features like auto-
queue, mute options, individual speaker adjustments and moderator
controls along with a "follow me" browser system so that all
participants can view a shared desktop. Two persons can use VoIP for
$9.95 a month, or up to ten in a conference environment for $29.95 per
month.
* VoiceCafé provides similar services with a wide range of options
that vary from packages with VoIP capability for five people at a time
on a conference call to up to 500 in one conference call, all for a
flat monthly fee. The prices vary depending upon what package you
choose, and there are several.
* iVocalize offers VoIP along with Internet conferencing options
like PowerPoint presentation capabilities and presentation recording
for future playback. They also provide optional Unicode translation in
thirteen languages. The most basic VoIP package begins at $10.00 a
month with a prices going up incrementally depending upon your needs
and how many will be involved in your conference calls.
for more info about voip
http://www.eslamspot.com/voip
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, you'll 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 isn't 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, you'll want a broadband
connection or DSL -- a dial-up modem will be so slow the sound quality
just won't 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 old-style RJ-11 connectors
with Ethernet connectors (RJ-45). 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 Wi-Fi phone, which uses
short-distance Internet transmission of VoIP to replace cell phones
calls. Wi-Fi 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 long-distance 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
There's no by-the-minute charges with VoIP, no set-up fees, and no
"time of day" or overages. That's 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. It's so simple and elegant, and
it's the solution that everyone's been wanting and waiting for far too
long.
You don't have to wait for a certain time of day of day of the week to
make telephone calls with VoIP. There's also the advantage of being
able to use your VoIP connection from anywhere -- remember, you're 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
three-
way calling, and can also give you video phone service for about
$29.95 per month.
* AT&T's 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 expensive options,
many companies can provide strictly audio VoIP conference calls
combined with text messaging and document sharing without video.
Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate
from video conferencing are:
* Voxwire offers voice communication with features like auto-
queue, mute options, individual speaker adjustments and moderator
controls along with a "follow me" browser system so that all
participants can view a shared desktop. Two persons can use VoIP for
$9.95 a month, or up to ten in a conference environment for $29.95 per
month.
* VoiceCafé provides similar services with a wide range of options
that vary from packages with VoIP capability for five people at a time
on a conference call to up to 500 in one conference call, all for a
flat monthly fee. The prices vary depending upon what package you
choose, and there are several.
* iVocalize offers VoIP along with Internet conferencing options
like PowerPoint presentation capabilities and presentation recording
for future playback. They also provide optional Unicode translation in
thirteen languages. The most basic VoIP package begins at $10.00 a
month with a prices going up incrementally depending upon your needs
and how many will be involved in your conference calls.
for more info about voip
http://www.eslamspot.com/voip