Save Huge Amounts on Long Distance Calls Using VoIP

Save Huge Amounts on Long Distance Calls Using VoIP
By Mikael Rieck

Did you ever consider using your computer and the internet connection that you already have and that you are probably already paying a monthly fee for, to phone friends, family and relatives abroad? Normal telephone rates for long distance calls can be very expensive and especially if you are calling countries that are one of the major industrialized ones.

If you would like your phone bill to much smaller or maybe even totally disappear then you really need to learn about the VoIP technology that already exists and are becoming more and more common due to the low cost (or even zero costs) and the high quality it provides. But first I will cover some basics with you about the technology with which you are able to phone using your computer and internet connection.

The 4 letter term “VoIP” stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a technology that has become public within the last 5-10 years and what it does is that it converts audio signals into small data fragments called packets. These packets are then sent to the person in the other end using the internet highway. When it arrives at its destination it is reassembled and transformed back into audio that the person in the other end can hear. It might sound a little bit strange but the process in not that different from sending emails to friends and relatives. An email is also transmitted through small packets sent over the internet at the speed of light. The great about this form of communication is that it is fast, reliable and very economic.

Why not switch to VoIP?

The most obvious reason for using VoIP is that it is definitely the way of the future. There are no standard telephone providers that are able to compete with the VoIP providers low prices if they are to use their old copper based systems. Even if they reduced their earnings and profit margins, their systems are just costly and ineffective to run, compared to the new VoIP technology. Using the internet protocols to send sound packages using the internet is an extremely cost effective way for the companies to provide the ability to make a phone call (long distance and short distance). The bottom line for you as the costumer will be that you are able to realize huge savings over your phone bills and especially if you are making many long distance phone calls.

A nice little feature that you might not have thought of is that with this technology you will now be able to receive local phone calls no matter where in the world you are located. You will even be able to have local phone numbers in places like New York, Moscow, Toronto, London and any place else in the world (where there is a supplier for this product). Now that would look cool on a business card.

So when you are on vacation in sunny Italy you can still receive a local call from e.g. US. Friends and family will be surprised when you tell them that you are not hope an that you are on the other side of the planet.

So many additional free options

As you would now be using a computer you have all the advantages of that. Most VoIP companies delivers standard packages that include: answering machines, show caller ID, voice mail option, video conferencing and many more.

Skype – The Favorite Tool

If you haven’t heard of Skype you haven’t been reading enough newspapers. Skype is a small piece of software that was developed by two young Scandinavian men. Not to long ago it was bought by Ebay and they both made fortunes.

Skype provides a piece of software that you download to your computer. To be able to call someone else for free, the other person has to have the Skype installed as well prior to be receiving the call. Skype is 100% free to download and you are only charged if you would like to take advantage of some of the extra options that are available (voice mail, video conferencing etc.).

A few years ago they also developed the concept of “Skype Out”, which offers you the possibility to contact any telephone line, without needing the end user to have the basic program installed. All they would need is a phone and a phone number.

A few of the other companies that you could benefit from knowing are Vontage, Packet 8 and Sun Rocket. You can probably find many other great companies but be sure to do your research if you are not using one of the larger providers. Talk to people that have already used the smaller providers’ services to see whether they are happy with it.

For more information about fiber optics and data fiber optics please visit the author's website.

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Phone System for Small Business - Is VOIP Worth It? Get the Pro's and Con's

Phone System for Small Business - Is VOIP Worth It? Get the Pro's and Con's
By G. Evans

Whether you’re at the office or watching the television, it is hard not to hear about the new telecommunications system, voice over internet provider (VoIP). This emerging telephone system allows for major savings, to both residential and business phone users, due to phone calls being routed over the Internet. While this new technology is allowing for a lighter phone bill, it is also causing pain amongst early adopters of the system. Here are the pro’s and con’s of the VoIP phone system so that you might be informed on both sides of this technology.

The Upside of VoIP:

1. Features associated with the VoIP are very impressive; the same features that are standard with telephone service are present, call waiting, conference, etc, but since the system is computer based, another set of features is available. The ability for voice and video to be transmitted is not uncommon, and will be more readily available in the future, as well as data sharing and application sending to those one is speaking with over the system.

2. This technology is not computer specific. Those without the need for the computer coupling can use a digital VoIP phone / VoIP adapter, most commonly associated with the residential use of the VoIP technology. With this application, the system is really as simple as placing a call over a regular telephone.

3. Since the VoIP has its own IP address, it is completely portable and can be used anywhere with a high speed Internet connection.

4. The price and savings associated with VoIP is certainly the greatest draw. Whereas there is an overall savings with using the technology, the specific savings depends mainly on the system that you choose. In general, there is usually a small monthly for unlimited calls within the United States, with international calls costing a small premium.

The Downside of VoIP:

1. Sound quality has been a reoccurring issue surrounding the technology. That is, that the sound quality is lacking in quality. This is attributed first to the way in which VoIP works in terms of how data transmitting works. Voice is translated into digital data and moves as data does across the Internet, as packets of data. When packets arrive, they are not always in order, which means that in real time conversations, this could result in silence as packets are sequentially reassembled. This has led to issues concerning lower bandwidths and compression, hindering the compatibility of the systems.

2. There are also common sense issues that arise with the VoIP phones:

• Without Internet, the phones will not work

• Without power, the phones will not work

• If the computer is turned off, for computer based VoIP, the phones will not work or receive calls.

A VoIP may be phone system for you considering these factors. In the not so distant future, however, the technology will have come a great deal further.

Gary Evans is CEO of Hi Line Supply, a Dallas-based telecommunications company with 20 years experience in buying, selling, and repairing new, used, & reconditioned business telephone systems, including phone systems for small business, &
Nortel telephone systems. With a company at the forefront of telecommunication equipment, their services reach beyond Texas and the US to their international clients.

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Using VoIP

Chances are good you are already making VoIP calls any time you place a long-distance call. Phone companies use VoIP to streamline their networks. By routing thousands of phone calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway, they can seriously reduce the bandwidth they're using for the long haul. Once the call is received by a gateway on the other side of the call, it is decompressed, reassembled and routed to a local circuit switch.

Although it will take some time, you can be sure that eventually all of the current circuit-switched networks will be replaced with packet-switching technology (more on packet switching and circuit switching later). IP telephony just makes sense, in terms of both economics and infrastructure requirements. More and more businesses are installing VoIP systems, and the technology will continue to grow in popularity as it makes its way into our homes. Perhaps the biggest draws to VoIP for the home users that are making the switch are price and flexibility.

With VoIP, you can make a call from anywhere you have broadband connectivity. Since the IP phones or ATAs broadcast their info over the Internet, they can be administered by the provider anywhere there is a connection. So business travelers can take their phones or ATAs with them on trips and always have access to their home phone. Another alternative is the softphone. A softphone is client software that loads the VoIP service onto your desktop or laptop. The Vonage softphone has an interface on your screen that looks like a traditional telephone. As long as you have a headset/microphone, you can place calls from your laptop anywhere in the broadband-connected world.

Most VoIP companies are offering minute-rate plans structured like cell phone bills for as little as $30 per month. On the higher end, some offer unlimited plans for $79. With the elimination of unregulated charges and the suite of free features that are included with these plans, it can be quite a savings.

Most VoIP companies provide the features that normal phone companies charge extra for when they are added to your service plan. VoIP includes:

• Caller ID
• Call waiting
• Call transfer
• Repeat dial
• Return call
• Three-way calling

There are also advanced call-filtering options available from some carriers. These features use caller ID information to allow you make a choice about how calls from a particular number are handled. You can:

• Forward the call to a particular number
• Send the call directly to voicemail
• Give the caller a busy signal
• Play a "not-in-service" message
• Send the caller to a funny rejection hotline

With many VoIP services, you can also check voicemail via the Web or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or handheld. Not all VoIP services offer all of the features above. Prices and services vary, so if you're interested, it's best to do a little shopping.

Now that we've looked at VoIP in a general sense, let's look more closely at the components that make the system work. In order to understand how VoIP really works and why it's an improvement over the traditional phone system, it helps to first understand how a traditional phone system works.

How VoIP Works

How VoIP Works

by Robert Valdes

If you've never heard of VoIP, get ready to change the way you think about long-distance phone calls. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a method for taking analog audio signals, like the kind you hear when you talk on the phone, and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.

How is this useful? VoIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to place free phone calls. The practical upshot of this is that by using some of the free VoIP software that is available to make Internet phone calls, you are bypassing the phone company (and its charges) entirely.

VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely rework the world's phone systems. VoIP providers like Vonage have already been around for a little while and are growing steadily. Major carriers like AT&T are already setting up VoIP calling plans in several markets around the United States, and the FCC is looking seriously at the potential ramifications of VoIP service.

Above all else, VoIP is basically a clever "reinvention of the wheel." In this article, we'll explore the principles behind VoIP, its applications and the potential of this emerging technology, which will more than likely one day replace the traditional phone system entirely.

The interesting thing about VoIP is that there is not just one way to place a call. There are three different "flavors" of VoIP service in common use today:

• ATA - The simplest and most common way is through the use of a device called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). The ATA allows you to connect a standard phone to your computer or your Internet connection for use with VoIP. The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data for transmission over the Internet. Providers like Vonage and AT&T CallVantage are bundling ATAs free with their service. You simply crack the ATA out of the box, plug the cable from your phone that would normally go in the wall socket into the ATA, and you're ready to make VoIP calls. Some ATAs may ship with additional software that is loaded onto the host computer to configure it; but in any case, it is a very straightforward setup.

• IP Phones - These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a handset, cradle and buttons. But instead of having the standard RJ-11 phone connectors, IP phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. IP phones connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the IP call. Wi-Fi phones allow subscribing callers to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot.

• Computer-to-computer - This is certainly the easiest way to use VoIP. You don't even have to pay for long-distance calls. There are several companies offering free or very low-cost software that you can use for this type of VoIP. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an Internet connection, preferably a fast one like you would get through a cable or DSL modem. Except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is usually no charge for computer-to-computer calls, no matter the distance.

If you're interested in trying VoIP, then you should check out some of the free VoIP software available on the Internet. You should be able to download and set it up in about three to five minutes. Get a friend to download the software, too, and you can start tinkering with VoIP to get a feel for how it works.

Next, we'll look at exactly how VoIP is used.

Voice-Over-Internet Protocol

IP-Enabled Services Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some VoIP services may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How VoIP / Internet Voice Works
VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless "hot spots" in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is required. Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. If you use your computer, you will need some software and an inexpensive microphone. Special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate largely like a traditional telephone. If you use a telephone with a VoIP adapter, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone.

Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?

Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.

Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

If I have VoIP service, who can I call?
Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time.

What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?
Some VoIP services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. You may also be able to avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.

What Are Some disadvantages of VoIP?
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:

• Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.

• Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see www.voip911.gov.

• VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.

Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone?
In most cases, yes.

Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
Some VoIP service providers offer services that can be used wherever a high speed Internet connection available. Using a VoIP service from a new location may impact your ability to connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see www.voip911.gov.

Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Only if your service requires you to make calls using your computer. All VoIP services require your broadband Internet connection to be active.

How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
If you have a special VoIP phone or a regular telephone connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone will ring like a traditional telephone. If your VoIP service requires you to make calls using your computer, the software supplied by your service provider will alert you when you have an incoming call.

Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
In June 2005 the FCC imposed 911 obligations on providers of “interconnected” VoIP services – VoIP services that allow users generally to make calls to and receive calls from the regular telephone network. You should know, however, that 911 calls using VoIP are handled differently than 911 calls using your regular telephone service. Please see our consumer fact sheet on VoIP and 911 services at www.voip911.gov for complete information on these differences.

In addition, the FCC requires interconnected VoIP providers to comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA) and to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which supports communications services in high-cost areas and for income-eligible telephone subscribers.

Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.

Voice over IP

Voice over IP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.

Companies providing VoIP service are commonly referred to as providers, and protocols which are used to carry voice signals over the IP network are commonly referred to as Voice over IP or VoIP protocols. They may be viewed as commercial realizations of the experimental Network Voice Protocol (1973) invented for the ARPANET providers. Some cost savings are due to utilizing a single network - see attached image - to carry voice and data, especially where users have existing underutilized network capacity that can carry VoIP at no additional cost. VoIP to VoIP phone calls are sometimes free, while VoIP to public switched telephone networks, PSTN, may have a cost that's borne by the VoIP user.

There are two types of PSTN to VoIP services: DID (Direct Inward Dialing) and access numbers. DID will connect the caller directly to the VoIP user while access numbers require the caller to input the extension number of the VoIP user. Access numbers are usually charged as a local call to the caller and free to the VoIP user while DID usually has a monthly fee.[1] There are also DIDs that are free to the VoIP user but c"

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