VOIP Basics

The developing VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is very reliable technology, which facilitates people to use the Internet as the communicating medium for telephone calls by transferring voice data in packets using the IP protocol instead of transmission through conventional telephone. Sadly though, this technical innovation has remained neglected and has not been seen extensive deployment due to a number of reasons like: ownership norms, high-priced, restricted amalgamation with the presently available telephone services.

But circumstances have changed radically over the past few years with open source devices like asterisk and low priced, affordable VoIP telephony services hitting the market.

VoIP is known as IP telephony as it makes use of Internet Protocols to provide and ensure better quality voice signals. The origin of all IP networks is the Internet Protocol, which handles and maintains all commercial, private, public, cable and also wireless telecommunication. VoIP links up an organization, inclusive of its mobile workers to create a consolidated transmission system, offering a wide variety of unique backup services.

The specialized VoIP phones utilizes the facilities of various new Internet Protocols like the Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to establish a link and transfer the voice signals over the IP network to the receiver at the other end. Private IP network providers extend benefits of enhanced safety measures and reliable Quality of Service (QOS).

VoIP protocols use packet switched network for routing the voice signals, instead of the traditional old-fashioned circuit switched telephone lines. As soon as the subscriber establishes connection, the call flows in the form of packets carrying signals over the IP network, from the subscriber to the receiving party.

The fundamental procedure of placing a call is: The ATA translates the analog signal from your phone into digital signal for transmission over the Internet and then the telecom company verifies whether the person being called has a VoIP backup or a normal telephone line and thereafter transfers the call or retroverts back to its analog mode as required.

There are a various types of VoIP services commonly used nowadays:

• Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) allows you to utilize the standard landline for making VoIP calls by linking it to your computer or Internet connection, transforming the analog signals from the landline phone into digital signals to be transferred over the Internet.
• The other option is through specific IP phones, which resemble your everyday phone with a handset, and buttons. But instead of old-fashioned wall connecting jacks, there are Ethernet connectors to be linked straight to your router.
• The simplest way of using the VoIP is from a computer to another computer and is by far the cheapest way, as you don’t have to pay for the calls. You only require software that can be easily downloaded from the Internet, a broadband connection, a microphone, along with speakers and sound card.
• The current innovative technology in rage is Wi-Fi phone, which establishes connections with the help of wireless Internet connectivity, effortlessly reverting back to cell phone network whenever needed.

The main advantages of VoIP are:

• They are more economical than the alternative long distance or international call rates.
• Mobility: Permits users to make and receive phone calls wherever there is an Internet connection available.
• Clarity: the voice quality of international calls are definitely superior.
• Features: with increasing technological innovations features available on VoIP will leave behind normal telephone services.
• Keeps your usual telephone line free.

With the number of VoIP service providers growing by the day, VoIP supported by an array of advanced features will find widespread recognition in the coming years.