What Is Internet Protocol Telephony?
As of 2010, the widespread availability of high-speed Internet has made Internet Protocol telephony a popular alternative to traditional telephone service. Traditional telephone service transmits voice data via copper telephone wires, while Internet Protocol (IP) telephony transmits voice data using the Internet. IP telephony is often cheaper than traditional phone service, especially for long-distance phone calls. Because IP telephony transmits voice digitally, it eliminates the sound quality issues that can plague long-distance phone calls.
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Definition
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Internet Protocol (IP) telephony, also known as Voice Over IP (VoIP), is a term used to describe the process of using the Internet to send and receive voice calls. This is done by using special software and hardware to translate voice signals into data packets, which are then sent over the Internet via an Internet Protocol server. Some IP telephony can make to calls to any phone, while other IP telephony is limited to making and receiving calls from proprietary software.
Types
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As of 2010, there are two main types of Internet Protocol telephony:
The first type is Internet calling, which allows users to send and receive phone calls throughout the world. This is achieved by using special hardware, including a Voice Over IP (VoIP) gateway and phones. The hardware translates the voice signals into data, which is then transmitted via the gateway to the Internet and then to the Internet phone company, which ultimately transmits the data via conventional lines to the destination telephone.
The second type is computer to computer calling, which allows users to send and receive calls to other users using the same software. A user starts the IP telephony application on their computer or mobile device and makes a call to another user on the same service. In this case, voice data is transmitted via the Internet to the application's servers.
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Hardware
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Hardware for IP telephony varies depending on the service. For Internet calling, a user will need a VoIP gateway. A VoIP telephone may also be required, as conventional analog telephones may not be compatible with certain Internet phone services.
For computer to computer calling, a computer is usually required to make and receive calls, though there are some IP telephony applications available for mobile devices. A compatible sound card as well as a working microphone and speakers or headphones is also required.
Leading Providers
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Vonage is a leading company whose primary business centers around Internet-based telephone services. Large Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also offer IP phone service---often marketed as "digital phone service"---packaged with their high-speed Internet service. Users should check their local ISPs for more information.
Skype is a company who specializes in IP telephony. Premium Skype accounts allow users to make calls to any telephone from a Skype-enabled device. Skype accounts are free, and the software allows users to make and receive voice and video calls to any Skype-enabled device but cannot make or receive calls from telephones.
Considerations
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Users who do not already have broadband or did not purchase their IP phone service as part of an ISP package should be informed that Internet phone service requires a high-speed Internet connection.
Though some computer to computer calling software such as Skype may be available for mobile devices, voice calling is not available in all areas due to contractual restrictions. Check your computer to computer calling software on your mobile device for details.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit on the phone 1 image by Philip Date from Fotolia.com
