Description of VoIP

Headsets are important for communicating online through VoIP.

VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol, and describes the technology used by many services to transmit voices through the Internet. Essentially, this is similar to making a phone call, but rather than use satellites or phone lines, it uses a network intended for data transfer.

Cost

VoIP is much cheaper to use than actual phones. Depending on the service, they will charge you just a flat monthly fee or an extremely low per-minute fee. This is opposed to the traditional phone networks, which may charge you for both, and whose per-minute fees would be much higher. Long-distance calling, particularly to other countries, is also much cheaper through VoIP providers. Because of this, VoIP can save the consumer huge amounts of money for international calls.

Ways to Connect

There are multiple ways to utilize VoIP. The first is to purchase a VoIP phone, which connects directly to your router, and after setup, works much like a normal phone would. The second is to use a traditional phone with a VoIP adapter. Once again, the process of using this phone would be no different than a normal phone, but it does require you to be set up through a VoIP provider. Finally, you can use your computer itself alongside a microphone and speakers or a headset. This requires software and navigation of user interfaces.

Types of Connections

There are types of connections that can be made through VoIP. VoIP calls can be made to other VoIP devices or traditional telephones through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The first type of connection is referred to as "PC-to-Phone" while the latter is call "PC-to-PC."

Advantages

Aside from the lower price, VoIP offers a few features that traditional phones may not. Conference calls and video calls are usually included with the VoIP package, alongside call waiting and call forwarding. If these features are provided by a traditional phone company, they usually charge extra for them. Also, you can use your VoIP phone number from any location if properly connected. Some services even utilize a user name instead of a phone number.

Disadvantages

The quality in general does not always stack up to a traditional phone. VoIP also relies on the quality of the bandwidth you have access to, and if your Internet connection fails for some reason, so does your call or your ability to make calls. Your connection is also reliant on power in your home, so an outage will stop your ability to make calls, as opposed to a landline or a cell phone, either of which will work regardless of power in your home.

References

• What is VoIP?
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• FCC