What Is a VoIP Application?

VoIP applications provide telephone service through the Internet.

VoIP--Voice over Internet Protocol-- is an Internet technology that allows telephone communication over the Internet. VoIP applications are used in homes and businesses to lower telephone costs.

Types

VoIP technology is used by companies like Skype to connect people to others so they can make phone calls without long distance charges. The computer must be on to use these services. Other VoIP companies like PhonePower or Vonage provide services similar to conventional telephone service providers and phone calls can be made and received when the computer is off.

Advantages

VoIP services can be less expensive than land line telephones. Subscribers receive a bundle of services like call-waiting, caller ID, online message centers, free long distance and 911 services as part of a standard VoIP telephone line. People can use a VoIP phone line as an additional line in homes where one line is not enough.

Considerations

VoIP technology uses more bandwidth than dial-up Internet provides, so VoIP users have to use high speed Internet connections. The technology only works when the modem and required router are on. The phones do not work during power outages or when Internet service is down. VoIP users may not be able to fax from their phone lines.

References

• Federal Communications Commission: Voice over Internet Protocol
• Skype
• PhonePower
• Vonage