How to Use a Modem & Computer As Telephone
Using a modem and computer as a telephone utilizes voice-over-IP technology (VoIP). With the advent of broadband modems and high-speed Internet, VoIP has grown significantly in popularity. Many individuals like to use a modem and computer as telephone because it is typically cheaper than a traditional telephone service, especially if you make long distance phone calls. Learn how to use a modem and computer as a phone to extend your computer's usage and save money.
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Things You'll Need
- Broadband Internet connection
- Broadband modem
- Broadband telephone with Ethernet jack (optional)
- Headset with microphone (optional)
- VoIP phone service plan (optional)
- Skype Internet phone software (optional)
Instructions
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Understand how a telephone functions using an Internet connection. When you speak, the computer picks up your voice and turns it into data packets which are sent through your high-speed Internet connection. It is then translated back into voice data and either sent to another telephone or to another computer. Thus, modems that function at a slower rate than a broadband modem (e.g. dial-up 56k modems) are not sufficiently fast enough to handle telephone calls through the computer.
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2
Determine how you wish to use a modem and computer as a telephone. You may choose to use a software-based approach that turns your computer into a telephone. Or, you can sign up for a VoIP phone plan such as Vonage (see "Resources" below) and hook up an Internet-enabled phone to your computer modem to make calls using a traditional handset.
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3
Connect the Internet-enabled phone handset to your computer if you plan to use a traditional handset. Plug one end of the phone's Ethernet cable into an open Ethernet port on the back of your Internet router. Plug the other end into the handset. The front display of the phone will then activate. If you plan to use a software-based approach, download a free VoIP software program such as Skype (see "Resources" below) and plug your headset and microphone into your computer.
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Dial your VoIP activation number provided by your VoIP service provider if you are using a traditional handset. This number will be noted in the documents initially sent to you when you signed up for the service. If you are using Skype, launch the software. It will automatically sense that your computer is online.
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Dial the number you wish to call on the VoIP handset and make a call just as you would on a traditional phone. If you are using Skype, dial a number using your computer's keyboard or the on-screen keypad. Press the green "Call" icon. Skype will dial the number and you will talk through your computer's microphone.
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Tips & Warnings
Using your computer and Internet modem to make phone calls can save money over traditional long-distance phone calls.
