VoIP Solutions - A brief Overview
Voice over IP (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice traffic to be
transmitted over a data network, such as the public internet. Using
VoIP and, usually in conjunction with a broadband internet connection
(cable modem or DSL), it is possible to use a wide range of equipment
to make telephone calls over the net.
Using an adapter (also called ATA = Analoque Telephone Adapter), or a special IP Phone (Phone-to-Phone) or software
(PC-to-Phone) the voice signal (see voip voice protocols) from your telephone or PC is converted
into a digital signal (data packet) that travels over the internet and
then converts the signal back at the other end so you can speak to
anyone in the world with a regular phone number.
When placing an internet call using a phone with an adapter (ATA), you'll hear a
dial tone and you dial just as you always have. VoIP may also allow you
to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone,
a USB phone or a headset with a microphone.
Types of VoIP
Depending upon the type of VoIP service used, calls can be made only to other VoIP users
or both VoIP users and regular phones. There are two main categories of
VoIP services: Hardware-based and Software-based. Hardware services require
a converter box that connects your traditional phone to the broadband modem or home router,
and your computer does not have to be turned on to make and receive calls. Software
VoIP works through your computer with a microphone and a headset or a usb phone.
Hardware-based Internet telephony
The most flexible application of VoIP requires only one additional piece of
hardware, an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter).
An ATA is an analog-to-digital converter which connects your
traditional phone to your Internet connection. Most service providers
include the ATA in their monthly VoIP packages, but some require you to
rent or buy an ATA. In nearly every case (but not all) the adapter you
use will be locked or password protected to correspond only with the
service provider you have signed up with. There is however a tendency
for smaller providers to offer the option of you bringing your own
device (BYOD).
A second hardware-based option is an IP phone, which integrates an ATA. An
IP Phone is similar in appearance to a standard telephone but includes a built-in
adapter. The IP phone connects directly to the router with a standard RJ-45
Ethernet connector. These phones are available in three different standards:
MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol), H.323, and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). SIP phones are the way to go,
and these are quickly becoming the standard.
Unfortunately, SIP phones are expensive; a decent model starts at about $150.
On the positive side, no computer or software is needed to use an IP phone, as the
only requirement is a broadband Internet connection (recommended 90kpbs). However, testers say that
voice quality is not nearly as good as using a VoIP service through a regular
phone. A few services, such as iConnectHere, offer an IP phone for use with
their services for roughly $40. Although SIP phones are bound to improve as
the technology matures and more competition enters the market, using a regular
phone with an ATA is a better and less expensive solution.
Software-based Internet telephony
Software-based VoIP (Softphone) works a little differently,
and if you've ever tried Microsoft NetMeeting or another
instant-messaging program with voice capabilities, it will sound
familiar. The most basic and least expensive software voip solution allows
two people with the same installed software to call each other over the
Internet. With almost all solution providers these "in-network" calls are
for free. Rather than using a telephone, callers use speakers and a
microphone connected to their computer or an inexpensive USB phone.
Users can set up a phone book for one-click calls to other users.
In addition, software-based solutions such as Skype also allow
for users to make calls through their computers to those with regular
phones. Calls from and to the U.S. and to most of Europe, Scandinavia,
Argentina and Australia cost around US$0.02 per minute.
Through the use of low-cost or free software and a few additional
items such as sound card, microphone, and speakers, software-based VoIP
is an inexpensive option. There are a few catches though. Your PC must
remain on to make or receive calls, and free calls can only be made to
and from people with the same software. There is however the tendency
in the industry of some SIP based providers joining forces and allowing
you to make free calls to other VoIP solution providers by just dialing
a specific prefix to the phone number. This tendency is expected to
increase. Calling people with regular phones costs extra and those
people will not be able to call you. Testers say software-based VoIP is
improving significantly but voice quality doesn't equal that of
hardware-based VoIP yet.
Due to the cost savings aspect and new features , more and more
consumers around the world are cutting the landline and making the
switch to VoIP solutions. As access to a broadband internet connection
becomes more freely available, so has the number of consumers who are
able to receive Voice over IP services. Through aggressive multimedia marketing
campaigns by the likes of Vonage, Packet8, Net2Phone
and local cable providers in the US and Canada, as well as other
providers in Europe, South Korea and Japan, customers are starting to
hear of the great savings that VoIP service offers.
The PC to Phone provider Skype,
with their free calls amongst users, have probably done the most to
create an international awareness of the possibilities that VoIP has to
offer. Over 130 million users have downloaded their software to date
(July 2005).
Traditional phone companies around the world are now recognizing the
threat that VoIP poses; recently, AT&T and Verizon in the USA both
launched their own services as well as BT in the UK.
Most Voice over IP service providers also provide many additional and new
features with their basic voip calling plans (targeted at residential or small business (SOHO) users) that traditional phone
companies charge extra for.
While most people in the US pay $20 or more a month to make only local
phone calls, many VoIP services offer unlimited local, long distance,
and international calls to certain countries for this same price.
Imagine being able to talk to your grandmother on the east coast or your
uncle in the UK for as long as you want, without paying
addiitonal fees on long distance or international charges.
Features that are almost always included for free with VoIP calling
plans include Caller ID, Call Waiting, 3-Way Calling, Voice Mail, and
Call Forwarding. Many VoIP providers even offer the option of receiving
voice mails via e-mail when on the go. VoIP is also an easily movable
service. Imagine being able to take your phone number with you to your
hotel when you go away on a vacation (provided you have access to a
broadband connection). People would be able to reach you at your normal
number and you would be able to avoid astronomical hotel phone charges.
With VoIP, this is not only possible, but also extremely simple to do.
Many users of this new technology also find that the customer service
provided by their service providers is much better than the traditional
phone companies. Billing issues are usually resolved within minutes,
not months and all your accounts are also available online for you
review 24 hours per day.
Switching your landline service to VoIP is a relatively easy process.
In most cases, it simply involves signing up through a service
provider’s website and mailing or faxing a form requesting that your
current phone number be transferred to the VoIP provider. The number
transfer usually takes between two and four weeks (in the USA). Once the number
transfer is successful, your landline service will be automatically
disconnected.
Sadly, though, there are a few drawbacks to Internet telephony service. If you
currently receive your DSL or broadband service over your phone line,
you will be unable to disconnect your landline service or your DSL
connection will disappear along with it. However, this problem can be
solved easily in many areas, as ISPs are now starting to offer
so-called “naked DSL” services, which do not require an active landline
to function. These services typically cost no more than a five dollars
or so more than your current DSL connection.
Another possible drawback to VoIP, though one that should be resolved
in the very near future, is the lack of true 911 service on many
providers. However, some providers, such as Speakeasy and Packet8,
already offer 911 service, and all VoIP solution providers operating in
the USA will be required to provide a 911by latest early October 2005.
Theis ruling was recently enforced by the US regulator (FCC).
Finally, since VoIP service is dependent on your broadband connection,
your phone will not work if your broadband access is not functioning
(power outage).
To summarize: if you can work around these minor drawbacks of VoIP
services, you will find that you can save hundreds of dollars a year or
more by switching your phone line to a VoIP solution provider. With our service it is
very easy to compare providers and find the cheapest providers for your
specific requirements.
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