How VoIP Works: Beating Long Distance Rates

VoIP is the latest advancement in audio communications technology and has a
variety of different applications that make it useful. VoIP stands for Voice
about internet protocol, and the way VoIP works is quite revolutionary
because it streamlines the process of sending analog audio signals by converting
to a much easier digital form to submit for transmission.
To understand how VoIP works, you will need to understand the basic concept
also behind regular analog audio communication, as this is the forerunner
for VoIP. Analog phone calls are actually made over fiber optic networks by
digitize your voice communications to send the signal through thousands of
miles, but once you reach the final destination (a home or office phone, for
example), the signal is once again converted to analog.
During these calls, the switches remain open even when there is dead air and
no conversation is taking place; the circuit is also open in both directions
even when only one party is speaking and the other is listening. This is not
terribly efficient and slows down the communication of information
significantly.
Packet switching streamlines VoIP
VoIP works on a different premise, rather than circuit-switched, data
Packet switching sends and receives information only when you need it instead of
in a constant flow. It also sends the information packets along any
channels are available instead of a dedicated line, which is much more
efficient. The information is simply reassembled at the source.
The payload of each packet has an encoded destination that determines the
final destination. When the other end computer receives all of these
packages, it will reassemble the information in a usable form. This form of
sending audio data is extremely efficient because you always take the cheapest
route that is also the least congested.
Information compression and use of multiple routes to send
that more efficient route information makes sending audio by packet
change faster, much less expensive and more efficient. The number of calls
that can be shipped is orders of magnitude higher than it was with more
traditional analog circuit switching systems.
For businesses, the savings on long distance charges can be in the hundreds or
even thousands of dollars a year. If companies also hold extensive conferences
calls, VoIP makes even more sense when combined with conferencing options like
as document exchange in systems offered by companies such as Voxwire and iVocalize.

There are different types of VoIP calls available

• The most widely used VoIP system is from one computer to another. To set up this type of service, you will need to have a sound card installed on both computers along with microphones and Internet connections. For practical reasons, you will want a broadband or DSL connection; a dial-up modem will be so slow that the sound quality will not be as good. Other than that, all you need is a software package that can configure it with everything you need to use VoIP to make phone calls to anyone who is also configured with the same system.
• You can also invest in IP phones if you want something that looks like your standard analog phones but with VoIP connection capabilities. These simply replace the old-style RJ-11 connectors with Ethernet (RJ-45) connectors. Hardware such as routers and necessary software are integrated.
• Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs) allow you to connect a standard telephone to your computer’s Internet connection to take advantage of VoIP options. ATA converts analog signals to digital so that they can be transmitted correctly over the Internet.
• The newest option on the market is the Wi-Fi phone, which uses short-distance Internet VoIP transmission to replace cell phone calls. Wi-Fi emissions over the radio spectrum to cover short-range areas for users in certain areas, and these “hot spots” have appeared all over the US.

The upshot of VoIP is that standard long distance rates may soon become a

thing of the past. As more and more consumers turn to VoIP and broadband

The connections make it easy and inexpensive (as well as practical) to make the phone

calls over the Internet, fewer people will be willing to pay high fees for

make a phone call that they can do for free or next to nothing through their

computer.

VoIP saves you money on long distance

There are no per-minute charges with VoIP, no setup fees, and no ”

day “or overages. That’s the best thing about VoIP plans. You only pay one

monthly fee and you can make all the calls you want through your computer for one

monthly fee. It is so simple and elegant, and it is the solution that everyone

Been wanting and waiting too long

You do not have to wait for a certain time of day of the day of the week to do

phone calls with VoIP. There is also the advantage of being able to use your

VoIP connection from anywhere; remember, you are not tied to a phone jack to

use your number, but an internet connection, so you can call from anywhere with

many calling plans.

Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calls

They are listed below with their most popular options:

• Vonage currently offers an unlimited VoIP package of $ 24.95 per month to anywhere in the US or Canada. Includes voicemail, call forwarding, three-way calling, call waiting, and caller ID.
• Package 8 can provide unlimited VoIP for $ 19.95 a month in the US and Canada with a variety of features like call waiting and three-way calling, and can also provide you with video phone service for about $ 29.95 a month.
• AT&T CallVantage provides common US and Canadian broadband calls with voicemail, call waiting, etc. along with email, a call log, and a “do not disturb” option, all for $ 29.99 per month. You can also keep your phone number for life no matter where you go – a great feature for those on the go.

VoIP in web conferencing packages

VoIP is used in almost all web conferencing services as an alternative to

standard conference calls, and looking at these packages will give you an idea

of some ways to combine VoIP with extras like whiteboards, document sharing

and video. For less expensive options, many companies can strictly provide audio

VoIP conference calls combined with text messaging and document sharing without

video.

Some companies that offer VoIP in independent web conferencing packages from

videoconferences are:

• Voxwire offers voice communication with features such as automatic queuing, mute options, individual speaker settings and moderator controls along with a “follow me” browser system so all participants can view a shared desktop. Two people can use VoIP for $ 9.95 a month, or up to ten in a conference setting for $ 29.95 a month.
• VoiceCafe offers similar services with a wide range of options ranging from VoIP-capable packages for five people at a time on a conference call to 500 on a conference call, all for a fixed monthly fee. Prices vary depending on the package you choose, and there are several.
• iVocalize offers VoIP along with Internet conferencing options such as PowerPoint presentation capabilities and recording of presentations for future playback. They also provide optional Unicode translation in thirteen languages. The most basic VoIP package starts at $ 10.00 a month and the prices gradually increase based on your needs and how many will participate in your conference calls.

It is obvious that both conference calls and standard long distance calls

calls will change enormously in the near future as VoIP changes the

telephone service landscape. “Land lines” for long distance calls

eventually becomes obsolete as broadband becomes more common and makes VoIP

as common as any other type of phone call.

And with the increased portability of the softphone options built into laptops and

the use of ATA phone adapters, the average home VoIP use will come

Better sooner than later.

This article on “How VoIP Works” reprinted with

permit.

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