If you are still unaware of VoIP, then get ready to know something that can change your idea of making telephone calls. How does VoIP or voice over internet protocol work that it is an advance technology that converts the analog audio signals into digital data which is then transmitted over the Internet. Or in simple words you can say that it is technology, that enables voice calling with the help of broadband internet connection.
VoIP is a emerging as an revolution in the field of telecommunication that has the potential to overshadow the traditional phones due to its advance features and flexiblity. But being an new technology most of the people are still unkown about the facts and features of VoIp. It is still a mystery for them the how do voice over IP (VoIP) works. But using VoIP servies is very easy once you know how it works.
How VoIP Works?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology of communication that uses "Internet protocol" instead of traditional analog systems. In this technology, analog voice calls are converted into small discrete packets of data. These packets travel over the internet protocol (IP) like other data such as e-mail.
You can do a call using VoIP service with your landline or cell phones. In addition to that you can also call from one computer to another with the help of a microphone, speakers or headset.
When you are using landline telephones, all you need is an analog telephone adapter connected to your network . Also, to ensure the high voice quality and security, consider using your VoIP or other communications system on a private IP network with high speed internet connection.
There is not just one way to place a call using VoIP services but are three different mediums of using VoIP service today:
ATA: It is the most simple and common method of using Voip services with the help of s an ATA (analog telephone adaptor) device With the use of ATA you can connect a standard phone to your computer with an Internet connection to use VoIP. The ATA stands for analog-to-digital converter. It recieves the analog signal from your standard phone which is then converted into digital data for transmission over the Internet. VoIP service providers such as Vonage and AT&T CallVantage provides ATAs for free with their VoIP service. It is very simple to use this technology by simply taking the ATA out of the box, then plug the cable from your phone that goes to the wall socket into the ATA, and thus, the setup is completed to make VoIP calls. In addition to that you may require some additional software to be configured in to your computer in some cases.
IP Phones: Though it looks like the standard phones visually but the difference between the traditional phones and IP phone is while the traditional phone have RJ-11 phone connectors, IP phones uses RJ-45 Ethernet connector. IP phones can be connected directly to the router and can be used for calling as all the other required hardwares and sofwared are already installed in these phones.
Computer-to-computer: This is the easiest and most commonly used method to use VoIP. By using this service you don't even have to pay for long-distance calls. Several companies offering VoIP services offer free or very cheaper for you in this method. It is very simple to use as you require to install a software taht are available free of cost or at very low cost, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an Internet connection. It is highly recomended to have a high speed broadband internet connection if you are using this service.
Now a days, many wireless "hot spots have been also created" in public locations such as airports, parks and cafes that allows you to connect to the Internet, to use VoIP service wirelessly. Many VoIP service providers assigns a specific telephone number, that allows you to receive calls from regular telephones without any special equipment, and also you will be able to dial the numbers normally as always.