VoIP - Voice Over IP

Voice Over Internet Protocol


		Why Should You Care? Money. VOIP involves sending voice conversations (or video calls, for that matter) as digital packets over the internet, alongside e-mails and web traffic. Because VOIP service relies on software, rather than the traditional physical telephone infrastructure, there is no difference to call Montreal as does calling your neighbor. Will my quality suffer? No. Many businesses already use VoIP to lower their costs without impacting the quality and clarity of the phone call. In fact, you probably receive many VoIP phone calls today without even realizing it. Is this a mainstream idea or not? Yes. Today, providers like Vonage, Skype, Net2Phone, and 8X8 specialize in VoIP. AT&T has joined in with CallVantage. But the competition is heating up as Time Warner, Cablevision, and other cable companies are not entering the fray. Is there any other difference? Plenty. VoIP shifts the phone call from the physical wire to software. As a result, wild things start to happen -- all for the better. For example, your voice mails can show up in your email client; or you can get a phone number from any area code you want; or you can bring your VoIP box with you to any Internet connection and continue receiving phone calls.

Facts & Information

	Voice over Internet Protocol requires a high speed internet connection and produces conversations that are as clear as land based phones.
	Your phone number can be in any area code. For example, a phone in Texas can use the Manhattan 212 area code to look like it is a New York number.
	Most plans give you unlimited local and long distance calling for $19.95 a month or less. If you end up with a plan that charges extra for international calls, Europe can often be called for 3¢ a minute.

Related Links

	Who wins and who losses as phone calls move to the Internet? The Economist magazine explains the radical changes ahead. Read More >>
	Phone companies getting into video, cable companies offering phone service. Read an interview with SBC's Chairman about their entry into television. Read More >>


	How Does It Work?

	Use your VoIP service just like you use any telephone. You pick up the phone, listen for the dial tone, and dial the number of your choice. There are no extra numbers to dial and no special routines to follow. Your VoIP plan sends you everything you need, right down to the extra cable wire. Setup usually takes less than 5 minutes. Easy installation Plug the analog-to-digital phone adapter into your high-speed Internet connection. Then take any standard telephone and plug it into the phone adapter. Surfing the Web If you'd like to surf the Web and use your VoIP service at the same time, the phone adapter can share your Internet connection with your computer. Talk on the phone and surf the Net with ease. (Depending on your home network setup, this may require additional equipment.)	The example above is the Linksys box that connect the Vonage service.

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