1. What is VoIP?

VoIP in simple terms is a way of using your current Internet connection for telephone conversations as opposed to your traditional land line.

VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol." It refers to the transmission of the voice communication through IP packets and through internet .

Voice over Internet Protocol (also referred to as VoIP, IP Telephony , Internet Telephony, Digital Phone, or Broadband Phone) is one of the routing voice conversations over the internet or any other ip based on network . The data voice is flowing over the routing over a general purpose packet – switched network , instead of old traditional dedicated voice transmission lines. Protocols used to carry voice signals over the IP network are referred as Voice over IP or VOIP protocols.

Voice over IP traffic can be deployed on any IP network, and including ones lacking a connection for the rest of the internet , for private LANs.

2. How does VoIP work?

The incoming phone calls can be automatically routed to your VoIP phone , where you are connected to the network. You can ake your VoIP phone with you on a trip , or anywhere you can connect it to the Internet anytime so you can receive your calls very easy. Call center agents using VoIP phones can work from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection .

VoIP phones may integrate with other services available over the Internet , including sending and receiving messages or data in the same time with the voice conversation , audio conferencing , managing address books and information about whether others friends are available online to interested parties .

3. How much does VoIP Cost?

Generally, Voip service costs significantly less than the equivalent traditional phone sources but it obviously will depend on the voIP provider and plan chosen. Most voIP standard plans charge a flat monthly fee which includes unlimited local and nationwide long-distance calls including lots of features like caller ID and voicemail. International calls incur additional charges, but they are usually a lot less than those of traditional land line phone services.

Look for special incentives such as free member to member calling (even in other countries) free account activation, and free voIP phones and/or adaptors.

See our VoIP Comparison Chart to compare costs among popular voIP services.

4. How’s the call quality when using VoIP?

The technology is very advanced in IP telephony transportation and made internet calling as good or maybe better than the old PSTN connections . This is mostly true for high speed Broadband connections ,whereas dial up services must go before delivering the quality of the PSTN calling.

5. Can I use VoIP and my PC at the same time?

VoIP service is best if you have a high speed Broadband Internet connection since the quality of the calls is only as good as your connection speed. Tests of VoIP using dial up services have produced dropped calls , call lagging, and low call quality issues. So, having a high speed connection is an advantage, because you will have a nice quality conversation. However, if you are considering a voIP dialup service Netzero Voice is our recommendation.

6. Can I use VoIP instead of the old phone?

Yes, you can , but you may want to keep your local telephone service too because if you lose power to your Internet connection you will not be able to make and receive VoIP calls.

It’s better to look upon VoIP as a way to reduce your long distance telephone charges as well as utilizing many of the new advanced features that are available through this technology .

7. What are the requirements for VoIP?

You will need a broadband internet connection (DSL or Cable modem) for most VoIP services.

There are several configurations for VoIP , and all require you to have an account with a VoIP Service Provider.

Computer to compute:. If you only want to make calls from your PC to another PC (including international destinations) then you can download free software to do this from several providers . Add a telephone headset and/or speakers and a microphone and you are ready to talk to the other person. For computer to computer VoIP we recommend Skype.

Computer to phone: These services work just like the PC to PC but also allow you to call any number in the world , usually it is much lower for a per minute fee than traditional calling fees.

Phone to phone:. You will need an Analogue Telephone Adapter that connects your home phone to your high speed modem and then onto the Internet. Many Service Providers supply this adapter free or bundle it into their first month’s fee by charging a Service Activation Fee. This is an advantage for the users that don’t know how to use pc, pc software or for the old people that aren’t able to use pc because of their age. The Adapter is not required if you buy VoIP-ready telephone handset which are increasingly becoming more available.

Be sure when you are purchasing either an adapter or an IP enabled phone that it will work with other Service Providers than the one that you are signing up with in the event that you decide to switch at a later date.

8. What are some of the advantages of using VoIP?

- VoIP can save you a lot of money!
- You can add multiple new inbound area codes for your phone by making a ‘ virtual presence ‘ in other cities or provide facilities to easy dial family members .
- You can make conference calls and talk with multiple people on the same call
- VoIP offers many options like caller id, call waiting, call blocking and voicemail.
- Call hunting . With this option you can call numbers you specify to find you wherever you are .
- Send and receive voice messages to your e-mail or webpage .
- Geographic mobility . If you use an Internet Adapter you can take it on trips and use it wherever there is a high speed Internet connection.

Ready to find your new VoIP Provider?

Start with our Voice Over IP Service comparision chart or Visit Our VoIP Tutorial Center for exclusive VoIP help articles.