Are you looking for a way to make cheaper calls overseas? Do you run a business that requires you to have daily voice communications with your business associates and customers? If your answer is “yes”, then say hello to VoIP.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet instead of using a conventional telephone. The service is free if used over a broadband Internet connection and is otherwise a paid service from VoIP service providers such as SingTel, MediaRing or Callforeign to name a few. In most cases, it is a cheaper alternative to the conventional telephone as the charges are lower. In some cases there are no additional charges other than the fee for the broadband Internet connection.
It is also flexible, especially if you have to travel frequently. All you need is a VoIP-enabled laptop and you can have your personal or business calls routed to wherever you are. VOIP also allows more than one telephone call to be transmitted at the same time, effectively adding an extra telephone line in your office or home.
VoIP technology can be used in a variety of ways. The main choices are as follows:
Soft phone
This type of VoIP requires VoIP software which can be downloaded free from VoIP service providers such as Skype. With a soft phone you can make computer-to-computer telephone calls worldwide. All you need is a computer that has an in-built microphone and speakers. Alternatively, you can buy a headset with microphone for better sound quality. You can also make calls to a landline this way, but there will be a small fee.
IP phone
This looks like a conventional telephone, but it has a network cable (Ethernet) port instead of a conventional phone jack. The advantage of using an IP phone is that you don’t need VoIP software and you do not need to turn on the computer to use it.
Convert your traditional phone
You can connect your conventional telephone handset to a computer or a broadband Internet modem using an analog terminal adaptor (ATA). If you intend to use VoIP in the office, you can connect multiple phones to an ATA with multiple telephone jacks. This, in turn, can be connected to a local area network via an Ethernet hub to form a VoIP gateway. This makes calling easy to use, reliable and convenient. You also do not have to worry about software and volume levels as you would with a soft phone.
The pros and cons
The choice of the type of telephony system you choose is a compromise between cost and call quality:
- An Ethernet hard phone gives the best call quality but is the most expensive to set up.
- Soft phones enable you to make free calls, but the range of services provided is minimal.
- Some VoIP service providers offer services such as three-way calling, call forwarding, automatic redial and caller ID. These services are chargeable, but at a lower rate than normally charged by traditional telephone companies.
Another point to think about is whether the VoIP service is restricted only to calls made to people who use the same network (also called a “closed” system) or whether you can make calls to people anywhere regardless of the network they use? For example, if you use Skype, you can only call other people on Skype.
Security and connectivity are additional factors to weigh up when choosing between VoIP and traditional calls. VoIP calls are transmitted over the Internet, so they can be subject to attacks by computer viruses or worms or even hacking. In addition, the VoIP system will not work without a source of power.
Are you looking for a way to make cheaper calls overseas? Do you run a business that requires you to have daily voice communications with your business associates and customers? If your answer is “yes”, then say hello to VoIP.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet instead of using a conventional telephone. The service is free if used over a broadband Internet connection and is otherwise a paid service from VoIP service providers such as SingTel, MediaRing or Callforeign to name a few. In most cases, it is a cheaper alternative to the conventional telephone as the charges are lower. In some cases there are no additional charges other than the fee for the broadband Internet connection.
