VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL (VoIP)
Protocols used to carry voice signals over the IP network are commonly referred to as Voice over IP or VoIP. VoIP is one of the Internet technologies that allows a user to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.
VoIP is a method for taking analog audio signals and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.
VoIP SERVICES
There are three different VoIP services in common use today. They are Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), IP Phones and computer-to-computer.
The simplest and most common way is through the use of a device called an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA). The ATA allows you to connect a standard phone to your computer or your Internet connection for use with VoIP.
The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data for transmission over the Internet.
Skype, one VoIP provider, offers free calling locally and between members, and inexpensive long-distance calls to other numbers.
IP PHONES
IP Phones look just like normal phones with a handset, a cradle and buttons. IP Phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connectors.
COMPUTER-TO-COMPUTER
Computer-to-computer is certainly the easiest way to use VoIP. Devices needed to place a computer-to-computer Internet telephone call:
Software, a microphone, speakers or headphones, a sound card and an Internet connection preferably a fast one like you would get through a cable or DSL modem.
Except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is usually no charge for computer-to-computer calls, no matter what the distance.
ADVANTAGES OF VoIP
As VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband Internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.
With many VoIP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world. You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.
DISADVANTAGES OF VoIP
Some VoIP services do not work during power failures and the service provider may not offer backup power.
Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services. VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance or white page listings.
As VoIP uses an Internet connection, it is susceptible to all the problems normally associated with home broadband services.
Phone conversations can become distorted, garbled or lost because of transmission errors. Some kind of stability in Internet data transfer needs to
be guaranteed before VoIP could truly replace traditional phones.
VoIP is susceptible to worms, viruses and hacking, although this is very rare and VoIP developers are working on VoIP encryption to counter this.