VoIP is a technology that enables you to make phone calls through your internet connection. The technology has been around since 1970 but could not be applied until recently as it is only effective with high speed broad band connection and does not work with dial up connections.

VoIP solutions have grown in popularity in the last 3-4 years, as more and more people switched to high speed internet and can easily use VoIP. From residences to small businesses all phone needs can be easily adapted to use the VoIP solution.

Details and Fundamentals

For residential use, one is typically charged a flat monthly rate which includes free long distance calls. All necessary equipment is typically included in the price of the orginal set up. This whole package should cost you less then your current service, while offering more options such as caller ID, call back, call waiting etc.

While you are using the internet to make and receive calls it should at no time interfere with your internet activity. In other words you can use the internet on your computer and make calls at the same time.

A VoIP solution is better and often preferred over the traditional phone system because it offers better packages and services. It is often advertised as inexpensive and sometimes outright cheaper than standard telephone packages. While residential usage of VoIP may end up being cheaper in the long run, businesses that adapt a VoIP solution don't see a typical difference in their bill. However, they do get a better value and more services which then makes it worth the switch.

Change can sometimes be hard for us especially when you get used to the existing ways, of your bills and services; it is like finally you understand what is going on and now you have to change again. Some of us don't change our service because we are bound to our habits and hate any change. How, then, will we ever progress and get where we are if we don't want to embrace and give new technology a fair chance. It may be better for us in the long run.

It is true that VoIP solutions do have some draw backs, such as failure of the system should your internet connection fail; at the same time it does offer someth fresh, new and revolutionary services. So why should we not research, compare and try it out? We have nothing to loose should it not satisfy our needs as we can go back to our existing traditional phone.

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More Customers Expected To Switch

Wireless technology will also mean significantly reduced costs as compared with those of traditional cell tower technology and wireless VoIP should also not be hard to deploy and, it can be rolled out without much fuss or bother. Of greater importance is the fact that wireless VoIP means dramatically improved call quality, more so, in residential areas as well as in those concrete monsters we call office towers. By switching to wireless VoIP, companies may affect great savings by changing the way that they will be managing their phone systems. Wireless VoIP should be able to give customers the ability to get back all of their messages in a single place and thus dispense with the labor of having different operators as well as having several different bills to contend with. There is certainly an expectant buzz throughout the user domain about the possibilities as well as advantages of using wireless VoIP and, it calls for mainstreaming it into everyday life at the earliest.

However, wireless VoIP would need to address issues such as handoff of calls between network platforms, cost of infrastructure to support calls as well as look at the security aspects before it may seriously be brought into the mainstream. Nevertheless, wireless VoIP is poised to make great strides and it is expected that over six million new wireless VoIP subscribers may be added by the year 2008 and, large carriers are getting into the mix, increasingly. It will only need roaming-friendly networks; WiFi enabled handsets, as well as connections to make wireless VoIP a reality in the not too distant future.

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How Does Billing Work?

Whenever you are implementing something new, billing is something to think about. You might be wondering how VOIP billing works when it comes to the computers that use VOIP. There are many differences between the different types of VOIP billing just like there are difference between the many types of VOIP systems that you can use. Most of them will have a fee for the program in order to install in on your computer in the first place. These are VOIP systems that cost a lot of money, therefore the VOIP billing needs to be sent to you. For the VOIP billing you will pay once to have the equipment put onto your computer, and then you can send and receive calls. When you have this service, there will be no charge for calls you make or calls you get.

Another way to do the VOIP billing with certain types of VOIP is to pay per the call. Sometimes, the programs are free but then you are billed for the calls that you make. However, this is a substantially less amount than a regular phone. There are many programs for VOIP where the VOIP billing is zero, meaning that there is no cost. These are programs that you can download and use for free.

You should be aware that VOIP billing is based on what you can do with the VOIP service. If you are only calling people who have the same VOIP program as you, you can probably find one that is free to install and free to use. However if you wanted to use your VOIP to call computers with other programs, or to call land lines or cell phones, you might find some that cost a little bit of money.

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What Does The VOIP Gateway Do?

A VoIP system works by transforming analog voice calls into data packets, sending the packets over broadband computer networks, and translating it back to voice at the other end of the line or call, as we all know. What the VoIP gateway does here is to bridge the circuit-switched telephone network into the packet-switched data network. This VoIP is very flexible, because it both ways. And that would be to allow calls from regular phone line to be transferred over the network to a compatible terminal point, which can be both a computer-client as well as another regular phone terminal point.

If one VoIP gateway can provide you such mediation works, imagine the combination of several gateways. Well in fact this is true; multiple gateways connected together can create a virtual integrated network that allows its users to make and receive calls over the multiple IP data networks without even having the need to connect to the internet at the first place.

How the System Works Through This Gateway?

There are some basic operations of how the system works. The VoIP gateway which is connected to your standard telephone line, takes the voice that comes in and converts it from analog signals to digital signals. Then, it breaks down the digital format into smaller units known as data packets and is transported through the internet line. The data packets will reach the nearest VoIP gateway to your destination and this gateway will do the same function in reverse; translate the signal back into an analog format. Finally, the transferred signal will then be directed to the number you dialed.

All gateways work the same way, regardless of the manufacturer or brand. The function is the same, and there are usually no inter-operability problems even if the multiple gateways are of multiple brands.

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Now that the invention of the computer and the Internet has took place on the recent years, the possibility of revolutionizing the voice communication is now possible. And it did happen. By the help of the telecommunication specialists and Web developers, telephone services now merged with Internet services, called the VOIP broadband phone service.

It has become one of the greatest innovations in the telephone industry. But what VOIP really is and why people are so excited about this new technology.

What is VOIP?

VOIP or voice over Internet protocol allows you to make phone calls using a computer network over a data network. The principle behind the VOIP is the conversion of voice signal or the voice sound waves that comes from the phone to digital signals that travels through the Internet and the same conversion at the other end in order for the user to speak to anyone with a regular telephone line.

This also allows the user to place direct call from a computer using a conventional telephone. In other terms, a VOIP service allows the caller to use his broadband connection to place regular phone calls over the Internet.

VOIP Call Procedures

Placing a call using VOIP service is simple, though there can be some variation depending on the service provider. For instance, you will place a call. Just pick up the phone and dial the number of the party you are calling by using an adaptor connected on your broadband high-speed connection.

Your call will be directed to your local telephone company to the VOIP provider, and then goes through the Internet, to the called party's subscribed local telephone company to complete the call. Other variation is by using a microphone and headset plugged into your computer, and you can dial the number of the party you are calling by means of the keyboard and directed to the cable modem.

Advantages of VOIP over Regular Phone Service

We are accustomed to the regular phone services provided by a regular phone company. We are familiar of the services they are offering, the process of placing a call, and the charges that come with it. However, by the development of the VOIP service, there are now advantages that we can consider to prefer VOIP rather than the conventional telephone service. These can be summarized as follows:

Traditional phone service lets you place a voice call and the telephone can only be used within the house of the subscriber only. In VOIP, you don't need to maintain an actual phone line. You can receive incoming phone calls even when you are away from your home or office. As long as you are connected in the Internet, you can receive or place a call anywhere in the world.

VOIP phone sets can also be integrated with other Internet services such as video conferencing, sending and receiving data files in parallel with the conference, and audio conferencing.

You save additional costs in maintaining a phone account. This is the main advantage of VOIP over the conventional phone service-lower costs. VOIP services are purchased in bundle including unlimited local, regional, or even long distance calls within a defined geographic area at a specific cost.

VOIP also offers free services, like voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, three-way calling, and other services, that traditional telephone providers charged with a certain amount.

Many advantages of VOIP are anticipated to come in later years because of its extensive development. Expect, too that it will offer more helpful features and at the same time protecting its future subscriber to additional cost.

There will be no wonder anymore that residential and business subscriber will adopt this new technology in the near future.

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VoIP Technology

VoIP technology is offered by some new companies that specialize in VoIP service, some traditional telephone and cable companies, as well as some Internet Service Providers. Most services using VoIP allow you to call anyone with a telephone number – including local, long distance, cellular, and international numbers. Others may allow you to call only other people with the same service. In addition, most VoIP services allow you to use a traditional telephone through an adaptor, but others work only over your computer or a special VoIP phone.

If you get VoIP service that allows you to make a call using a phone with an adaptor, you dial the same way you always have. If you get a VoIP service that works directly from your computer, you need to use special software, a microphone, speakers and a sound card. If your service assigns you a regular phone number, anyone can call you from a regular (or analog) phone without any special equipment.

Possible Benefits of VoIP Service

Many VoIP services include unlimited local and long distance calling plans (at least within the United States and Canada) for a fixed price, plus a range of interesting features, like:

* the ability to have more than one phone number, including phone numbers with different area codes. For example, if you live in New York and your kids live in San Francisco, you can have a San Francisco phone number, and their calls to you will be local.

* integrated voicemail and email message systems so you can listen to your voicemail on your computer or your email on your phone.

* with special software and hardware, the ability to take your VoIP system with you if you travel with your computer, allowing personal or business calls to be routed to you no matter where you are.

Caveats

Any decision to sign up for a VoIP service should be based on careful consideration of the facts, and your comfort level with new technology. Investigate the companies you are considering for your service. An Internet search engine can lead you to a wealth of information about consumer experiences with particular providers.

Among the issues to think about are:

Terms and Conditions. Get a handle on the costs, terms, and conditions of service. Many VoIP providers offer monthly calling plans: make sure you know the number and type of calls you'll get for the amount you'll be billed. VoIP plans generally look inexpensive compared to regular telephone plans, but don't forget to factor in the cost of broadband Internet access – for most people, that will mean paying separately for cable modem service or digital subscriber line (DSL) service.

Limits of Service.

* 911 Services: Most VoIP services don't yet have the same access to the 911 emergency system as traditional phone lines. However, some services include a way to route calls to emergency operators and to let the operator know where you're calling from. This situation will change: According to a recent directive from the Federal Communications Commission, VoIP providers that facilitate calls to or from traditional phone lines must deliver all 911 calls to the customer's local emergency operator by the end of 2005, and where possible, give emergency operators the caller's number and location. Providers also must give consumers a way to update their location information.

* Phone Number: Many VoIP companies can arrange for your current phone number to be switched to your VoIP service, but that takes time, and in the interim, you will have a new phone number.

* Directory Assistance: VoIP services don't have the same access to directory assistance services as traditional telephone service. Your telephone number probably won't be included in directory service listings provided by the local telephone company.

* Power or Service Outages: If you've switched to VoIP and lose power, you'll have no phone service until power is restored; if you lose your Internet connection, your phone service will be out, as well. Consider backup phone service for these kinds of situations.

Equipment and Installation.

Installing VoIP service is not as simple as plugging in a telephone. You may have to spend some time connecting equipment and adjusting to a new system. Note that there are different ways to use the technology: An analog terminal adaptor works on your regular phone to enable VoIP calls. Or you can use special Internet telephones, known as IP phones, that look like regular phones but have all the software and hardware necessary to connect directly to your computer's router to make or receive calls. If you use VoIP to make computer-to-computer calls, you'll need special software, a microphone, a sound card, and speakers. If you're using VoIP and a phone adaptor to make calls, your computer doesn't have to be turned on as long as your broadband Internet connection is working.

Privacy and Security.

VoIP calls are transmitted over the Internet, a fact that raises privacy and security risks that are not at issue with regular telephone service. For example, VoIP services can be attacked by computer viruses or worms; you can be subject to SPIT (Spam over Internet Telephony), a new kind of spam, and left with mass voice mail messages in your inbox; and you can be caught in a denial of service attack.

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If the ISP were not a factor in VOIP then it wouldn't matter as much, what type of hardware you had provided. Beyond this if you are working from the home, making use of the equipment for business survival purposes, then the factor of the ISP performance will loom as large as corporate entities that use VOIP see it. The only answer must be in contingency hardware. Cellular technology hasn't caught up with the reliability of the landline, but it's getting close. This makes it possible to utilize cellular as a back up contingency in the event of a land based ISP going down. Instruments such as the Blackberry, Treo, or other entries via Wi-Fi offers from Dell and HP make alternatives to the standard high-speed landline land lock, viable.

"And Dell and Handspring aren't the only hardware companies getting behind devices that support wireless standards. Hewlett-Packard (Quote, Chart) said Monday it is coming out with a dozen new iPAQ handhelds, notebook computers and other enhancements for tablet PCs over the next six months. HP is supporting both the 802.11b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless standards. HP is also supporting QuickLook, new software that will work with Compaq's new line of Tablet PCs." [Berniker, 2003]

This concept of alternative planning for failure of land line to cellular is an idea that has been used for some years, but usually isn't addressed for the home market. Affordability is the key issue and for the home worker who makes several thousand dollars a month from an E-bay related business, it makes monetary sense as well as, sound business planning sense.

"The good news is that cell networks are getting faster. Two protocols, EDGE and 1xEV-DO, are broaching broadband speeds in select metro areas. Availability is limited right now but continues to expand.

Enter a little green box, about the size of a videocassette, called the Junxion Box. It grabs a wireless cell connection and turns it into a Wi-Fi signal (it also outputs Ethernet). The result: instant high-speed network." [netstumbler.com, 2005] These sort of advanced uses of the technology are going to get more common as Wi-Fi becomes more prevalent and as the users of such demand more and better proficiency in its response to their network.

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What would Alexander Graham Bell say? The monopoly is over for the telephone industry- so I thought- yet it appears that there is still a monopoly on the infrastructure of what condones a telephone system.

VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. It is not the same technology in any way, shape, or form as your local telephone service. Using your Internet High Speed connection and transmitting audio in the form of "packets" over your IP to another computer, VoIP user, or a standard telephone on the PSTN network conduct it.

VoIP technology has existed for some time, but is now being recognized by the mainstream as a viable alternative to standard telephone service. You may wonder why some would even want to leave behind the telephones our Great-Grandparents knew and loved and opt for these wireless replacements, yet the reasons and facts are clearly visible.

VoIP offers many benefits, features, and cost savings that are not offered with standard telephone service. For instance, Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three Way Calling, and Call Transfer, are often included in your basic VoIP package at no additional cost. Users also appreciate the flexibility and freedom offered with using your Internet connection to not only handle your telephone needs, but your E-mail needs, Video and Web cam needs and Web application needs as well. VoIP can offer this integration and it has proved extremely beneficial to small business owners. All of these benefits have contributed to the rise and popularity of VoIP services.

However, this technology is not without its flaws. For instance, there is a big problem with the integration of VoIP technology and the Emergency 911 system. The Emergency system has been developing for many years, based upon the PSTN networks. Everyone knows that in case of an emergency, they can call 911 and help will be on the way. Yet, not was the case with many of VoIP'S early customers. Unfortunately, due to the fact that VoIP is wireless, 911 had no way of tracing VoIP calls. The US government's response to the issue seems short of shutting down VoIP in favor of landlines. However, the FCC ruled that customers will be required to sign a statement that they acknowledge that their 911 services may be impaired due to VoIP. VoIP providers have responded by incorporating Enhanced 911 services and for allowing users to call and register their personal information with 911. Yet the fact remains, that a 911 operator cannot trace the VoIP call back to the location of the user.

Time will tell where the Emergency debate will end up. But for now, it is recommended that VoIP users maintain a landline phone or cell phone solely for the ability to have direct access to 911 if needed.

Now, 911 isn't the only problem that Uncle Sam has with VoIP. He is also upset that he can't "tap in" and listen in on potentially dangerous calls. How do you wiretap the wireless? Well, VoIP is the same technology, Packet Switching, which is used by E-mails, gamers who are communicating, Instant Messaging services and Video Email programs. To tap the phone line seems a little contradictory, since there isn't a phone line, but we all understand that Uncle Sam must do what he must do.

Where these rulings will take the nature of VoIP is anyone's guess and only the future will tell for sure. Yet we can rest assured that while VoIP continues to gather strength and become a formidable force in the telecommunications arena, that products will change, services will be enhanced, and many of the issues will be addressed and resolved.

Until then, remember to work with your service provider, register with 911, enjoy your VoIP service, and don't take advantage of your VoIP provider by conducting illicit activities because you think they can not be traced.

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It allows you to make phone calls without the use of a traditional phone line and is relatively a new technology. Aside from that, you can also place phone calls over the internet to any phone in the world. Voip has become an alternative to traditional phone service with the recent advent of broadband technology.

Anyone can have Voip in his or her homes. You just need to have a telephone or computer hooked up to a broadband connection. Cable internet, DSL, and T1 connections can be used for IP-based calls.

If you don not know how to setup Voip in your home, here is an easy step to follow:

* You must first order Voip service from any Voip company and they will supply you with a Voip phone adapter or router.

* Your chosen Voip Company must send you instructions on how to hook your Voip. Follow the instructions provided. Do not skip some of the instructions and follow all of it carefully to avoid problems or troubleshooting.

* Connect a telephone to the LINE 1 port of the phone adaptor using a standard phone line.

* You can get the power on your phone adapter by plugging in the power cord to the back of the adapter and the plug into the wall outlet. In addition, to maintain your phone service, you need to leave it plugged in at all times.

* While your phone adaptor starts up, wait for a couple of minutes.

* Usually, there may be updates that need to be downloaded. These will be downloaded automatically. Do not interrupt this process by unplugging the power to the phone adapter or ISP supplied modem.

* After downloading or upgrading, pick up your telephone receiver and listen for a dial tone. If you hear a dial tone, you have finished the installation and can begin making calls.

Follow these steps carefully if you want to install voice over the internet phone or VoIP in your homes. However, some people think that setting up of Voip is difficult. Well it is not. It is just simple and easy. You do not have to hire a programmer or someone to connect and setup your Voip telephony.

Once you have successfully setup or install your Voip, you can already make phone calls. Calls can be made through a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You can even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time.

The good thing is you do not have to limit yourself in making long distance calls because of high rates instead you can save money from doing so. Voip is undeniably inexpensive, ranging from 15 to 30 dollars per month including unlimited local and long distance calling to numbers in the United States, Canada, and in some instances Mexico.

In addition, Voip provides low rates for international calls, usually in the range of 3 to 10 cents per minute. Last but not the least, Voip calling within North America is flat rate, making your expenses predictable.

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VOIP stands for voice over internet protocol and it allows anyone with a broadband internet connection to make a phone call locally, nationally or throughout the world to anyone with a computer or land line phone. VOIP is not only much cheaper than land line phone services, but also offers great VOIP features such as 911 calling, voicemail, caller ID, 3 way calling, and call transfer. These VOIP features really add value to an already attractive product.

VOIP features usually come free with VOIP service. Most VOIP service costs less than $30 per month and usually includes unlimited local and long distance calling. International calling is available, but usually cost a few cents a minute.

Mot people love VOIP features because the don't lose any services when they switch from land line service to a VOIP service. VOIP features are extremely easy to use and can be used on any phone or computer phone commonly referred to as a "soft phone". Most people don't realize that VOIP delivers so many features. Years ago 911 calling wasn't possible, however, when you sign up, you are asked to include a location of your phone so that in the case of an emergency, help can be called and easily sent to your location.

VOIP has grown in popularity due to a low price, high quality sound, reliable phone calls and a long list of VOIP features. So if you are looking for a great phone service, along with VOIP features, check out VOIP service providers.

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