The Functionality Reality of VoIP Technology

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a technology that helps us make phone calls using the broadband internet connection instead of a regular telephone service.

The main features

VoIP offers the following features:

* The option to store incoming calls to voice mail if you do not want to be disturbed.
* The option to send a voice mail to your computer as an attachment if you want to pick-up your messages via computer.
* Caller ID and call waiting are also available and are typically free; not like a regular telephone provider where you are charged an additional fee.
* 3 way calling which allows you to have a mini conference.

Major Benefits

VoIP offers a number of benefits out of which some are:

* One low monthly fee that covers your phone calls.
* There are no hidden fees or taxes. There no taxes charged for internet based phone calls and that is one of the main reasons why this service is so inexpensive.
* Long distance and international calls are a lot cheaper than with regular service.

Disadvantages

* Since VoIP operates only on board band internet connection if your connection fails so does your phone service. This can be a major draw back because when your internet connection fails you need your phone to contact your provider regarding the problem. However, almost all of us have a cell phone which usually negates that issue.
* There are still a few VoIP service providers that do not have the emergency 911 connection.

Equipment

You will need the following in order to be able to make a call through VoIP service:
* A analog phone
* An adaptor (or ATA) which is usually supplied by the company when you sign-up for their service.

With the above equipment you will be able to make your calls as normal using your own standard phone; the ATA does the conversion of the analog voice to a digital signal that the internet can understand. That signal is then sent to the broad band modem which passes it on to the internet.

There are considerably more advantages than disadvantages for using the VoIP service over all others. The most important is that it is inexpensive for all that it offers.

However one must consider all advantages and disadvantages in order to make the best choice. It all depends on the individuals needs and desires for such a product.

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