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These days, most people are familiar with VOIP even if they don’t recognize the word. Voice over Internet Protocol is something that many of us use from time to time or even on a daily basis. Services like Skype are a good example of a VOIP system.

Just What is a PBX? PBX refers to Private Branch Exchange, which sounds a little confusing, but is basically a method of switching phone lines back and forth to connect them in the world of offline communication. When referring to VOIP, the system is essentially the same in concept, only it works over a LAN or WAN network. These are data-oriented rather than circuit switched networks which we use in the real world phone systems.

You see, when you make a call on a VOIP system to a phone, a VOIP PBX or IP PBX, is responsible for making the connection between the virtual and the real life version. This is also in effect when you are calling from one computer to another, but there is no translation necessary between data and traditional phone lines.

With VOIP PBX, it’s a very simple matter to create a conference call and have several people in on a call. The technology has made it extremely easy to add new people to a call and without any additional preparation, you’ll be able to turn an ordinary phone call into one between several people. This is particularly useful for business calls where several people need to be in on a discussion or for long distance meetings. Families can also use this to connect on one call, no matter where they are in the world. It’s an amazing technology that still isn’t being used as much as it should.

What Should I Know? VOIP PBX is essential to making your calls online, but in most cases you don’t need to know anything about this. In fact, your VOIP provider is going to be responsible for this area. However, it does help to understand what they are talking about and to realize what some of the potential issues are with this type of setup.
What is VOIP PBX?

The reason some people still refuse to use VOIP is that they worry about the quality and reliability of this form of communication. While this was once a major issue, the technology has progressed to the point that these problems are far less frequent. Before we look at the issues that can arise, it’s important to know that when you communicate online, your voice data is divided into smaller pieces, called packets, for sending.

Possible problems include the following: – Too much information being received by the VOIP PBX Consulting at once. – Packet delay, when a packet gets sent through the wrong relays. – Packets getting jumbled up in the sending and reaching the receiver in the wrong order. – Packets arriving at different times at the receiver, causing ‘jitter’.

The result of having packets get lost or misdirected is a pause and possible loss of data while speaking. This is part of the reason why there is often a delay when using VOIP. This means you’ll need to speak slower when this happens. However, for the most part, the technology works well enough for even business calls and is far more cost effective.

Even though you may not need to know exactly how VOIP PBX works, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the concept. VOIP is a very valuable addition to our communications systems and it is estimated that by 2010, 90% of communications sales will involve VOIP as it is rapidly growing in popularity.

About the Author

Asterisk phone systems Toronto provider offers cost effective telecommunications solutions including Asterisk Phone Systems and software, VOIP PBX Toronto, and other telephony hardware. When looking for VOIP consulting, consider these services.

Article Source: ComSofts

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, simply stated, converts your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. As we all know, when calling a regular phone number the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before reaching the destination. But VoIP allows making a call – directly from a computer or using a special VoIP phone or through a traditional phone that is connected to a special adapter. Moreover in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes VoIP enables you to connect to the Internet and may allow you to use VoIP service wirelessly.

As long as one has Internet access, it is possible to make and/or receive calls at any place and at any time. To appreciate this feature, one must know that even cell phones do not so extensively cover every remote and rural area as the Internet. Needless to state, all the standard features are present and available free – be it three-way conferencing, call forwarding, auto redial and caller identification.

To avail VoIP facility, one needs broadband (high speed Internet) connection regardless whether it is through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. Some VoIP services only work with a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.

Special VoIP phones will enable you to plug directly into your broadband connection – but if you use a telephone with a VoIP adapter, you can dial just as usual and the service provider may provide the dial tone. VOIP is capable of being integrated with all Internet based applications and services – such as file sharing, video/audio conferencing, and other similar services and applications.

Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area while other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes. It is good to know that if you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services offer features such as three-way conferencing, call forwarding, auto redial and caller identification that are not available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. Another distinct advantage is you will avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.

A basic disadvantage with VoIP is the absolute necessity for Internet connection. Further, as all communications take place over the Internet, they will be unsecured and privacy will be not there. Quite a few VoIP services do not work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. Sending Fax messages through VOIP connection is ruled out but the consolation is services such as e-Fax or Callwave may be possible. Another serious drawback is the lack of emergency calling facility. Most VOIP companies have perforce created own emergency call centers to route emergency calls. At least as of now, VoIP providers do not offer directory assistance and/or white page listings.

A basic disadvantage with VoIP is the absolute necessity for Internet connection. Further, as all communications take place over the Internet, they will be unsecured and privacy will be not there. Quite a few VoIP services do not work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. Sending Fax messages through VOIP connection is ruled out but the consolation is services such as e-Fax or Callwave may be possible. Another serious drawback is the lack of emergency calling facility. Most VOIP companies have perforce created own emergency call centers to route emergency calls. At least as of now, VoIP providers do not offer directory assistance and/or white page listings.

About the Author

Cyril Bird is a SEO copywriter for VOIP Service Providers, Virtual PBX and Toll Free Numbers. He has written many articles in various topics like Fax Software, Voicemail and Answering Service. For more information visit: http://www.ringcentral.com/

Article Source: ComSofts

As most of us know, toll-free numbers begin with one of the following three-digit codes: 800, 888, 877, or 866. However, it is important to know that although 800, 888, 877, and 866 are all toll-free codes, they are not interchangeable. Toll-free numbers allow callers to contact others without being charged for the call. As a matter of fact, the charge is paid by the called party (the toll-free subscriber) instead of the caller. Toll-free numbers have been in vogue for long and have proved immensely helpful by many businesses for developing customer relationships.

Toll free numbers are easy to set up and come with multiple features including audio conferences, professional voice announcement feature, call screening, call recording, call forwarding, auto attendant, and more. More significantly, having a toll free number is an assured means of staying in touch with customers.

Before learning how to obtain toll-free numbers, we must know that there are toll-free service providers called “Responsible Organizations” or “RespOrgs”. The RespOrgs may not be telephone companies but they have access to the SMS/800 database, which contains information regarding the status of all toll-free numbers. RespOrgs are certified by the SMS/800 database administrator, and authorized to manage the toll-free service.

Persons wanting a toll-free number must contact a RespOrg or other toll-free service provider, who in turn, will access the database and reserve a number for the subscriber. This may not be difficult as there are several hundred RespOrgs and toll-free service providers in the United States.

There are subscribers, particularly business owners who are keen on getting what are called “vanity numbers”. A vanity number is an alphanumeric toll-free telephone number that also spells a person’s or company’s name or spells a word or acronym that is chosen by the subscriber. Thus vanity numbers can help customers remember your business and your contact information. One has to ascertain from any RespOrg or toll-free service provider whether a specific “vanity” number is available.

As stated earlier, a toll-free number is referred to as an 800, 888, 877, and 866 by the area code phone number. With a toll-free number, you will receive incoming calls on your existing phone line at no charge to the caller. Please note there is no installation required. You will be able to identify the caller before you answer the call, if you have caller ID enabled on your Ring-to number. You can add on voicemail or you can use existing voicemail box if there is one.

Another question many ask is – How many calls can I get at one time? Please know your toll free number can accept as many calls as your ring-to number can handle. If your ring-to number has call waiting facility, then you will be able to accept more than one call at a time. If you don’t have call waiting facility, excess calls may go into your voicemail. There are also a few service providers that allow toll-free to cellular phone calls. Further, you can have as many toll free numbers as you want to ring into one line.

Obviously, customers love toll free numbers because they will not be required to spend to get information about your goods and services. It is an established fact that having a toll-free phone number for your business increases sales and brings customers closer to your business. There are many different ways business owners can exploit toll free number to increase profits. In all printed stationery, business cards, pamphlets, brochures, and catalogs, make sure the toll free number is prominently displayed. People should be reassured by the fact that the phone call to your business will cost them nothing.

About the Author

Cyril Bird is a SEO copywriter for Toll Free Numbers, Virtual PBX and VOIP Service Providers. He has written many articles in various topics like Voice mail Service, 800 Numbers and Internet Fax Service. For more information visit: http://www.ringcentral.com/

Article Source: ComSofts

As is known to many, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a phone system for both incoming and outgoing phone calls using the broadband Internet – dispensing with the traditional method. Today, VoIP phone system is favored by many self-employed professionals and business houses for its several key features including voicemail, call forwarding, and caller ID.

It needs to be mentioned that VoIP phone system for business that regularly communicates with overseas clients as the savings can be enormous. Switching over to VoIP is not only cost-effective, but also relatively easy if you already have broadband Internet – the basic pre-requisite for using VoIP system. This is not to say that VoIP phone systems will never give the user any problems.

VoIP suppliers believe, and rightly too, that a well-informed user can be a greater beneficiary in using all the extraordinary features VoIP offers at minimal cost. One of the chief attractions of VoIP is sending faxes and the fact remains that many business houses do a lot of faxing.

It has to be conceded that faxing over VoIP is only an incidental benefit and can achieved only with moderate success and that too, after a few settings have been made on the fax machine. The settings include lowering the Baud rate to 9600 and disabling the error correction mode. You must also ascertain from your VoIP provider what codecs they offer, as in most cases a G711 codec would be required for using faxes.

Apart from faxing the most likely common problems that may occur and their likely solutions are:

Not receiving all incoming calls: If the IAD is unable to register with your VoIP provider, then there will be loss of incoming calls. If you have voicemail facility on your VoIP account, then your provider will route the call to your voicemail. You may ask your VoIP provider for providing voicemail, so that calls can be redirected. Another option is a feature called “Call Forwarding upon the Loss of Registration”. If this feature is enabled, then during loss of your Internet connection, the call will automatically get forwarded to a preset number.

Despite having broadband Internet, unable to make outgoing calls due to absence of dial tone: Check for a corresponding light on phone no: 1 provided you have a Linksys router/IAD. If there is no light, reboot the IAD. If the light on phone 1is present, then try connecting a phone directly to the IAD without any devices or splitters between the IAD and the phone. If need be, change phone cords and/or the phone.

My calls sound unclear and quite often choppy: Disturbed audio is usually caused either due to inadequate bandwidth or from Internet congestion. Contact your ISP for a higher level of service with more bandwidth. If you find the problem occurring far too often, let the ISP check your connection. VoIP providers sometimes offer a more compressed codec or bandwidth saver setting. Changing the codec is known to solve the problem in many cases.

There is an echo sound that is annoying: Decrease the volume of the phones to prevent feedback. Take out any separate caller ID’s or splitters.

Static or buzzing noise: Buzzing noise or static is most likely the result of analog or electrical interference into the phone lines or phone. Make sure the cordless phones are charged and do not have weak batteries in the handset. Change channels on the phone to see which one is best. Try connecting a phone directly to the IAD to see if the buzzing ceases.

About the Author

Cyril Bird is a SEO copywriter for VoIP Phone Service, Internet Fax Service and PBX Phone System. He has written many articles in various topics like Toll Free Numbers, 800 Number and Phone Service. For more information visit: Ring Central

Article Source: ComSofts

One of the biggest concerns for anyone who decides to live abroad is how to stay connected with loved ones, friends, and colleagues back home. Certainly, the fear of being isolated and not in touch is something that prevents some from deciding to move to another country.

Expensive long distance phone costs and poor quality telecommunications service were once real issues that hampered life overseas. However, times have changed. Current technologies now enable low cost and even free phone calls to and from anywhere in the world. And, the quality and consistency of the connections are crystal clear, too.

Through the use of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology, anyone, anywhere can make a call by simply using a PC and an internet connection. The technology is readily available, convenient, and dramatically less expensive than traditional phone service. Because of this, it’s the ideal communication solution for individuals who have chosen an international lifestyle but still want to stay in touch with contacts back home.

VoIP works very similar to a telephone line, but instead of the phone being plugged into the wall, calls are made through an internet connection. With the use of software from a VoIP provider, it’s as easy as plugging in an inexpensive headset or USB phone and dialing the number that you want to call. If a computer has built in speakers and a microphone, no additional equipment is needed at all.

Skype is the most widely-known provider of VoIP technology. First introduced in 2004, the company has grown in popularity primarily because of their free PC to PC calls. By downloading their software, a user of Skype can call other Skype users anywhere in the world for free.

Skype’s service becomes somewhat more complicated when trying to call someone other than a Skype user. To address this issue, they also offer a “Pay As You Go” plan and a variety of subscriptions that are billed monthly or annually. Prices vary depending on where users call, and there are additional fees to be aware of. Thus, it’s a good idea to read the small print before signing up and placing your first call.

As part of Skype’s subscription packages, they also include voicemail, call forwarding, text messaging, and an online number to enable others to call you from a regular phone to reach you on Skype.

For those who make frequent calls outside of their local area, there are a variety of other VoIP providers that deliver even less expensive options than Skype. One such company, MediaRing Talk has been on the cutting-edge of VoIP technology for over a decade. They are a well-known provider with an easy-to-use service for calling landlines and mobile phones that is particularly geared to expatriates and others living or traveling abroad.

Currently, MediaRing Talk offers free PC to PC calls globally just like Skype, but they also provide free PC to phone calls to eight countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and China. Rates to other global destinations are amongst the lowest in the industry. The company has also recently announced that they will be launching a new program that will enable members to enjoy unlimited free call benefits to 50 countries for $12.99 per month. The new program will also allow members to take advantage of unlimited talk time on every call made.

“We completely understand the need for reliable, inexpensive communications when living overseas,” says Robert Pearlstein, vice president of business development and marketing for MediaRing Talk. “Our unique business model is particularly well-suited for anyone who wants the convenience and flexibility to call any type of phone without having to worry about racking up long distance harges.”

Another VoIP provider that is a favorite of many expatriates and international travelers is Net2Phone. Like with Skype and MediaRing Talk, users must download software to take advantage of Net2Phone’s service. They offer low per minute rates on PC to phone calls and a variety of broadband phone service plans.

However, they are most recognized for their international prepaid calling cards. The cards are ideal for individuals who don’t have access to a PC or the Internet but still want to take advantage of the lower calling rates that VoIP technology enables. By prepaying for time on the card, cardholders can enjoy rates as low as 5 cents per minute for international calls.

Cell phones are also definitely an alternative to relying on VoIP or local phone service for long distance. However, roaming charges can get extremely expensive and reception might not always be adequate in certain locations. A far less costly and more reliable option is to purchase a prepaid cell phone once overseas for receiving calls and using VoIP on your PC for calling out.

As technology continues to improve, there will undoubtedly be even more advances that will facilitate cost-effective, widely available global communications. In the meantime, anyone who has decided to reside offshore can certainly reduce their costs for long distance by taking advantage of VoIP technology.

About the Author

Brayan Peter is an expert author for Free VoIP. He written many articles like PC to phone calls Free phone calls, Free International Calls, Free Call. For more information visit our site http://www.mediaringtalk.com/. Contact him at mediaringtalks@gmail.com

Article Source: ComSofts

Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) phones have been commonplace in the workplace for several years now. As the technology begins to make its way to the average consumer’s home, it’s only fitting that some newer and more exciting technology begins to replace existing VOIP systems in business and industry. That is where wireless VOIP phones enter the picture. Capitalizing and building upon the efficiency, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness of standard VOIP technology, wireless VOIP technology has made its entrance in many types of businesses, giving employees everywhere more flexibility and communications options. And it looks like the technology is here to stay.

The use of wireless VOIP phones is an obvious and smart thing for retail businesses, schools, and even hospitals to consider using. No longer is there a need for an organization to have separate systems for work (computer-based) and voice communications (telephone-based). Business-related work and communications can be all-inclusive. Wireless VOIP phone systems give employees, especially those tied to a phone throughout their work day, the freedom to move about within their office building or complex, and still have the ability to communicate with customers and business associates. For businesses and other organizations that already have an IP communication system in place, it is the next logical step to move to wireless VOIP phones. They operate in the same way as standard VOIP phones, except that they function on a wireless local area network (WLAN). By staying in range of a wireless connection at the site, a user can make and receive calls just as they can with standard VOIP phone systems.

There are many specific types of organizations that can benefit from the use of wireless VOIP phones. Hospitals, for example, allow employees who spend a lot of their time on the telephone communicating with physicians, insurance companies, and with other hospital personnel within the building will see the huge benefit in being able to move freely within a workspace, carry out necessary communications, and accomplish more than one task at a given time. Retail stores also will see a huge advantage to using wireless VOIP phones, for much the same reason. The freedom to communicate with customers and business associates over the phone, while still being able to travel throughout the workplace has the potential to show an increase in work efficiency and time management. Schools can also benefit by using this technology. By providing staff, faculty, and security with wireless VOIP phones, student data is accessible over the phone, school emergencies can be handled much more quickly and efficiently, and teachers can communicate with one another whether in a classroom or in the cafeteria or on the playground.

The advantages of using this technology are apparent. Besides the freedom it provides, wireless VOIP phone systems allow organizations to combine communications to include phone communications, email, and text messaging, allowing them to work together in one system. This efficiency is a time saver, as well as a money saver. Speaking of saving money, organizations will find that they can avoid lengthy contracts with phone companies in favor of wiring systems that give the businesses more options.

There is a downside to this seemingly ideal technology. In a wireless VOIP phone system, the number of calls that can be placed by callers at a time is limited. An access point in a system can’t handle more than a few calls at a time. This limited capacity, therefore, has resulted in the inability for many types of businesses to use wireless VOIP phone technology. Businesses and industries that require huge volumes of communication on a constant basis would simply overload a wireless network. Despite this limitation, technology will no doubt catch up in the near future, and be able to provide wireless VOIP phone service to every level of business and industry, no matter how large.

Wireless VOIP phone systems are an exciting technology for the business world to embrace. Freedom, flexibility, efficiency, as well as potentially huge cost savings are but a few of the advantages this form of multi-level communication has the ability to provide its subscribers and users. Many organizations have currently incorporated wireless VOIP phones into their daily workplace with great success, including hospitals and schools. Wireless VOIP phones are a smart consideration to make in order to stay on the cusp of technology.

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with VoIP and Emergency 911? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about VoIP and Emergency 911.

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol has gained much popularity today. There are many advantages consumers are discovering to using their broadband connections to handle all of their telecommunication needs. People also prefer integrating their telephony into one simple network. VoIP can handle all components such as voice, data, email, and web communications.

When VoIP first was revealed, it opened the door to many questions. For example, VoIP transmits packets of data, or information, over the Internet, while regular telephone services work by transmitting circuits- or electricity to create a connection between one telephone user and another. An example of this is the old switchboard operators who wearing headsets would frantically try to make the right connection and have the correct talkers communicate with each other.

This old method of using the telephones is called Circuit Switch Networks. Because VoIP utilizes packets of information, it is called Packet Switch.

There have been complications in the way VoIP users or Packet Switch networks connect to the Emergency 911 systems. Back in August 1999, the Wireless Communications and Safety Public Act took effect. This Act enforces that all telephone carriers and services will provide 911 services for all of its customers. Mobile phone carriers were having a hard time with the Wireless Communications and Safety Public Act when their services first were initiated. Currently, all mobile services provide emergency 911 services for all of their customers.

When a person calls 911, their call is routed to Public Safety Answering Point Dispatcher. It is the nature of the Emergency 911 system that when the phone call arrives at the Public Safety Answering Point Dispatcher the caller’s identification will be displayed. This includes the caller’s name (or the one registered for the phone) and address. Mobile phone carriers have now included a global tracking system so that location can be traced to the specific location where the call is being placed.

The wireless form of 911 is known as E911 or Enhanced 911. This includes displaying a cellular phone caller’s location as well as extending it to a surrounding range of 50-300 meters.

This brings us to VoIP and the difficulties that VoIP service providers have when it comes to 911. First, VoIP is not a landline service. It is wireless or used by a router connected to your broadband High Speed Internet connection. This means, that you are not going to be recognized by your physical address, but by your IP address.

The information about VoIP and Emergency 911 presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about VoIP and Emergency 911 or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

For some who use VoIP services and call 911, there calls will be routed to a Public Safety Answering Point Dispatcher, but when the call arrives, it won’t have any information displayed pertaining to location or user’s information.

There have already been several instances in the news pertaining to VoIP and problems people have had reaching 911 during an emergency. The FCC has issued regulations regarding VoIP and the problem with 911, but unfortunately the problem is not that easy to fix. The very infrastructure of VoIP differs from standard telephone lines; therefore the system of 911 does not work with VoIP as it does with landlines.

The FCC has made the decision that VoIP service providers will have to have all customers sign a “statement or waiver” stating that they understand their 911 services may be disabled or not working according to standard with their VoIP service.

Some VoIP service providers have addressed the issue by instituting enhanced 911 services, the same as for cellular phone users, but there are still issues that remain. For instance, if a caller is on a VoIP through their laptop computer, or in a different location, the enhanced 911, may not be able to effectively track the computer because they are on an IP network.

The safest measure to take, until this is corrected, is to keep a basic landline phone in use, if not only for the sole purpose of making emergency 911 calls on. Also, you can carry your cell phone with you, even if you use VoIP for your calling needs through your laptop, or if you use a VoWiFi phone, just in case you need to call 911.

If you do need to make a 911 phone call from your VoIP, remember to stay calm, then let the dispatcher know your present location immediately. Remember, they won’t have that information in front of them.

You can’t predict when knowing something extra about VoIP and Emergency 911 will come in handy. If you learned anything new about VoIP and Emergency 911 in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

Making a long distance phone call used to mean using your land phone line to dial through a long distance carrier that charged you often-exorbitant by-the-minute fees, because there was no competition to keep the prices reasonable. Then came the mobile phone, and that gave consumers another option when it came to calling far away. But, as we all know, mobile phones do not always work, often drop calls, and tend to have sporadic reception. A new trend in phone calling is gaining popularity. VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is not a new technology. It has been used for years in the business world. Fairly recently, it has seen a surge in popularity of use by the average consumer due to its many appealing attributes, namely its ease of use, available calling features, and low pricing. VOIP works by converting analog audio signals into digital data, which can be dispatched over an Internet connection. VOIP can make your Internet your home computer the best place to make your long-distance phone calls – nearly free of charge. You use VOIP devices and software that are widely available; therefore the phone company is sidestepped. There are many reviews widely available that you can consult regarding VOIP, VOIP devices, VOIP phones, and VOIP services. Consult these reviews to get as much information you can about the vast quantity of products and services available.

There are several benefits to using VOIP for making your phone calls. Chief among them is the flexibility you have with the service. If you are a business traveler, you know that your mobile phone is not always a reliable source of communication, because of lack of service or technical difficulties. With VOIP you have the ability to take your phone and your phone number anywhere you go and use it to place calls as long as there is an Internet connection available. The next principal benefit to VOIP is price. VOIP services have the ability to offer local and long distance phone service, as well as many common phone features at extremely low monthly prices. It is becoming clear that traditional phone companies cannot compete. The “extras” that phone companies charge high monthly fees for, such as Caller ID or Call Waiting, are often standard features with VOIP services.

Another benefit of VOIP is the outstanding features that are available to you. You can check your voice mail via the Internet. You can have your voice mail sent to you as email messages. You can make customized voice mail messages for specific callers. These are but a few of the available features. These are services that a traditional phone company just can’t offer, especially at low monthly rates. If you are interested in learning more about VOIP features and services, consult online VOIP reviews to get a thorough rundown of services, features, and pricing, to make sure you get the best deal out there.

There are three primary VOIP devices available that you can opt to use to place phone calls from your computer. They are all relatively easy to use, meaning that you don’t have to be an expert computer user, and they cost very little, if anything at all. The ATA, or Analog Telephone Adapter, lets you connect your home telephone to your computer. It converts the analog signal to digital simply by plugging your phone cord into the device. The IP, or Internet Protocol, phone is another VOIP device currently in use. It looks like your standard home telephone, but is equipped with Ethernet wiring to make it VOIP capable. The IP phone simply connects to your computer’s router, and you are ready to make calls. Computer-to-computer is the last method of implementing VOIP. If your computer has an Internet connection, PC speakers, a sound card, and a microphone, you have the capability to download available software and make free long distance phone calls from your computer. The software is often very inexpensive, sometimes even free of charge. If you want to know more about VOIP devices, or are not sure which route to go, there are many VOIP reviews online that will explain them completely, as well as provide assessments on VOIP telephone that you can buy to help make the use of VOIP even easier for you. VOIP is an efficient and cost-sensible way to make long distance telephone calls to friends and family members that live far away.

As high speed and broadband internet connections are becoming more prevalent in homes across the United States, people are asking themselves can VOIP calling save me money on my phone bill? To answer this question you need to take a deeper look at VOIP calling and the expenses related to switching to VOIP.

The first thing to you should know is how VOIP calling works. When you place a VOIP call it works by converting the voice signal that you speak into the phone handset into a digital signal and sending it over the internet. This signal is then converted back into a voice signal and comes out of the earpiece on the other end. By sending the signal over the internet it doesn’t matter how far it has to go, a call across the street costs the same as call across the country. For people who have monthly long distance bills that are over $20, VOIP calling may be able to save you money on your phone bill.

When evaluating VOIP services you should have an idea of your monthly calling volume. The best thing to do is look at your phone bill for the past three months and figure out how many minutes you are using. If you are using less than 500 minutes a month you will find VOIP calling plans that are probably much less than your monthly phone bill. If you are using over 1000 minutes each month you’ll probably find unlimited calling plans will be more cost effective. If you make a lot of international calls, check to see if those calls are included in the plans you are evaluating.

Some VOIP services require that you update your telephone equipment. This is especially important if you have more then one phone in the house. The key to the VOIP system is VOIP router. It connects your broadband internet access to your new phone system. Some routers only interface with newer VOIP phones, meaning you will have to purchase new phones. Some routers allow you to plug conventional phones into them and keep your existing equipment. This really becomes an important factor if you have more than one telephone in your house.

Another factor to consider is the length of the contract. Many companies offer month to month contracts, others offer yearly, and some offer two year contracts. While a two year contract may look attractive from a price standpoint, locking yourself into a developing technology for twenty four months is something to give serious consideration to. A one year contract usually provides the best trade off between price and time commitment.

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You can try out VoIP for free! All you need is a headset attached to the sound card of your computer. Next, download one of the many VoIP software packages. Skype, Gizmo, Free World Dialup, and Net2Phone are some of the big names. With the software installed, invite all your friends to download the same software and when someone is up and running, give them a call!

Most of these “soft phones” (as they are called) allow you to make and receive calls at no charge anywhere in the world as long as you are not connecting to a cellular or landline phone. They are easy to use – simply click on a contact name to initiate a call. Features such as call display, call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calls are included at no extra charge as long as both parties are using computers.

A step up from headsets is Internet phones. These feel a lot more like “real” telephones — they ring, they have regular number pads, and you use them like traditional telephones. They plug into the USB port or sound card of your computer. These phones are still considered soft phones because you need VoIP software installed on your computer to make and receive telephone calls.

As we progress up the VoIP ladder the next is an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) which allows you to connect a traditional analog telephone to a broadband modem. ATA’s are usually provided free of charge when you sign up with a VoIP service provider. This is similar to signing up with a regular phone company — there is a monthly charge and you may have to sign a contract tying you into the service for a certain period of time.

The ATA is simple to use. It connects to a broadband modem – either a DSL modem connected to your traditional phone line or a cable modem which attaches to your cable TV connection. Any traditional analog telephone can be plugged into an ATA. You do not even need a computer in the house to use this type of VoIP connection.

Using an ATA for Internet phone calls is transparent. You simply pick up the phone and dial a number just as you would with your regular phone service. Anybody calling your phone number will not be aware that you are using VoIP instead of PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

If you are travelling, you can take your ATA with you and receive phone calls anywhere in the world by connecting it to a broadband modem. Any calls to your phone number will be routed to your ATA (which has an identification number making it unique in the world) at the same cost as the call to your residence or business would cost.

The third option for VoIP is to have an IP phone. Don’t confuse IP phones and Internet Phones. IP phones plug directly into the modem, but Internet phones plug into the sound card or USB port of your computer. An IP phone is a handset which has all the necessary hardware and software installed in it. You connect an IP phone to a broadband modem and make or receive calls the same way that you would make or receive calls with an ATA. The advantage of an IP phone over an ATA is that you do not need an extra telephone set to plug into the ATA — it is a completely integrated unit.

IP phones also have the advantage of having all your phone numbers stored in the phone as well as a display screen which gives you information about incoming calls.