Networking Information

What Do You Know About VoIP?


What is VoIP

VoIP is an acronym for voice over internet protocol, aka voice over ip phone. A VoIP, in essence, is a computer phone that allows you to make phone calls from your computer to anyone in the world, e.g., PC to PC, PC to phones - landlines or cells.

The voice signal converts to data packets and travels across the internet through a VoIP platform, and then converts back to voice at the receiving end of the communication exchange. Leading telecom experts are projecting that 75% of the world's communications will be done on VoIP within the next several years.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?

You will need a computer with internet access and an inexpensive microphone if your computer does not have one built in. Although most VoIP voice over ip phone providers require high speed internet connections, there are a few that can be used on dial-up connections.

How Can I Place a Call or Receive a Call?

Basically, the same way you would a regular phone, except on your PC. When you download a VoIP voice over ip phone line on your computer, a phone usually appears on your screen. The computer phone acts like any other phone in that you can dial numbers on it from a pad, or click on a contact's pre-programmed name, and press the call button. You will then hear the phone ringing to the party you have called and can talk to them when they accept the call.

When receiving a call, the phone will ring on your computer and you can click to accept the call and talk, or let it ring (based on the number of rings you have set up) and forward the caller to your voicemail.

What Kind of Features Does a VoIP Phone Have?

Typically a VoIP voice over ip phone not only has audio capabilities, but also three-way calling, text messaging, and contacts list. Some VoIPs even have webcam capabilities. In addition, there is usually a button to click that can indicate to others when you are available, unavailable, away, or off line.

Who Can I Call Using a VoIP Phone?

Most reputable VoIP computer phone providers limit PC to PC calls among their own subscribers for privacy purposes so that the quality of sound is not compromised.

Most reputable VoIP voice over ip phone providers have their own patented technology.

Some VoIP solutions providers require limiting PC to phone landlines or cells to their own subscribers, while others do not.

Advantages of VoIP

? With VoIP computer phones, you have unlimited talk time to anyone in the world from PC to PC for a flat monthly rate

? Most VoIP voice over ip phone providers offer drastically reduced costs for calling PC to landlines

? Most VoIP's offer reduced costs for calling PC to cell phones, however, prices often vary depending on the cell phone carrier.

? Savings of up to 80% off current phone bills.

What are the Costs for VoIPs?

Typically there is an activation fee which varies between $20.00 to hundreds of dollars, although some are hidden. Monthly fees, after enrollment, varies between $5.00 per month to $99.95 per month. If you do not have a microphone on your computer, you would have to purchase one. Cost is between $5.00 to $40.00.

Things to Watch Out For with VoIP Services

? Hidden costs

? Unsecure lines - meaning anyone can listen to your conversation because of shared servers or open platforms, thus making you vulnerable to viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and unscrupulous hackers, which ultimately can corrupt your computer and create a costly computer crash.

? Inability to be used with dial-up connections

? Public listing of your name and/or phone number

? Many VoIP services have spyware.

Dee Scrip and her close friend Andy Murray operate the website http://www.whypay4calls.com. Where you can experience a 7 day free trial with a secure line on patented technology. NO contracts, obligations, or hassles!


MORE RESOURCES:

Sangoma Announces NetBorder Express VoIP Gateway 3.0
MarketWatch (press release)
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Sangoma Strengthens Commitment to IP-PBX IndustryTMC Net

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VoIP Equipment: Service Provider Router Market Witnesses Double-Digit Growth
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According to a newly published report on the service provider router market, Dell'Oro Group, a provider of market ...

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Eastex Selects GENBAND to Expand VoIP Network Across Texas
Business Wire (press release)
In the future, the C15 will also help position Eastex to offer new VoIP and data services to subscribers. “The cost-effective transition to new technologies ...
GENBAND to Showcase Business Collaboration Applications, Traffic Management ...Business Wire (press release)

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US county deploys emergency VoIP system
Telappliant VoIP News
A new emergency notification system which uses VoIP solutions has been installed in a US county. Spokane County, in Washington, has adopted the ALERT ...
County unveils new alert systemTMCnet
How To Get Emergency Alerts For Your CountyKMGH Denver
Awaiting 'ALERT Spokane' News ConferenceKHQ Right Now
Rockdale Citizen
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Overcoming VoIP Reliability Fears: ITEXPO West Speaker Aelea Christofferson
TMCnet
At the ITEXPO West event, Christofferson plans to show how new telephony carriers can increase sales by overcoming fears regarding the reliability of VoIP. ...

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North Yorkshire VoIP solutions could profit from broadband pilot
Telappliant VoIP News
VoIP solutions in North Yorkshire could benefit from a government initiative to provide broadband to rural areas. The county has submitted a bid to be one ...

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COUNTERPATH RELEASES X-LITE 4.0
MarketWatch (press release)
CounterPath Corporation is an award-winning provider of innovative desktop and mobile VoIP software products and solutions. The company's product suite ...

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FeatureTel Launches Program to Support DonorsChoose.org Giving Program
TMC Net
Sep 09, 2010 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- FeatureTel, offering hosted VoIP business telephone service over private networks, recently launched an employee ...

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IntoMobile (blog)

Google plans to Expand Voip Services in Middle East
Connect Stat
Google plans to launch its localized versions of Voip services in Middle East. Earlier, on August 25th, 2010, Google has launched its Voice over Internet ...
Google denies Mideast VOIP roll-out rumoursArabianBusiness.com
Middle East to get Google VOIPITWeb
Local Versions of Google's Voip To Be LaunchedGulf Jobs Market News
Techwatch -Emirates 24/7 -Telappliant VoIP News
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Broadcore Hosted VoIP Service Enables Schools and Libraries to Leverage ...
PR Web (press release)
Hosted VoIP designated as a USAC 'Priority 1' service, qualifying Broadcore's services for full funding, up to 90% of the monthly charges. ...


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