What is VoIP?

VoIP is the acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP technology combines voice data and Internet Protocol to transmit the human voice (in digital form) over the Internet using audio stream with lower costs and over longer distances. Using audio stream for transmission replaces the conventional method of transmitting via telephone networks. Although VoIP uses Internet Protocol technology, communication is not limited to making calls from a phone to PC or a PC to a phone. IP was first used to transmit data communication over a computer network thereby connecting all computers together to form one enormous network which is known as the Internet. This technology now allows for phone to phone communication and as such is an inexpensive method for a variety of communication processes.

VoIP has been and continues to be one of the fastest growing businesses owing to its potential to transform communication methods in an efficient and cost effective manner.  VoIP is very popular due to the cost benefits afforded to users compared to costs over conventional telephone networks.

VoIP Telephone Connection

Connecting to a VoIP network can be made by using any of these methods:

1      a VoIP telephone

2      a standard telephone with a VoIP adapter

3      a PC with a microphone and speakers

Calls can be transmitted either to other VoIP phones, or to standard phones using the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The term “PC to Phone” refers to calls made from a VoIP appliance to a PSTN even though the VoIP appliance in question may not necessarily be a PC. Similarly a call made from a VoIP appliance to another VoIP appliance, and is known by the term “PC to PC”, even if neither appliance is a PC.

VoIP and Mobile Communication

Many businesses use VoIP services in their mobile network as this is one area of business where costs are becoming cheaper. With the cost of international calls being almost as cheap as a local call and the “free minutes” provided by mobile providers more and more businesses are switching to this latest communication technology.

Calling Cards

Another practical use of VoIP technology is with Calling Cards. By purchasing Calling Cards you can call worldwide economically, with good voice quality. This cost effective service is especially attractive to both residential users and multinational businesses, and communication is made by PC to PC, PC to phone, or phone to phone.