Long distance phone calls will never be the same again thanks to
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The basic premise for this
technology is to convert analog audio signals into digital data
for transmission over the Internet, a technique which allows you
to make your phone calls over the internet.
The way VoIP works is pretty straight forward. Whereas the
traditional circuit switched technology reserves a dedicated
path from a caller to the receiver for the entire duration of
the conversation, VoIP converts the voices into data for
transmission over data networks. At the receiving end, the data
is once again converted back into audio.
The implication of this process is that a regular Internet
connection is all one needs to make absolutely free phone calls.
In using free VoIP software for Internet phone calls, the role
of the telephone company and consequently its charges are
completely eliminated.
This path breaking VoIP technology is poised to redefine the
very method the world's phone systems use. Major players in the
VoIP world, like Vonage, are already making their presence felt
having been on a steady growth for some time. Leading
traditional carriers like AT&T are already in the process of
incorporating this revolutionary new technology in markets
across the US. Simultaneously, regulatory agencies including the
FCC are taking a long hard look at VoIP to harness the
technology into a more secure format.
Among the multiple advantages attributed to VoIP technology,
include the use of the same lines for both data and voice
transmissions. With one network, both installation and
maintenance expenses are minimized. Compression technology makes
it possible for multiple calls, as many as eight, on the same
lines as opposed to the circuit-switch systems. Neither is there
any compromise on sound clarity.
With VoIP it is also possible for various devices to be
inter-linked, thereby enabling added incentives like
PC-Telephony. Integrating the phone system to a customer
database provides ideal support for customer relationship
management or CRM.
Phone calls using VoIP are not subject to toll charges. When
both sides have high-speed Internet access and VoIP phones,
distance charges don't apply no matter how long the call
duration or distance may be. The possibilities in terms of
businesses and consumers to save on costs are therefore
staggering. What's more VoIP can also be utilized in setting up
an independent private interoffice networks for main to
satellite office communications.
About the author:
Punks Johnston enjoys writing about
VoIP phones.
