VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) - Internet Phone Service Information

Simply put Voice over Internet Protocol is when you are routing any voice conversation over the Internet or by any other Internet Protocol (IP) based network. A little more in-depth meaning is when voice conversations are digitized and compressed, and is then put into what is called IP packets to be transported over both private and public IP data networks. Voice over Internet Protocol is known by several different names, some of which include: Voice over IP, Internet telephony, IP Telephony, Broadband telephony, Voice over Broadband, Broadband Phone, and VoIP. Now Voice over IP and VoIP protocols are most commonly used to describe any protocols that are used to carry voice signals over an IP network. You can deploy Voice over IP on any IP network, even those networks lacking a connection to the Internet, like a local area network.

If you are a Voice over IP user you will want to check to see what type of service you are going to have. With some Voice over IP services you are only allowed to call other people who also have that service. Then there are other Voice over IP services that will allow you to call anyone regardless of if the telephone number is mobile, international, local, or long distance. Also with some services you will only be able to use particular Voice over IP phones strictly over your computer, whereas with other services you can use your traditional phone with an adaptor.

Some services allow you to use a regular phone with an adaptor, but other services require you to use a special Voice over IP phone. The special phones look just like a regular phone with a handset, buttons, and cradle. The difference between the two phones is that the regular phones have what is called a RJ-11 phone connector, and the special phones have a RJ-45 Ethernet connector.

You can also make what is called computer-to-computer calls with Voice over IP. Computer-to-computer calls are the easiest Voice over IP calls to make, and you do not have to pay for any long distance calls. There is not very much equipment you need to use it either. You need software, a sound card, speakers, a microphone, and a high speed Internet connection. Resources