VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) - Frequently Asked Questions about Voice over IP

Many people want to know exactly how Voice over IP really works. Your voice signal from your telephone will be converted into a digital signal so that it can travel over the Internet. If you are calling a traditional phone then your voice signal will be converted back at the other end. You will either have to use a special Voice over IP phone or a regular phone with an adapter to make phone calls directly from your computer. If you are using a regular phone with an adaptor you will be able to use the phone just like with a traditional phone service. Keep in mind though that you may or may not have a dial tone this all depends on your particular service. With the increasing trend of wireless Internet is sweeping the world, you can now connect to the Internet in all sorts of public places like airports, parks, and coffee shops.

People also want to know exactly what kind of equipment is required to have Voice over IP. Well first off you need a broadband or high speed Internet connection, in other words DSL or cable Internet. You will also need a personal computer, and you may need to buy special Voice over IP phones depending on what service you decide to go with.

Many people want to know whom exactly they can call when they have Voice over IP. Well this really all depends on your particular service. Some services will only allow you to call other people using their service. Whereas other services will allow you to call anyone anywhere in the world, regardless of if the number you are calling is mobile, international, local, or long distance. The person you are calling does not need any special or additional equipment to be able to talk to you either.

People also want to know if there is any difference between making local and long distance calls. Well again this all really depends on your particular service. There are some Voice over IP services that are like many traditional phone services, and requires you to pay for every long distance call outside of your calling area. There are other Voice over IP services that will allow you to call anywhere for a flat rate for a predetermined amount of time.

Some little things you may not have thought about or have questions about are below. You will be able to still use your computer and the Internet if you are making a phone call. As long as you have a high speed Internet connection you will be able to make phone calls while you are traveling. Your computer does not have to be turned on to make phone calls with a regular phone with an adapter or special Voice over IP phone, but you will have to have an active high speed Internet connection. Your phone will ring just like a traditional phone when you are receiving a phone call, regardless of if you are using a regular phone with an adaptor or a special Voice over IP phone.