With VOIP technology, you can now place a phone call to someone
on the other side of the world using your broadband internet
connection rather than a telephone. VOIP technology, in
essence, takes the analog signals from your voice and converts
them into digital signals able to travel over the internet.
Then, at the other end, VOIP converts the digital signal back
to the spoken word. Types of VOIP service vary.

Some VOIP providers only allow you to call other users of the
same VOIP provider; other VOIP providers allow you to call
anyone with a telephone. To break it down, there are three
basic types of VOIP service: With an ATA (an analog voice
adaptor), which is box that connects your computer (or your
internet connection) to your telephone for VOIP use. With an IP
phone, a special VOIP phone that is by all appearances a regular
telephone but with special Ethernet connectors allowing you to
hook it up to your router. Before long, WIFI VOIP phones will
be on the market, allowing you to place a VOIP call from any
internet hot-spot.With just your computer, you can install VOIP
software and place, for free sometimes, VOIP phone calls
anywhere in the world.

Get a sound card, speakers, a microphone, and an internet
connection, preferably broadband, and youÕre good to go.
Probably one of the most apparent benefits of VOIP is how it
relieves you of the need to pay the telephone company for phone
service. That's one more bill out of your life! You only need to
pay your broadband bill (plus VOIP charges) to have your
telephoning needs met as well, and a VOIP bill is usually much
cheaper than a phone bill. If you carry an internet-enabled
laptop with you wherever you go, say, on a vacation, then all
you need to do is bring your VOIP adapter and/or IP telephone
and you've got service as good as, if not sometimes better
than, a cell phone.You must also consider the disadvantages
before diving in and going VOIP. For one, your VOIP service may
not respond well during power outages and server failures. If
your internet is ever out, your VOIP will be out as well, and
thus your ability to place phone calls.

Additionally, not all VOIP providers offer 9-1-1 or directory
assistance calls. Before purchasing VOIP hardware and service,
make sure the VOIP company you choose provides the services you
need. Interestingly enough, you may have been placing VOIP calls
for a long time now without even knowing it. Telephone companies
have been using VOIP technology to make their services more
efficient. You can also expect most of the same features from
your VOIP service provider as you currently get from your phone
company. VOIP service often includes caller ID, call waiting,
call transfer, return call, and other convenient features
youÕre used to.

Additionally some VOIP providers offer call-filtering services,
letting you choose how calls from a designated number are dealt
with. Maybe you forward the call to a different number
elsewhere, maybe the caller gets a busy signal from you, or a
message saying your number is Òno longer in serviceÓ. Some even
allow you to check your voicemail over VOIP and add voice
messages as email attachments.VOIP is a burgeoning technology
with extremely promising possibilities ahead of it. Before
long, Ma Bell may become obsolete.


About The Author: Alan Jason Smith is the owner of
http://www.joovoip.com which is a great place to find VOIP
links, resources and articles. For more information go to:
http://www.joovoip.com