VoIP - What Is It And Why Do I Need It?
Author: Kevin Erickson

In the dynamically changing world of technology, VoIP (Voice
Over Internet Protocol) is one of the latest and potentially
greatest wonders ever created by the human mind. Watch a techie
show, read a techie magazine or talk to any cyber dude and most
will acknowledge that VoIP is one of the coolest advancements
they've ever been blessed to experience.

On the other hand, for the vast majority who are not
techie-nerds and who are looking for a non-techie to English
translation of what VoIP has done to induce such high praises,
then sit back, relax and read a bit more. In a nutshell, VoIP
allows you to make phone calls over the internet, using your
computer, to pretty much anywhere on the planet. The VoIP
acronym is simply a fancy, smancy technical term for what could
just as easily be called an Internet phone.

The miracle of VoIP can be explained in a simple process. The
analog voice signals, which are the technical term for the
exchange of hot air you have with friends and family while
talking for hours on the phone... Sorry, I couldn't resist a
bit of humor as I drifted back to days gone by and my youth.
Ok, back to business.

VoIP converts the analog voice signals into digital data
packets, which allows those packets of data to be transferred
via cable lines (the internet) and then they are reconverted
into analog voice signals at the other end so that once again,
you can understand what is being said. Thanks to internet
protocol, VoIP supports real time and two way transmission of
conversations.

Sounds Good But How Do I Get Started With VoIP?
First, you have to know what type of internet service you have
from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). The reason you need
to know the type of service you have is because currently, VoIP
works best with a cable or DSL internet connection because they
are faster… as in they can download more bits of information
(data packets) per second and this allows better sound quality
on your internet calls.

Although VoIP services are available for other types of ISP
connections like dial up, prepaid and satellite... the
technology with VoIP has yet to progress to the point where you
will consistently experience crystal clear sound over slower
internet connections. However, if you currently live in an area
that hasn't been wired for broadband, you shouldn't have to wait
too long for the technology to progress to where you can enjoy a
quality conversation over a slower internet type connection.
However, for the time-being, quality is still a bit patchy
without a high speed connection.

How Much is This Internet Telephony, VoIP Thingy Going to Cost
Me?
Cost is one of best things about VoIP because VoIP services
cost less than residential phone service and much, much less
than most monthly cell phone plans. And if your DSL or
broadband internet company just happens to be one of companies
that currently offers VoIP services, then so much the better
because that usually translates into even lower rates than if
you used an independent or outside company for your VoIP phone
service.

How Reliable Is VoIP?
Because transmission is being done over the Internet, the voice
quality is largely dependent on your internet connection speed.
And… at this moment in time, regardless of your ISP or
connection speed the voice quality still hasn't reached that of
normal land based or mobile phones. Plus, although rare, if your
internet connection goes down you wouldn't be able to make or
receive phone calls and VoIP is still more vulnerable to
dropped calls due to a lack of signal strength.

Although VoIP still has a few drawbacks, once you try it you'll
quickly realize that they aren't the type of problems that will
stop you from wanting to use it… especially when you get your
bill each month because with VoIP the savings can be dramatic
if you spend a bunch of time on the phone.

How Secure Is VoIP?
Because transmission is in an environment where the dreaded
"hacker" reigns supreme this concern is an obvious and
legitimate one. Let's face it... although not perfectly secure
it's no less secure than sending emails and billions and
billions of those are sent each day. And frankly, if you're
concerned about others listening in on your phone calls you
should toss your cell phone because picking up those signals by
the "unscrupulous" is much easier than sabotaging your VoIP
phone calls.

If you are overly concerned with security due to the fact that
VoIP is a relatively a new technology and that there still
exists; although remote, a possibility that those cyber
technicians will hijack your calls then you'll just have to
wait until you feel these issues are solved before you give
VoIP a test drive.

Can You Keep Your Number?
Yes and No! In most instances you will be able to keep your
current phone number but just to be safe you should ask this
question before signing up for VoIP service. And frankly, in
some cases you may be required to change numbers. Oh well…
nothings perfect.

This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.


About The Author: Kevin Erickson is a contributing writer to:
http://www.eyeonvoip.com | http://www.zephyrnet.com |
http://www.usfairtrade.com