The Basics Of VoIP Devices
Author: Mark Woodcock

Making long distance phone calls usually means that you have to
commit to a long distance carrier through your phone company,
and pay often steep per-minute charges and fees just to call a
friend or loved one. Often, the cost of the phone call depends
on the day and time of the day that you are making it, as well
as the location you are calling to. The minutes you talk add up
quickly, and the monthly long distance bill can be a shock to
your system and your bank account. Fortunately, there is an
exciting technology that is gives you the option of saying
goodbye to traditional long distance for good. It is VOIP is or
Voice Over Internet Protocol, and it's in the process of
changing the face of long-distance telephone systems forever.
VOIP works by taking analog audio systems and converting them
into digital data, which can be sent over the Internet. This
means that your kitchen telephone could possibly become
obsolete. It will not be the only place to call friends and
family that live far away. VOIP can make your Internet
connection, and your home computer, the place that you make
your long-distance phone calls - free of charge. Because you
use VOIP devices and software that are widely available, the
phone company is not involved. No phone company means that
there are no hefty long-distance charges for you to pay. VOIP
is a convenient and affordable way to keep in touch with those
who live far away from you.

There are several types of VOIP devices available that can be
used to place calls from your home computer. They are
relatively simple to use, and often cost very little, if
anything at all, to implement. They are all commonly in use,
and each provides a slightly different take on this exciting
technology. The most common device used in VOIP service
currently is the ATA, or Analog Telephone Adapter. This VOIP
device allows you to hook your typical telephone up to your
home computer Internet connection. This device converts the
analog audio signal from the phone and makes it possible to use
over the Internet by converting it to transmittable digital
data. The ATA is simple for anyone to use. Just plug the cord
from your home phone that would usually go into the wall jack
into the ATA, and it is set up for you to call anyone anywhere
in the world.

Another type of VOIP device is the IP, or Internet Protocol,
phone. An IP phone looks like a regular home telephone,
complete with a handset and buttons for dialing. But, rather
than having standard phone connectors (RJ-11), an IP phone is
equipped with an Ethernet connection (RJ-45). This VOIP device
connects to your computer's router, and allows you to make
phone calls directly from your home computer, dialing it just
like a typical home telephone.

Yet another type of VOIP device is known as
computer-to-computer. With this method, long-distance phone
calls are made free of charge. All you pay is the monthly ISP
fee you are already paying. Many companies offer free or
low-price software that you install on your computer. If your
computer is equipped with a microphone, PC speakers, and a
sound card in addition to your Internet connection, then you
will quickly be set up to talk to anyone in the world using
VOIP. This is an extremely easy and affordable type of VOIP
device that allows you to keep in touch with those far away
from you.

As you can see, not only will VOIP change the way you make
phone calls forever, but it will save you money as well.
Utilizing equipment that the vast majority of us already have
in our homes today, VOIP technology provides consumers with
easy and affordable options in long distance phone service.
With the exception of your current ISP's monthly charges, there
is little to no expense at all. And since there are several
options of VOIP devices from which you can choose, there is no
reason not to consider VOIP as your primary means of making
long distance phone calls to far away friends and family.


About The Author: Mark is a director of 3 Internet Companies,
is a published author and has written many articles on a
widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced
provided that an active link is included to
http://www.voip-services-provider.com