VoIP is often referred to by many names including Internet Phone Service, Broadband Phone Service, IP Phone Service, and Digital Phone Service. Whatever the name, VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol, is an internet based communication technology that offers some really cheap options when it comes to local and long distance telephone calls.
Regular telephones rely on PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), which is an analog service. VoIP takes place over the internet and is a purely digital service. Consequently, it offers higher quality with more features at cheaper rates. The most common way of doing VoIP is with a broadband internet connection. Through such a connection, one can start a call either on the internet itself or through a phone that connects to the internet and establish a connection with a regular telephone running on PSTN.
VoIP can be conducted in two ways. Hardware VoIP and Software VoIP. While the core technology behind both these concepts is exactly the same, the implementation and costs are slightly difference.
Hardware VoIP involves the installation of special devices that are either digital or use a digital adaptor to convert your analog phone into a digital device. Software VoIP is conducted purely using a computer after installing a software that functions as a phone, often referred to as Softphone or SIP Phone). Once the hardware or software is in place, there is not much difference between the cost of using VoIP to make your phone calls.
Since Software VoIP works through a computer it is only preferred by people when they traveling (and using their laptop or an internet caf). To this end they need their terminal (laptop or desktop) equipped with listening (speakers/headphone) and speaking (microphone) devices. Another option is to use a preconfigured handset that plugs in to the computer (typically through a USB port). Software based VoIP providers usually have their own software and SIP Phones that may be downloaded over the internet and used anywhere in the world. Another great feature is that with VoIP service providers, calls made within their network of customers are free. Charges are levied only for calls made outside the network. If you happen to have international contacts using the same service then it can result in truly fantastic savings in your long distance calling bill.
Hardware VoIP services are more convenient (as long as you are not traveling) and feel just like regular phones. Hardware VoIP does not require a computer to work and that is why people are using it to replace their expensive PSTN telephones.
VoIP is much cheaper than PSTN connections, especially for long distance callers. Most VoIP providers (software and hardware) offer their services on a monthly plan basis.
Author: Stuart Drew
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rate
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