VOIP Basics
Voip: Voice over IP telephony.
The VoIP telephone technology has been around for quite a while. The type of communication has existed in one shape or another since 1973. With the growth of the internet, available bandwidth and low cost of electronic devices VOIP services have exploded in popularity in recent years.
Voice over IP allows the user to make a phone call using internet TCP/IP packets instead of traditional analog/copper phone lines. The VOIP systems use existing DSL, cable or T1 services to carry the signal.
A VoIP connection can allow a user to complete many different tasks at one time, which can be really useful. VoIP users can send multiple telephone calls using the same broadband telephone line, and extra features (3-way calling, call forwarding, caller ID …) are all included at no extra cost when you use a line. Additional benefits include the fact that you can use your connection wherever you can use an internet connection, so you can easily move around the world without worrying about your telephone provider. Though a VoIP line is a great idea in theory, there are still many glitches that must be worked out before this type of phone communication can be considered stable.
What is the number one cause for concern when using a VoIP line? Power failure. The moment that the power goes out, your connection will be lost. Contrastingly, a regular telephone connection will still work during times of crisis. The other problem is that services can sometimes be less than clear depending upon your connection..
Should you opt for VoIP, or stick to regular land lines? Only you can decide if this new technology is right for you. Some people choose to use a it and use a cell phone when the connection cannot be counted upon - then again, how much do you value your phone? If your phone is your major source of communication with the outside world, you may not be all that comfortable with a VoIP connection .. and, you may have to be something of a computer guru as well.
Many people find it rather difficult to switch from a regular phone line to an online connection simply due to the fact that you must be internet savvy. Though you do not need to know how to navigate through a page of HTML, you may want to know how to reset a connection if it goes awry. Therefore, before you cancel your phone company subscription, weight those concerns seriously. A VoIP telephone service may be just the thing you are looking for … or it may be just the thing to drive you a bit crazy.