What is VoIP and How Does It Work?
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP phones is a rage these days. Gone are the days when companies used handsets and copper wires. They have embraced the futuristic VoIP technology that enables traditional telephonic services to smoothly operate over computer networks. You can make your phone calls anywhere and anytime using VoIP technology.
Pertaining to its advantages, I have recently switched from traditional copper wires to Spectrum voice VoIP solutions for my company. Since our work is more about long-distance calls, I’m really happy about this decision.
What is VoIP Technology?
VoIP has many applications in different fields and offers several advantages. For example, VoIP is a better and more affordable alternative to the traditional phone system. It also offers features that the traditional phone system doesn’t have, such as call recording, call routing, video conferencing, and conference calls, to name a few. If you want to know more about this valuable tool, check out this ultimate guide to VoIP systems, and learn the technology, the design, and everything about VoIP.
This technology functions with a smooth conversion of your voice into digital signals. This allows you to make a direct call from a VoIP phone, a computer, or any other data-driven device. Simply put, you can take it as a phone service that is delivered over the internet. It is also referred to as internet telephony, IP telephony, broadband phone service, or broadband telephony.
If you haven’t used it ever, it is going to change the way you think of long-distance phone calls. It converts analog audio signals into digital data that can be smoothly transmitted over the internet. So, what is the difference between using a traditional phone and a VoIP phone/device? The difference is that VoIP can leverage a standard Internet connection to make free phone calls. You get to bypass traditional phone companies and their ever-escalating charges entirely. That’s the practical upshot of using free VoIP software.
How Does a VoIP Work?
With VoIP software, analog voice calls undergo conversion into packets of data. Once they are converted, they travel over public or private internet protocol networks just like any other type of data, just like emails. Let’s catch some quick facts.
- You can call landline phones or cell phones via a VoIP service.
- Computer-to-computer calls can also be made, where both parties speak into a computer microphone and can listen through headphones or speakers.
- If you are comparing traditional telephones with VoIP ones, you should note that use landline phones to make or receive calls with VoIP. You will only need an analog phone adapter that is connected to your network.
- You can ensure pristine voice quality as well as security, and use your VoIP and all other communication systems on a private IP network.
VoIP for Business
It is not hard to understand how VoIP works for a business. If we briefly explain the benefits of using VoIP services for communication, we get reduced costs, enhanced collaboration, and improved productivity.
- You get to save money because you will have only one network to manage. You can easily move, add, and change local phone numbers for your business. Not only it will save money, but it will also ensure enhanced flexibility.
- Your workforce gets to use the VoIP communication system from anywhere. Whether they are using it at home or on the go, they can reach out. You can take a virtual mobile number for business.
- IP phones connect users to their communications systems and data resources. For instance, if you are reaching out to customer info, you can reach them via an IP phone whether they are on the sales floor, in the warehouse, or anywhere where they can access the data network (wired or wireless).
- If you choose to have unified communication solutions, you will be able to go beyond the basic advantages of VoIP capabilities. You will experience enhanced collaboration via voice, web conferencing, video chatting, instant messaging, and so on.
- Employees can take advantage of these facilities individually as well as simultaneously from a single and easy-to-use interface.
Best Ways VoIP is Used Today
VoIP is being used in different ways. The following are the three ways it is most commonly used.
1. ATA
It is the most common and simplest way of using a device known as an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. It allows you to connect a standard phone to your internet connection or your computer using VoIP.
2. IP Phones
These are specialized phones, which look like normal traditional phones, and come with a handset. It has buttons, a cradle, and a handset just like a normal phone. But instead of having standard phone connectors, IP phones come with an RJ 45 Ethernet connector. They easily connect right to the router and possess all the essential hardware as well as software, which you need for an IP call.
3. Computer-to-Computer
This is perhaps the easiest way to take advantage of VoIP services. Without having to pay at all, you can still make long-distance calls. Many companies are offering low-cost or free software so that people can take advantage of this type of VoIP.
When I got it installed, all it needed was speakers, a microphone, a sound card, and my subscription to one of Charter Spectrum bundles. It worked well for me!
