With the increased adoption of high-speed Internet across the 
U.S. and abroad, it has become much easier to send and receive 
large amounts of data without affecting bandwidth. What this 
means for consumers is that they can now download huge files 
quickly, browse multiple web pages simultaneously, and even make 
telephone calls over the Internet; an emerging technology known 
as VoIP.

VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and it is quite 
simply a way of using the Internet to make and receive telephone 
calls. The primary reason VoIP is becoming so popular is cost and 
convenience; as VoIP is significantly less expensive than typical 
local and long distance telephone service offered by the phone 
companies. Additionally, one high-speed Internet connection can 
serve for multiple VoIP telephone lines.


How Does VoIP Work?

A normal telephone line would sit there and do nothing if it 
weren't connected to a network called the PSTN (Public Switched 
Telephone Network). This is how the traditional phone companies 
route telephone calls from one person to another. In VOIP 
service, the PSTN is replaced by the Internet as the network for 
routing phone calls, and is proven to be faster, more efficient 
and cost effective. 

Using VoIP, a person's voice is transmitted into digital data 
that is then sliced into small fragments called packets that are 
sent across the Internet at lightning speed. These packets are 
then reconstructed and heard on the receiving phone.  Sounds like 
allot going on during a phone conversation, but most people who 
use VoIP phones don't even know they are making telephone calls 
over the Internet; the call quality is that good.

In order for VoIP phone calls to have the same quality that 
consumers are accustomed to when using traditional phone service, 
a certain bandwidth (the amount of data that can be sent) is 
required. Broadband Internet access, either cable or DSL, 
provides the necessary bandwidth for VoIP phone service to be 
found acceptable by consumers.


The Features of VoIP

In addition to making high-speed Internet access more cost-
effective, VOIP service provides subscribers with significantly 
cheaper local and long distance telephone service.  Most VoIP 
providers charge between $20 - $25 per month and this includes 
unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada.

Additionally, all the features that traditional phone companies 
usually charge for like voicemail, caller id, call waiting; 
three-way calling, simultaneous ring and the ability to choose 
your own area code are included in the price. 

Another driver for using VoIP is that it is portable.  In other 
words, consumers can take their phone number anywhere they move 
to; even if it is just on vacation.

Cost savings, free features, portability -- VoIP is the 
emerging technology at the root of all these trends, and 
consumers should expect to see a lot more news about VoIP 
in the coming months and years. If you haven't used VoIP 
products yet, try out an Internet phone service like Packet8.  
They have a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee if you are not 
satisfied with their service.  
 

Michael Brito (Michael.Brito@comcast.net) is a 
freelance writer about VoIP Products and Services. 
Discover more information about Packet 8 Internet 
Phone Service at: http://www.packet8.net