Training for Book Authors
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
Internet Telephone Calls: VoIP Basics
Copyright (c) 2009-2023 Nermine Shaker
You've seen the commercials and read the news advertisements for telephone service using your computer: very cheap monthly fees; make all the calls you want; keep your telephone number forever; and voice quality as good as a landline. You've heard the claims and you've heard the term "VoIP." Here's the scoop.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it does what the name suggests - it transmits voice data using IP packets over the Internet. It is also called Internet Telephony. It's easier to understand VoIP if you know a little about our telephone system - PSTN (the Public Switched Telephone Network) and a little about the Internet.
Your traditional landline transmits calls through copper or fiber cables in the ground or on telephone poles with a cable connected to your home. When someone makes a call, one continuous route is made between the two phones and the information flows continuously in this loop. As you know from paying your bills, the longer the route, the more expensive the call.
VoIP works a little differently. It works using the Internet, which is a packet-based network. Packet-based just means that instead of sending one continuous string of information, it sends out smaller packets of information.
With VoIP, your voice is converted into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. There are three ways that this can be done: 1) using a VoIP telephone; 2) using a computer with speakers and a microphone; or 3) using a regular telephone with a VoIP adaptor. Because the IP packets are tiny by comparison, unlike downloading files, this all happens in real time, just like your regular phone.
Advantages of VoIP
Because VoIP provides services through the Internet, once you have the equipment in place there are a number of benefits.
The main reason for VoIP's popularity is its cost advantage. With regular phone service, you usually pay a monthly flat fee for your local calls and a per-minute charge for long distance calls. Internet connections are charged using a monthly flat fee only. Because VoIP doesn't charge a per-minute fee for long distance, you wouldn't incur those charges. If you make long distance calls, VoIP most certainly will save you a lot of money. If you used the Internet for both your data traffic and voice calls, you could get rid of one monthly payment.
The other cost advantage is that since it uses a broadband Internet connection, it efficiently uses the existing infrastructure you already use with your computer. There is only minimal software and hardware to buy.
Disadvantages to VoIP
There are a few disadvantages with VoIP. A major one is QoS or Quality of Service. Since there are packets carrying your voice information instead of a continuous flow of information, there could be delay problems, weird sounds, echoes and noise. VoIP quality depends on many factors - your broadband connection, your hardware, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the destination of your call, just to name a few.
While VoIP has made substantial progress over the past 5 years in terms of Quality of Service, it still has a way to go.
Another disadvantage is that in the event of a power failure, you will lose the ability to make and receive calls unless you have a backup battery for your computer. With traditional phone service, the cables are directly linked to the phone lines and the phone company provides power independently of your home or company's electrical power system. Thus you normally do not lose a phone signal due to loss of power with traditional service.
Another criticism of VoIP service is its historical problems with 911 emergency services. With traditional phone service, the 911 system can identify the location and number of the call because it is connected and routed locally. With VoIP, you are calling through the Internet and the actual signal may travel substantial distances before being routed to a local 911-service center. Thus geographically, the 911 system might have trouble identifying your location. Most VoIP services today include what is known as enhanced 911 service. This is a process by which the signal traveling through the Internet carries with it a physical address for the calling location. At present VoIP equipment providers may charge an additional fee for this service.
Businesses that may want to use VoIP to save money need to consider any security issues that exist. This is because with VoIP, information is sent through the Internet. Just as with any computer connection, it is possible that a hacker can intercept the information being transmitted. It is important to investigate the VoIP equipment provider's network to determine how they route data, what firewalls or other protections are afforded for security purposes.
If you are ready to look into VoIP for your phone or fax service, you can visit electronics retailers, large discount retailers and search online for information. There are a variety of VoIP providers at present. The equipment that is used, the cost of the equipment, the cost of accessories, and the cost of any enhanced services can and should be compared.
You should purchase the system and use the provider that you feel would work best for your needs in terms of how many phones you want to connect to the system, what type of security you require and the cost of purchasing the equipment and the service.
You may want to use a telecom management service for a cost analysis to see if VoIP will be a good fit for your company.
VoIP is still a new technology and hopefully there will be more and more improvements and innovations in the coming years.
With more than twenty-five years of experience in planning, implementing, managing and consulting on telecommunications projects, Nermine Shaker has generated tens of millions of dollars worth of savings for her clients. She is a Partner at The Sygnal Group, a Telecommunications Management Company that offers unbiased reporting, analysis and implementation of telecom strategies to businesses of all sizes. http://www.SygnalGroup.com
Nermine Shaker has generated tens of millions of dollars worth of savings for her clients. She is a Partner at THE SYGNAL GROUP, a Telecoms Management Company that offers unbiased reporting, analysis and implementation of telecom strategies to businesses of all sizes. http://www.SygnalGroup.com
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Internet Articles || Related Categories: Computers Articles and Shopping Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Nermine Shaker
Why Your Business Needs A Telecom Audit
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-10-22 |
Word Count: 764 |
Page Views: 4390
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 1.67
Every new technology brings new problems and challenges.
Much as computers introduced a whole range of compatibility
issues and headaches for early adopters, modern telecom
technologies have raised a range of new issues.
Video Conferencing -- Will It Work for My Company?
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-10-16 |
Word Count: 843 |
Page Views: 3927
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 1.33
One of the wonders of modern technology is the ability to
use audio and video services to facilitate discussions
between people in different locations. This ability, known
as video conferencing, can be a major convenience in a world
where communication across the globe is necessary.
Hosted PBX - What Is It and Do I Want One?
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-10-14 |
Word Count: 882 |
Page Views: 3550
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.00
You know how important telecommunication services are to
your business. They let you communicate efficiently with
colleagues, workers and customers. They also allow you to
serve your customers' needs directly by giving them direct
access to your goods and services.
Understanding Your Telecom Bill
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-09-30 |
Word Count: 1271 |
Page Views: 3907
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.33
For most business owners, just looking at your phone bill
can cause panic or dread. Instead of checking line by line
for accuracy in the invoice, you probably look at the total,
sigh, and write a check. With all the new services
available, you need to understand your invoice so you don't
get overcharged or billed for something you're not getting.
Telecom Expense Management - Spotting Telecom Billing Errors
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-09-03 |
Word Count: 932 |
Page Views: 4946
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.75
Whether a business has only ten employees making a few long
distance calls a day, or is a burgeoning enterprise with
hundreds of employees conducting thousands of calls and data
transfers every hour, it is important for that business to
carefully manage their telecommunication costs.
5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Telecom Consulting Firm
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-09-03 |
Word Count: 884 |
Page Views: 4990
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.00
With all the different aspects involved in
telecommunications for today's businesses, hiring a telecom
consultant firm is a necessity. With the advent of computers
and high-speed Internet, there are many choices for a
company's telecom needs. It is important not only to keep
up to date on the latest telecom technology but also to do
so in the most cost-effective way; otherwise, a company will
lose out in today's competitive market.
Negotiation - Basic Techniques for Telecom Expense Management
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-09-01 |
Word Count: 795 |
Page Views: 5005
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.67
Everyone has to negotiate at one stage or another. These
negotiations could be in the form of promotions, sales
calls, hiring, and more. For companies, negotiations are in
the form of contracts, business deals and cost management.
The rule of thumb for most negotiations remains the same
although the situation, process, and result may be
different.
Project Management Basics for Telecom
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-09-01 |
Word Count: 841 |
Page Views: 4207
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
Telecom projects, like any other project, need special
attention if you want the project to be successful and done
on a schedule. One way to proceed on a telecom project is to
hire a telecom management professional to oversee the
project. Another way is to use a project management software
program. In this article, we will review your options for
telecom management projects.
Hosted PBX - Is It Right For Your Company?
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-08-28 |
Word Count: 755 |
Page Views: 4254
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.50
Today there is a better alternative available to the
traditional PBX phone. This alternative is hosted PBX
systems. PBX stands for Private Branch eXchange. With
traditional PBX, an incoming call can be routed through
switchboard hardware to different extensions throughout the
company. This hardware is usually kept somewhere on company
premises.
Tame Your Telecom Spending
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-08-19 |
Word Count: 872 |
Page Views: 3423
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.50
Telecom spending can be a very large part of a company's
operating costs. Companies are always looking to keep their
costs under control and telecom spending is one of the more
difficult areas to manage.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Nermine Shaker Articles
Most Recent "Internet" Articles
How Important Is Wikipedia In The Grand Scheme Of Things?
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-07-09 |
Word Count: 1613 |
Page Views: 9226
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 2.55
Wikipedia is the center of the online encyclopedia universe.
Millions of entries on every conceivable topic makes this website
an authority source that many young students and adults turn to
from all corners of the globe.
Gaming Laptops - The Last Thing You Should Check Before You Buy One
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-13 |
Word Count: 725 |
Page Views: 7295
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 0.63
If you're considering buying a gaming laptop, there are
many features you must check out before you buy. But there
is no last thing you must check before buying. Find out
exactly what this is...
Why Have Online Fax Services Become So Popular?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-06-27 |
Word Count: 695 |
Page Views: 6209
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.60
Why have Internet or online fax services become so popular
in the modern workplace? Here are five or six reasons which
not only explains its popularity, but also gives you some
good reasons why you or your company should be using online
fax.
Build a Six-Figure Affiliate Business - Starting Right Now!
Written by: Marcus Blalock |
Distributed: 2011-06-24 |
Word Count: 565 |
Page Views: 5769
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money by simply
repeating the same processes and work strategies. .
Internet Fax Services - Which One Is Right For You?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-02-11 |
Word Count: 878 |
Page Views: 4969
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Internet fax services are becoming very popular with
companies and home business owners. But which one is right
for you or your business? Read this informative article to
find out...
How The Internet Has Changed The World...
Written by: Braxton Heitz |
Distributed: 2009-11-10 |
Word Count: 1379 |
Page Views: 9293
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
As most of us sit down at our computers each day, we might
realize that we have begun to take this Information Age for
granted. What would we do if we did not have 24/7 Internet
connections to keep us connected to the world?
How Online Marketing Consultants Can Supercharge Your Sales
Written by: Paul Marshall |
Distributed: 2009-11-06 |
Word Count: 891 |
Page Views: 4202
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.00
Starting an online business, we all need to spend our money
carefully, often doing the work ourselves. But getting the
help and advice of Online Marketing Consultants could
actually save us money, by avoiding costly mistakes and
becoming profitable much faster. We understand the reasons
people should buy what we are selling. But can we
successfully explain that to our website visitors in
convincing language they relate to, instead of jargon and
lingo related to our industry?
Don't Destroy Your Online Marketing Results with Bad Website Design
Written by: Paul Marshall |
Distributed: 2009-11-03 |
Word Count: 1111 |
Page Views: 4313
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.55
Many online marketing consulting firms look at SEO and
search engine advertising in a vacuum. They don't consider
the big picture. The idea behind all search engine marketing
is increased revenue. That requires conversions, not just
more traffic. And certain website design problems can kill
your conversions!
A Simple Guide To Online Fax
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2009-07-28 |
Word Count: 615 |
Page Views: 4498
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.33
Online or Internet faxing has become extremely popular in
recent years. Here's a simple guide to this new way of
faxing...
12 Nifty Ways To Stream Internet Movies At Home
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2009-07-07 |
Word Count: 1404 |
Page Views: 5912
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.79
Ever wonder what it would be like to combine your TV with your
computer and the Internet? Well, millions are already doing
exactly that... find out how you can too.
Most Viewed "Internet" Articles
Break Your Search Engines Habits To Get Better Information
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2008-08-06 |
Word Count: 1475 |
Page Views: 11853
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.26
Many online searchers get stuck in a rut, by focusing all of
their attention on only one or two search engines. But for the
person willing to expand his or her search horizons, new and
sometimes better information can be found by using some of the
alternative search engines available on the internet today.
How The Internet Has Changed The World...
Written by: Braxton Heitz |
Distributed: 2009-11-10 |
Word Count: 1379 |
Page Views: 9293
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
As most of us sit down at our computers each day, we might
realize that we have begun to take this Information Age for
granted. What would we do if we did not have 24/7 Internet
connections to keep us connected to the world?
How Important Is Wikipedia In The Grand Scheme Of Things?
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-07-09 |
Word Count: 1613 |
Page Views: 9226
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 2.55
Wikipedia is the center of the online encyclopedia universe.
Millions of entries on every conceivable topic makes this website
an authority source that many young students and adults turn to
from all corners of the globe.
Gaming Laptops - The Last Thing You Should Check Before You Buy One
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-13 |
Word Count: 725 |
Page Views: 7295
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 0.63
If you're considering buying a gaming laptop, there are
many features you must check out before you buy. But there
is no last thing you must check before buying. Find out
exactly what this is...
Web Marketing 2.0
Written by: Kim Roach |
Distributed: 2006-10-10 |
Word Count: 1645 |
Page Views: 6972
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.50
If you're like me, then you are probably tired of hearing the
word Web 2.0 passed around the net like a buzz word on steroids.
Google alone currently shows 126,000,000 results for the search
term "web 2.0" at the time of this writing. However, although
this term may be overblown, it does have significant influence on
the current changes taking place on the Internet. Most
importantly, it has many implications for the online marketer.
The Life or Death of Your Dream - Forums Can Make The Difference!
Written by: Al Smith |
Distributed: 2004-05-13 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 6741
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Do you use online Forum areas for enjoyment, entertainment,
business, relationships, . . . For your goals program?
Are you stuck somewhere on a plateau; you have achieved some
good things, but can’t seem to get past your present
situation for some reason?
Exploring Domain Expired Name Register To Find Best Domain Names
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2007-11-29 |
Word Count: 511 |
Page Views: 6714
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
Before dealing with expired domains, you will need to learn and
understand how you can use a domain expired name register to find
the best and profitable domain names. A domain expired name
register is a powerful tool that helps you in searching for the
most meaningful expired domain names. It will also make the
process of finding such names easier and flexible.
Creating Your Own Online Radio Station
Written by: Kim Roach |
Distributed: 2006-11-27 |
Word Count: 1138 |
Page Views: 6697
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 1.91
Podcasting has leveled the playing field for people around the
world. With just a few tools, you can quickly and easily set up
your own talk show on the topic of your choice. All you need is a
computer, a microphone, and a passion to share your knowledge
with others.
Voip Is It Better Than Traditional 'Copper Wire' Telecommunications?
Written by: Gavin Lively |
Distributed: 2008-01-16 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 6581
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 0.56
VoIP still has a ways to go before it dominates the
telecommunications industry. When it is good, it is the best
thing available to subscribers. The problem is that it is not
always good when it is delivered via the public internet as it's
backbone (something Simply Bits of Tucson AZ has eliminated).
Meeting a Girl Online
Written by: Arnold Kligermann |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 1109 |
Page Views: 6557
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.60
The first question you ask is Why would I want to meet a girl
online? Why try to meet girls online when you can spot a chick
you like, approach her, start talking - and actually get a date?
Highest Ranked "Internet" Articles
Authors - Publishers Avoid Internet Scams
Written by: Bob Miller |
Distributed: 2007-08-01 |
Word Count: 391 |
Page Views: 3512
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.00
Bob Miller reports that he received an email and telephone call
from a person claiming to represent a venture capital
organization that had a strong interest in investing in his
company.
Web 2.0 - or is it more like Web 16.0?
Written by: Julian Stone and Peter Hodge |
Distributed: 2007-10-04 |
Word Count: 2568 |
Page Views: 4003
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.00
With people generating many new phrases and terms in modern
technology, it has become hard to keep up with what they all
mean. One of the most commonly used terms on the world wide web
(www) today is the phrase 'Web2.0'.
Should Your Company Use Internet Fax?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 797 |
Page Views: 4738
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.00
In the modern workplace the traditional fax machine is being
replaced by Internet Fax. Is this a good business move? Should
your company use Internet Fax? Read this article to find out...
The Web of Tomorrow
Written by: Jason OConnor |
Distributed: 2007-02-01 |
Word Count: 1885 |
Page Views: 5539
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.81
By looking at the trends of today we can begin to develop a image
of what the Web of the future will look like. I believe the Web
will improve and grow in a way that will dwarf its present
existence and will improve and enrich everyone's lives way
beyond what we can imagine today.
Becoming a Power Player with Online Game Sites
Written by: T.C. Gaity |
Distributed: 2008-04-17 |
Word Count: 1057 |
Page Views: 5619
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
By participating in various online game sites on the web today,
it is easy to build various skill sets, network with other online
gamers, and win some great prizes. Online game sites have evolved
from simple card games and picture contests to full-fledged
casino-style games, tournaments, and competitions. More and more
online game websites now feature interactive platforms for word
games, puzzles, unique prize drawings, and even company-sponsored
contests for terrific prizes.
Meeting a Girl Online
Written by: Arnold Kligermann |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 1109 |
Page Views: 6557
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.60
The first question you ask is Why would I want to meet a girl
online? Why try to meet girls online when you can spot a chick
you like, approach her, start talking - and actually get a date?
New Internet Marketing Tools
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-04-01 |
Word Count: 1288 |
Page Views: 5014
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.57
New Internet marketing tools are coming online each and every
day. Are you taking advantage of these marketing tools or are you
losing your online competitiveness because you're not using
them? Read more....
Exploring Domain Expired Name Register To Find Best Domain Names
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2007-11-29 |
Word Count: 511 |
Page Views: 6714
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
Before dealing with expired domains, you will need to learn and
understand how you can use a domain expired name register to find
the best and profitable domain names. A domain expired name
register is a powerful tool that helps you in searching for the
most meaningful expired domain names. It will also make the
process of finding such names easier and flexible.
Multiple Uses Of An Expired Domain Name
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2007-12-13 |
Word Count: 521 |
Page Views: 4463
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
An expired domain name could be very precious and invaluable, as
it has had a considerable amount of time and effort spent on
advertising and promoting it over the web. The combined effect of
time and effort gives you a host of benefits and advantages, as
soon as you register a particular expired domain name.
Email Marketing Formula, The Beginning - Get Your Emails Read
Written by: Kimberly Clay |
Distributed: 2008-03-19 |
Word Count: 766 |
Page Views: 5116
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
Is your email marketing campaign not as effective as you'd like?
Here's what I do for about 90 percent of the email messages I
receive: Delete, Delete, Delete... Some days it's so bad, I
think my finger's going to get jammed from pressing the
"Delete" button so much.
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 944
Total Views: 5319
Article Rating: 2.20 of 5
Votes Cast: 15
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2009-07-08 09:36:00
Internal ID: #6780
|
|
|