To voIP or not to voIP

To voIP or not to voIP

by Jesse Smith

The pros and cons of voIP networking


VoIP networks are relatively new but have been a little slow catching on. This article is written to help anyone interested in using a voIP network. Here, readers will discover a few of the major pros and cons to help decide weather or not a voIP is for them.


First off, what is a voIP network? The voice over Internet Protocol, (nicknamed voIP) is a system used to make phone calls through your computer via the internet. When voIP was first introduced on the market in the 90s, it was advertised as a way to get around long distance phone bills by cheating through the World Wide Web. Unfortunately those original voIP systems failed due to slow internet connections that rendered the technology virtually useless. The more recent birth of high-speed internet connection has initiated a rebirth of voIP and dozens of new voIP systems have been built around this handy little technology.


You can do a million things with voIP. With a good voIP carrier you can use it to make regular phone calls, you can build an in-house phone network for your office, or you can create a world-wide network with your distant business partners. VoIP networks can even be used on the road with the proper equipment like a mobile satellite internet connection.


VoIP networking has several advantages over using a regular phone line, but as we will also see, it can cause you a headache or two if you don't have a good set up for your voIP or if you try to use it for the wrong things.


Pros


One main advantage to using a voIP is that it's cheep, some programs are even free. VoIP treats all calls the same, local and long-distance. This means that with the proper voIP equipment, you can call your next door neighbor or your old exchange student in Finland, it's all the same thing to a voIP.


Another great thing about this system is the fact that you can connect to any computer with a good internet connection and still make your phone calls.


Last of all, most networks are set up so that all incoming phone calls come automatically to your phone through the computer you are using no matter where you are. This means you won't miss personal calls at work and you won't miss business calls at home.


Cons


Don't try to use this phone at Grandma's house. Her low speed dial up modem may cut you off. This system works best with a high speed connection and unless you have special software for the phone (software comes standard with most voIP services), it can slow down other operations that your computer is performing.


If you have an emergency and call 911 through a voIP, don't expect the police, firefighters, or ambulance to be able to trace the call and automatically know where you are. The nature of this system makes it difficult to track the location of the caller. This "Con" could be a "Pro" if you are trying to avoid a stocker or if you want to prank call an old friend.


Don't bother trying to send a fax through the voIP because it won't work. If you need to send a document you should get an additional phone line. I personally think you'd be better off just sending an email.


The last disadvantage of this phone is that when the power goes out, so does your ability to make a call. For this reason, most voIP people have some sort of backup phone line or cell phone in case of an emergency.


In conclusion, a voIP network can be a handy little money saver, especially in the office. Just make sure you have a good internet connection before you set up a voIP and it's always a good idea to have a separate phone for emergencies.