Introduction to VoIP

Introduction to VoIP

by Aazdak Alisimo

Although the term VoIP may sound like part of E.T's vocabulary, VoIP telephone service is a popular method of internet communication.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone service is actually a way to send voice through the internet effectively. Though many people believe that it is a rather recent technology, this type of internet communication has actually been around since 1973. However, the technology as we now know it was not introduced to mass markets until the late 1990s. Still, VoIP companies are currently larger (and more impressive) than ever before.

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.