Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - What Is It?

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - What Is It?

by Howard Nielson

This new type of telecommunication is simply the transmission of your voice over the internet using packet switching. Packet switching in plain English simply means that data (your voice in this case) is broken down into smaller parts, sent (using your internet connection), and then the data (your voice) gets reassembled on the other end (who you called). This transmission process only takes fractions of a second to complete. It is important to note that in order for VoIP to work correctly, you need to currently have a broadband connection like DSL or cable for the VoIP. It also requires a switch box that gets connected to your cable or DSL modem. It is this switch box that you plug in your cordless phone to. This process is so easy that I am sure that anybody or their young kids could do it.
The reason that VoIP is taken the telecommunications industry by storm is for one simple reason, it is very cost effective and the smart consumers have figured it out. Depending on your calling habits, you can really save on your long-distance charges. Let's think about this folks. If you use the VoIP service you really do not have any need for a regular landline phone anymore. That would probably save you at least $20 to $40 bucks a month, not including any long distance charges you may incur. If you make a lot of long distance calls on your landline phone, you are charged a monthly fee for the phone and additional fees for your long distance calls.

VoIP services simply charge one flat fee for the service regardless of the amount of long distance calls you make. However, keep in mind that this applies to calls placed within the United States and sometimes Canada and Mexico. You will be charged additional fees for most international calling. VoIP is also really advantageous to the person who travels much of the time. You can simply take your VoIP switchbox with you and make cheap calls from your hotel or motel room by simply plugging it into the broadband connection in your room. No more need for those expensive roaming charges from your cell phone or expensive calls from your room phone! VoIP switchbox plugged into broadband connection, telephone plugged into switchbox, make a telephone call and save. Could it be any easier?

Common issues people have had with VoIP are that they complain that it sounded choppy, there were delays in voice transmission, and the voices echoed. That's true of the first generation VoIP systems, but the new generation VoIP technology has eliminated those issues, but you must use a broadband connection not a dial-up. Another common concern is that you have to connect your VoIP switchbox up to a computer. Granted, if you are one of the few people in the industrialize world that does not own a computer, you are simply out of luck. If you own a computer and have a cordless phone, it is a great option. The cordless phones, especially the ones that have more than one headset that can be plugged into various locations throughout your home gives you all kinds of flexibility.