Author: Josh Riverside Added: December 16, 2006
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), or simply IP telephony, is the routing of conversations through the Internet or any IP based network instead of through the conventional telephone line. The voice data is transmitted using a packed-switched network instead of dedicated circuit-switched telephony transmission lines. The set of rules or protocols that are needed to carry voice data over the Internet are commonly referred to as VoIP protocols. They allow the user to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world.
An IP phone is used to convert voice into IP packets and vice versa for transmission. The telephone has an adapter that is connected to a router that is, in turn, linked up to a broadband Internet connection line. You can also make calls using your PC, if it has an IP phone or softphone installed in it.
The proliferation of operators has paved the way for very high competition in this field. Their services can be availed from a range as low as $20 per month, with the rates rising with the addition of certain specifications. There are a few qualities to determine which the best IP phone service is. Firstly, the calls should be as clear as calls made on a landline phone. Secondly, the service must be reliable, which means all the calls must go through. Thirdly, the phone must be portable and must have international dialing and number selection features.
BroadVoice Internet Telephony, AT&T?s Call Vantage, Verizon?s ?Voice Wing,? and Vonage are a few of the popular VoIP services. Various features like user-friendly web interfaces, email notification facilities, good sound quality, voice mail, speed dial, fax, directory assistance, three-way calling, first-rate technical and customer support, online mail retrieval, and multiple phone ringing ability have made these services popular.
VoIP service is also available free of cost. One such software is Skype.It allows you to make free VoIP calls through your PC. This service is also provided by Yahoo Messenger and Google?s Voice enabled chat. These services are very popular due to their high reliability.
IP Phones provides detailed information on IP Phones, IP Phone Services, Wireless IP Phones, IP Phone Systems and more. IP Phones is affiliated with VOIP Phone System.
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