| There are many information about Voice over | | | | jack and is fixed in one location; the difference is |
| Internet Protocol that are, frankly, hard to | | | | that it uses the Internet in which the ATA is |
| understand, especially to the lay man. So I've | | | | connected to. |
| decided to make intensive research and try to | | | | A VoIP Phone is another way to receive |
| understand the concept in a way that I can | | | | information, but the difference lies in the fact that |
| explain it to anybody. | | | | it does not need a computer in order to function. |
| The first thing we have to know is what exactly | | | | A VoIP phone needs only a direct link to an IP |
| is VoIP? Basically, VoIP stands for Voice over | | | | network or Internet Protocol such as a Wi-Fi |
| Internet Protocol. It can be better understood as | | | | connection. |
| phone services thru the Internet. To broaden it, | | | | Lastly, you can also use a soft phone; this service |
| VoIP is getting almost all the services that the | | | | is possible with the help of a Computer and |
| traditional phone offers, but cheaper and more | | | | software that is usually provided for by VoIP |
| flexible. All that it requires is an excellent broad | | | | providers. With the use of a soft phone, one can |
| band internet connection and you're ready to go. | | | | make calls from computer to phone, Phone to |
| You might be wondering how VoIP works. It | | | | computer, or computer to computer. |
| works by making the analogue signal into digital | | | | What are the advantages of VoIP over the |
| format via converting them into smaller parts or | | | | Traditional phone? The best thing about using |
| packets that is then transmitted over to the | | | | VoIP is that it is very affordable. Some providers |
| internet. From the internet, the packets are then | | | | offer unlimited calls, either local or international, at |
| re-assembled to bring it back to its original | | | | a very low rate, which is usually offered through |
| analogue signal. The whole process is made | | | | monthly plans, compared to the Traditional Phone |
| possible by "compression/decompression" or | | | | that charges consumers per long distance call |
| technically speaking, Codec. Codec is the process | | | | added to its usual monthly charge. Another great |
| of breaking down and putting together large files | | | | feature of VoIP is its flexibility and accessibility, |
| in order for it to be transmitted thru a series of | | | | whether you are a stay at home mom or a |
| networks. | | | | businessman that travels a lot, VoIP is perfect for |
| In other words, the voice (signal) is broken down | | | | you, all you need is a steady internet connection. |
| to smaller signals so that it can be transmitted to | | | | One major disadvantage lies also to the fact that |
| a series of networks via the internet; then the | | | | it is powered by the internet wherein IP traffic is |
| process is reversed wherein the smaller signals | | | | a possibility. If traffic is extensive and your |
| are then rejoined to form the original signal that | | | | network cannot handle it as fast as it should, |
| can be received by the other line. | | | | information transmitted can take awhile to arrive. |
| There are 3 modems in which a VoIP can be | | | | So before choosing to use VoIP, make sure that |
| received. An ATA or Analog Telephone Adapter is | | | | the service it provides fit your lifestyle. |
| like the traditional Telephone that uses a telephone | | | | |