| VoIP stands for "voice over internet protocol" and | | | | rates on other types of phone services. |
| it transmits voice over the internet and other IP | | | | VoIP services often have much more flexibility in |
| networks. Mass marketed VoIP services have | | | | their services than other types of phone service. |
| gained popularity since around 2004. These | | | | Multiple calls can be transmitted over the same |
| services can offer inbound and outbound calls, | | | | network, while with tradtional phone service, one |
| much like over a regular landline or cellphone, but | | | | would have to add extra lines. This possibility and |
| they can usually do this for a much cheaper price. | | | | the cheaper price of service have caused some |
| Many services offer unlimited calling plans for | | | | businesses to switch over to VoIP services. VoIP |
| domestic calls for a flat fee, and some also offer | | | | services are not dependent on location in the way |
| inexpensive calls to other countries. | | | | that landlines are. Internet phones and VoIP |
| There are several different ways in which VoIP | | | | phones can be used anywhere where they are |
| technology can be used. VoIP phones exist, which | | | | able to connect and transmit through an IP. In the |
| are similar to cellphones in their functionality, but | | | | case of softphones, they may also have the |
| they rely on an IP connection to transmit calls. | | | | ability to be integrated with other services that |
| Paid service plans can be purchased for such | | | | are available on the internet, such as video |
| phones, and they rely on service from a VoIP | | | | conferencing or sending files and other data. |
| service provider. An Internet phone or | | | | Some problems do exist with VoIP services, |
| "softphone" is a piece of software that allows you | | | | however, such as delays caused by congestion. |
| to make VoIP calls without any dedicated | | | | The IP networks have a fixed maximum |
| hardware. There are also analog adapters which | | | | capacity, and if there is too much data traveling |
| allow a VoIP connection using a regular telephone | | | | over the network, delays or loss of quality can |
| jack and a broadband internet connection. These | | | | result. They are also susceptible to power failure, |
| services are usually offered for an inexpensive | | | | since they rely on the same types of routers |
| flat rate and are very much like traditional landline | | | | that other internet connections use. These use |
| phone service. | | | | the power from the router, so if there is a power |
| One of the major benefits of VoIP technologies | | | | failure, the service will not work. In contrast, |
| when compared to mobile phones and traditional | | | | traditional telephone lines are powered directly |
| landline telephone service is the price. Traditional | | | | through the phone lines, and can still function in a |
| phone service as well as mobile phone service is | | | | power outage. It is possible to bypass this |
| normally billed by the minute, and VoIP is billed | | | | problem, however, with the use of a backup |
| according to the amount of data transmitted. The | | | | battery power supply, in case of a power outage. |
| VoIP costs are usually much less than per-minute | | | | |