| A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone | | | | Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN). |
| system requires the use of VoIP phones and | | | | Hardware based SIP phones looks like your |
| there are several different types from which to | | | | traditional phone. The difference being that they |
| choose. There are software based Session | | | | connect directly to your broadband network. |
| Initiation Protocol (SIP)/VoIP phones, USB VoIP | | | | These phones have a mini hub, which enables |
| phones, and hardware SIP phones. This is the new | | | | them to share the network connection with your |
| market for phone service. Providers of both | | | | computer. |
| telephone and Internet service have begun to | | | | You can use your current phone with VoIP |
| offer their customers the opportunity to | | | | services and connect it to the network via an |
| experience the new VoIP phone systems. They | | | | adapter. The adapter uses an Ethernet cable that |
| offer competitive packages and most have plans | | | | you use to plug the phone into the adapter and |
| that give you the choice between limited and | | | | the adapter into the computer. You will find that |
| unlimited calling in the United States and Canada | | | | setting up a VoIP phone is neither difficult nor |
| along with low International rates. | | | | expensive. It is highly recommended that you |
| Software based VoIP phones require that you | | | | have a high-speed Internet connection for the |
| download a program to your computer. You can | | | | service to work effectively. |
| then use the downloaded soft phone program | | | | IP phones look just like standard phones with a |
| along with your computers microphone and | | | | handset, cradle, and buttons and come with the |
| speakers to make and receive calls. You can also | | | | standard connectors that you are accustomed to |
| use a headset with microphone if you prefer. This | | | | seeing. They also include an Ethernet connection |
| is a great choice if you use your computer for | | | | as well. The purpose for this is to allow the IP |
| the majority of your communications. The | | | | phones to connect directly with you computer or |
| software is easy to install and integrates well with | | | | router. They include the hardware and software |
| other applications such as Microsoft Outlook. | | | | required to handle IP calls. If you prefer to use |
| USB VoIP phones plug into a port on your | | | | your computer directly, you can also use VoIP for |
| computer. You can then use them with VoIP | | | | computer-to-computer calling. Certainly, this is the |
| software. They look and act like your traditional | | | | simplest method but you may experience a lower |
| phone the difference being that the voice signal | | | | voice quality than with using an adapter or IP |
| goes through your broadband service and not the | | | | phone. |