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Here is a nice article explaining the
advantages and disadvantages of Voice over Ip. The
author recommends that you check out several VoIP providers
that are conveniently compared in a side-by-side fashion as
www.VoIPChoices.com. VoIPChoices.com compares the most popular VoIP
providers by price as well as features.
To compare providers Click Here. A
well-informed shopper generally results in a satisfied
shopper.
A Look at Internet Voice
Technology (VoIP) for Residential
By
Sarah
Lake
Today's Technology
Over the years, the technology has made remarkable
progress. Telephonys improved data compression rate, better sound
quality, and the availability of residential broadband has given
consumers more affordable solutions with even more features than you
might have currently. Today, there are a number of available service
providers with most offering the equipment for free along with
pricing packages that can reduce your phone bills by up to 50% or
more.
How It Works
Internet Voice, commonly known as VoIP (Voice over
Internet Protocol), uses your broadband Internet connection to make
and receive phone calls instead of your regular phone line. It works
by converting your phone calls to data packets and sends the
information over your Internet connection, like email, and is
received on the other end just like a regular phone
call.
Source: Vonage.com
What's the advantage? Using your Internet connection
instead of your phone line is less expensive. You can call anywhere,
anytime for less and still get features like Call Waiting, Call
Forwarding, Caller ID, 3-way Calling, and so much more.
One common misconception about VoIP is that it's a
bandwidth hog, when, in fact, voice is a very efficient type of
traffic. As a rule of thumb, 14 Kbps of bandwidth per call is ideal.
This includes the compressed voice packet and the IP overhead. While
your broadband connection will range from 768 Kbps 1.5 Mbps, this
is negligible and not worth concerning yourself
over.
The Disadvantages
If you're considering replacing your traditional
telephone service with Internet Voice, there are some things you
should consider when looking at the various
providers.
Some Internet Voice services don't work during power
outages and the service provider may not offer backup power;
Additional steps may be required for setting up 911 calls where you
will need to register an address for location identification;
or
DSL users cannot completely eliminate their land line
because the broadband runs through this connection; or They may or
may not offer white page listings.
Let's Talk Features
VoIP service providers offer different packages to fit
your specific needs. Actual usage, desired features, and potential
expansion capabilities will be the determining factors when
selecting a package. The basic plans most VoIP providers offer
include:
Low-cost Basic with Limited Usage
Unlimited US and
Canada calls
Unlimited Business with Fax
You're almost certain to save money switching to VoIP.
Not only is the monthly service itself generally less expensive than
your current phone company's monthly service, the features you get
with VoIP are much more extensive and are, most of the time, offered
for free. Features like:
Web Based Administration Allows you to configure your
phone settings and log all your calls in real time.
Caller ID Standard with all VoIP service
providers.
Voice Mail Replaces your answering machine and lets
you listen to voice messages on-line.
Call forwarding Forward calls to your cell, office,
or any other number after a predetermined number of
rings.
Portability Take your phone adapter anywhere around
the world, use your same phone number, and call anytime, anywhere in
the US for free, and vice-versa
Software Phone this application can be installed on
any PC and will function exactly the same way as any VoIP
phone
Call Transfer
3-way conferencing v Call
return
What You Need
An Internet connection - While VoIP works with a
regular 56kbps dial-up connection, it is highly recommended you use
a Cable or DSL broadband connection.
A Computer The only reason you will need a computer
(PC or Mac) is to configure the phone adaptor to work with your
broadband service provider. Once this is done, you will not need to
do this again.
A Digital Phone Adapter DPA's, also referred to as
phone adapters, are provided mostly free of charge. This is similar
to your Cable/DSL router that converts the signal to use a regular
phone or fax unit.
A Telephone There are also options for plugging in
multiple phones to a single DPA unit.
A VoIP Service provider There are several available.
Here are a few you might want to check out:
-
Vonage
-
Packet8
-
Lingo
-
AT&T
CallVantage
-
Verizon
Get More Info:
VoIP-Info.org - This web site covers everything related
to VoIP - software, hardware, service providers, reviews,
configurations, standards, tips & tricks and everything else
related to voice over IP networks, IP telephony and Internet
Telephony.
FCC - The Federal Communications Commission provides a
list of Frequently Asked Questions for those looking to switch to
VoIP.
VoIP User Forum - An independent information guide to
Internet Telephony
Disclaimer - The Micro 2000 Tech Tip is a free service
providing information only. While we use reasonable care to see that
this information is correct, we do not guarantee it for accuracy,
completeness or fitness for a particular purpose. Micro 2000, Inc.
shall not be liable for damages of any kind in connection with the
use or misuse of this information.
Micro 2000 Inc has been helping to solve the day-to-day
challenges that IT departments face in order to keep their
businesses operational as well as profitable for over 14 years. The
company's primary goal is to put the customer first - through
feature-rich, simple-to-use IT tools that can help IT administrators
manage their jobs more effectively. For more advice and free articles be sure to visit:
http://www.micro2000.co.uk
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