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Have you had some questions regarding VoIP?
VoIP Questions and Answers article discusses how VoIP works and
answers some frequently asked questions. It also shows
the effect of VoIP on Long Distance charges in today’s
market.
Please vist www.VoIPChoices.com for a
comparison of the most popular VoIP providers including
several providers who offer a free VoIP trial period as mentioned
below in the article. Pricing starts at $19.95/month for Unlimited
calling to the U.S. and Canada. Save money by doing a
side-by-side VoIP
comparison by price as well as features.
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VOIP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Author: Raymond Klesc
Email:
info@globalvalueconnect.com
Copyright 2004 Raymond
Klesc
Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in
popularity recently and with that rise in popularity has come a
number of common misconceptions and confusion. Global Value Connect
(http://globalvalueconnect.com) has complied this simple guide to address some of
these most common questions and concerns.
1. What is VoIP and
what does it stand for?
2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?
3.
What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?
4. Are there any
differences between making a local call or a long distance
call?
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?
6. Are
there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?
7. Will I be
able to dial 911 emergency services?
8. Will I be able to use my
computer while making a VoIP phone call?
9. Will I be able to
take my phone adapter with me while traveling?
10. Does my
computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?
11. How
will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?
12.
Who regulates VoIP services?
13. What are the computer system
requirements for VoIP?
14. Are free trials normally
available?
15. How can I improve the sound quality?
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1.
What is VoIP and what does it stand for?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it allows
you to place telephone calls over a data network like the Internet.
It operates by converting your voice signal from your telephone into
a digital signal that can then be transmitted over the Internet. The
digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice
signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an
adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You
first hear a dial tone then the call is made. You are also able to
place a call directly from your computer using a conventional
telephone or microphone.
2. How do I make a VoIP
phone call?
Making a VoIP phone call is no
different from using a regular land line telephone. You pickup the
receiver and listen for the dial tone. You can then dial your number
as you always have in the past. The call connects to your high-speed
Internet connection and travels to your local telephone company's
equipment to a VoIP provider which transport the signal through the
Internet to the local provider of the party you are calling. They
relay the signal to your parties telephone. As an alternative, you
may also place the call using your computer's hardware and software,
entering the number through your keyboard. The signal is then sent
through your cable modem to your local telephone carrier.
3.
What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?
Your existing incoming high-speed Internet connection should
be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal.
In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone
to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone
adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with
Internet Voice. This is called an SIP phone. Each SIP phone is a
network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows
a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can
move, add or remove stations and never have to call your
interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of
advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant.
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4. Are there any differences between making a local
call or a long distance call?
There are many
different calling available for VoIP. The calling rates and fixed
plans will vary from one vendor to another depending on the service
you select. Please make sure to read all of the fine print
associated with any plan that you choose.
One thing to keep in
mind, however, is that VoIP can blur the difference between local
and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone.
This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that
phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is
an Internet connection to plug in your phone, it doesn't matter what
Internet provider you use, and you can call your local area code
from anywhere in the world without paying long distance rates.
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP
service?
Your calls can be made to any local
telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any
international number. You may even use the service to speak with
more than one person at a time. More importantly, the person you are
calling does not need any special equipment; just a regular
telephone.
6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP
phone service?
If you are using a broadband
internet connection, you don't need to maintain and pay the
additional cost for a regular land line just to make telephone
calls.
With VoIP you're able to talk to many people at the same
time. You can set up conference calls with your colleagues, staff,
family and friends.
VoIP allows you to reduce interconnect/PBX
fees by enabling you to add, move and remove stations from your
network without calling your service provider. In addition, you
don't have to buy an expensive phone switch to set up your network.
VoIP also offers many advanced calling features from caller ID and
call forward to voicemail and distinctive ringing to call tracing
and reminder calls, among many others. You can also manage your
features through the Internet; log-in and customize services that
normally you would have to rely on your provider to change - for a
fee of course.
Voice over Internet can lower long-distance fees
by assigning a local telephone number to your VoIP phone. You will
then be able to take your phone anywhere in the world, plug it into
any broadband connection regardless of specific provider, and you
can make LOCAL calls to your home area code. Parents can keep in
touch with children at college; churches can contact missionaries
all over the world; and businesses can connect branch offices in
different cities.
7. Will I be able to dial 911
emergency services?
Some Internet Voice services
have difficulty seamlessly connecting with the 911 dispatch center
or identifying the location of Internet Voice 911 callers. Check
with your local VoIP provider to determine if they can provide this
service in your area.
8. Will I be able to use my
computer while making a VoIP phone call?
Yes you
most certainly will be able to use your computer while making calls
on your VoIP network.
9. Will I be able to take my
phone adapter with me while traveling?
You should
be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you
have a high-speed Internet connection available. Your adaptor should
work the same as when you are at home or in the office as long as
you have access to a high-speed Internet connection.
10.
Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP
service?
Your computer does not need to be turned
on but your broadband connection must be active in order for VoIP to
function properly. However, if you are not using an adapter and
choose to use a microphone or headset with your computer then your
computer must be on.
11. How will I know when I
receive a phone call over my VoIP service?
Your
VoIP phone will ring like any other telephone.
12.
Who regulates VoIP services?
The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment
promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers.
Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services
provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an
entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information
service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to
examine what its role should be in this new environment of increased
consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of
safeguarding the public interest. In November 2004 they ruled that
States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP
services, another victory for the consumer.
13. What
are the computer system requirements for VoIP?
The
specific requirements of any VoIP system must be checked with each
individual VoIP provider.
14. Are free trials
normally available?
You need to check with your
selected VoIP provider to determine if a free trial is available.
Most VoIP providers will provide some kind of free trial or
conditional free trial period. If you are dissatisfied for any
reason you should return the equipment in their original packing
boxes together with all shipping paperwork and packing slips to
ensure they will honor their warrantee.
14. Will I be
able to use VoIP behind a firewall?
You need to ask
your network administrator regarding any special setting that are
required to function through the firewall.
15. How
can I improve the sound quality?
* Speak with a
headset instead of a microphone. Better still, use a phone with an
adaptor.
* If you are using a microphone, hold it away from the
speakers to avoid having the sound from your speakers recirculate
into your microphone causing feedback.
* Lower the volume on
your speakers.
* Check with your sound card manufacturer to be
sure you are using the latest drivers.
* Use a direct phone
jack. A split line or extension cord between your phone jack and
computer can distort the sound causing an echo.
Global Value
Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) offers a wide range of VoIP products and services
from the most reliable vendors at the most competitive prices. If
you are in the market for VoIP services or curious as to what it may
cost or how you may benefit then stop in and check out our products
and services at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/VoIP.htm
About the
Author:
Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) has been providing the best value in
telecommunication products and services for the home or office since
1995.
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