Voice Over IP Telephony Comes Of Age
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Web Development.
Voice Over IP Telephony: The Future is Here
Overview
With the widespread adoption of broadband Internet, consumers are beginning to realize what businesses have known for years: Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony is a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone lines. As companies like Vonage, Packet8, and Skype emerge, major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are also offering VoIP options to their residential customers.
Advantages of VoIP
VoIP packages often include features like caller ID, call forwarding, automatic redial, and 3-way calling at no extra cost?"services that typically incur additional charges with traditional phone companies. By choosing the right VoIP solution, you could potentially slash your phone bill in half.
Understanding VoIP
VoIP uses packet switching, unlike the circuit-switching method of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which relies on copper wires. In VoIP, analog voices are digitized into packets and sent via the Internet. If one party uses PSTN, the packets are routed through a local station before entering the conventional network. For VoIP-to-VoIP calls, the entire conversation occurs over the Internet, significantly reducing costs. For example, a VoIP call from New York to Seattle behaves like a local call once it reaches Seattle.
Potential Drawbacks
Before cutting the cord on traditional phone lines, consider a few VoIP limitations:
1. Power Dependence: VoIP relies on broadband, which requires power. In an outage, you could lose service, though battery backups offer a temporary fix.
2. Service Reliability: ISPs can experience downtime, though improvements are ongoing. Calls can be forwarded to a cell phone, but in disasters, cell service may also fail.
3. Faxing Issues: Faxing over IP can be problematic. Progress in the T.38 standard is making fax transmissions more reliable. Alternatively, iFax services convert faxes into email attachments.
4. Emergency Services: Tying Internet-based calls to physical locations is inherently complex, impacting 911 services. The FCC mandates Enhanced 911 (E911) for VoIP providers, who are improving location accuracy by registering user addresses.
VoIP and Broadband
While not essential, broadband enhances VoIP capabilities. Many households now use DSL or cable modems, and WiFi hotspots are increasingly common.
- DSL Issues: As DSL is offered by telephone companies, it often requires maintaining a landline?"undermining VoIP benefits. However, "naked DSL" options are emerging.
- Cable Options: If your home uses cable TV, broadband is likely available via cable modem. This usually costs around $50 monthly, with residential VoIP plans ranging from $40-$50. Pure-play VoIP services like Vonage or Packet8 offer even more affordable plans, usually $15-$25 per month.
Wireless Solutions: WiFi networks complement VoIP, especially for frequent travelers. WiFi hotspots globally enable calls via a VoIP phone. Options range from business desk phones to VoIP-enabled smartphones, with new innovations continuously improving connectivity.
Conclusion
VoIP telephony has matured. With a broadband connection, you could significantly reduce your phone expenses, avoid long-distance charges in the U.S. and Canada, and pay as little as 3 cents per minute for international calls. Sound quality typically rivals that of cell phones. To evaluate your broadband's VoIP readiness, visit Test Your VoIP for a quick assessment. Once verified, the next step is finding a reliable VoIP provider to enjoy these benefits.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Voice Over IP Telephony Comes Of Age.
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