Voice over Internet Protocol – What is it?

VoIP has really taken off over the past year or so and today in this difficult economic recession more and more business and individuals are turning to the technology due to its low rates and ease of use – but what exactly is it?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) was evolved from the original Internet Protocol which was created for data networking.� Due to the massive success of the Internet Protocol around the world for data networking we have been brought voice networking using a similar technology.

Most people pay a fixed monthly rate which allows them to make a certain amount of calls connecting them to fixed lines, mobile phones or other computers throughout the world and there is also the option to buy packages that provide certain amounts of minutes.

These contracts work in similar ways to mobile phone network deals you get today from the likes of Orange or Vodafone, however VoIP is much cheaper.

Methods of getting connecting through VoIP…

There are three different ways that you can use the VoIP technology.� You can use a VoIP telephone which you could pick up from any electronics shop in this modern day and age.� You can also use a normal telephone by connecting a VoIP adapter to it so it will work with the technology.

The third method is seemingly the most common and that involves using the computers speakers and microphone.� Many modern computers come with these accessories pre-built into them and so this is often the easiest way of making calls over VoIP.

If you are calling another computer, for example Skype to Skype, then you probably won’t even incur a charge of any kind.� If you are going to want to contact fixed land lines or mobile phones then you will be connected using a PSTN which is a Public Switched Telephone Network.

Calls made over a Public Switched Telephone Network is often called a “PC to Phone” call even if you are using a special VoIP handset.

It’s still early days!

VoIP services are still in their early stages and they are only set to get stronger, more popular and more reliable – their biggest pull is that the technology is incredibly cheap compared to the ridiculous costs that are being forced upon us by telecom providers.

For example, we are already seeing Skype options on certain mobile handsets which means that you wouldn’t have to spend any money on call time but instead you would have to connect to Skype through the Internet and you can make calls for next to nothing.

What about you?

Do you use VoIP and have got great things to say about the technology?� Maybe you are against change and prefer to stick to your fixed BT home line?� Let us know what you think about VoIP and if you think it will benefit the world?