VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, has received a lot of attention in the last
few years. It promises low, or in some cases even free calling rates, including
international calls! But what exactly is it? How easy is it to use? What do I need
to use VoIP? The simple lack of knowledge about VoIP and how it works is often
the biggest barrier to entry for most people. This Beginner’s Guide to VoIP will
address the basics behind VoIP and paint a picture of why VoIP is promising to be
one of the technologies that changes the way we communicate - forever.
Using this guide is simple—just browse through the questions found below and
read the answers. If you still have questions or would like more clarification, send
us an email at [email protected].
What is VoIP? Why would I want to use it?
VoIP is a technology that lets you make telephone calls over the Internet instead
of using a traditional phone line, sometimes referred to as a landline. By making
calls over the Internet using VoIP, you can considerably lower your monthly phone
bill, experience greater call quality and even take a unique US telephone number
with you anywhere in the world! You can use VoIP as a second phone line, a US
telephone number to give friends and family around the world or a way to connect
with millions of VoIP users that are already enjoying the benefits of VoIP. Sound
interesting? Read on to find out more.
What are the benefits of VoIP? What can it do for me?
There are several major benefits to using VoIP. These are highlighted below:
Huge Cost Savings - You can enjoy huge cost savings when using VoIP
services to make and receive calls. When you are using a traditional phone
service, you typically pay a fixed monthly charge for local services plus per
minute charges for long distance calling. With VoIP, you pay one flat rate
per month for long distance calling and avoid the extra unregulated charges
found with traditional phone services. VoIP service plans cost far less than
what you pay for a traditional phone service and have very low international
rates. With some VoIP services like Skype, you can also talk to others who
use the same VoIP service for free. Click here to find out more about Skype.
Take Your VoIP Cost Savings Wherever You Go – Depending on what
type of VoIP service you are using and the equipment you have, you can
almost always take your VoIP service with you wherever you go and enjoy
the same great cost savings worldwide anywhere you have an Internet
connection. In addition, some VoIP service providers, such as Skype, allow
you to assign a US telephone number to your VoIP service. This US number
allows friends and family to call you at domestic rates no matter where you
BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO VoIP
travel. Imagine, being anywhere in the world and being reachable as if you
were still in the US. Give VoIP to friends or family located anywhere around
the world and call them as if they were in the US! The applications are
endless.
Free Features and Better Functionality - Most VoIP service providers
offer free features that traditional phone companies charge for. These
features vary by provider, but some of the more common ones include:
caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, voicemail-to-email, voicemail notification,
call forwarding, conference calling and many more. All of these are easy to
use and almost always come at no extra charge to you, making VoIP an
even greater value.
OK. Now I know what VoIP is and the benefits of using it. So what
do I need to do to start using VoIP?
First, the most crucial piece of the puzzle is a computer with an Internet
connection. A majority of the computers purchased within the last two years will
work fine. In the world of VoIP, the faster the Internet connection, the better the
overall VoIP experience will be. While some VoIP services will work with dial-up, a
broadband connection (high-speed internet) is usually recommended. Examples of
broadband connections include DSL, local area network and cable modem.
Next, you’ll need to decide on a service provider. Some are free and others aren’t.
One great example of a free VoIP service is Skype. Click here to find out more
about Skype. Skype allows you to make PC-to-PC calls to other Skype users,
anywhere in the world, completely for free. Just download the program from their
website, www.skype.com, onto your computer and set up an account. Skype is
easy-to-use, simple to install and has better sound quality than normal
telephones.
If Skype is free, why pay for a VoIP service? With services like Skype, you are
limited to only making free calls to other Skype users. You must stay within the
Skype network if you want to call for free.
With the paid VoIP services, these limits are eliminated enabling you to make calls
to regular telephone numbers and receive calls just like a normal phone. Skype
offers these services, but they are not for free. Please visit www.skype.com for
the latest terms, conditions and pricing. Overall, the rates seen with the paid VoIP
services are still drastically less than traditional phone rates, especially when
international calling is introduced into the mix.
What kind of hardware do I need to make VoIP calls?
There are a few different ways of using VoIP to make phone calls:
1. Using a special VoIP phone
2. Using a regular touch tone phone along with a VoIP adapter
3. Using a computer’s speakers and a microphone.
With the first option, you use a special VoIP phone that can plug directly into your
computer. This is by far the easiest option. Some phones will only work with
certain VoIP services, so make sure whatever you purchase is compatible with the
service you decide to go with. One great example of an all-in-one phone is Auvi’s
PHIP65 Dual Mode Cordless Phone. With it, you can make Skype calls and regular
landline calls all from the same phone, making Skype incredibly easy to integrate.
With the second option, you can convert any regular telephone into a VoIP phone
with the appropriate adapter. For example, Auvi offers the WIP20S, which will
convert any regular corded or cordless telephone into a Skype phone.
With the third option, you make and receive calls using your computer as the
phone, and your speakers serve as the earpiece and your microphone serves as
the mouthpiece. While being the simplest, this method is tedious and often
inconvenient. The first two methods offer greater convenience and Auvi makes
utilizing them easy and affordable.
Keep in mind that each type of VoIP service will have its own options of how to
place VoIP calls, and each user will have their own preferences on what is most
convenient.
All of this sounds too good to be true. Are there any drawbacks of
using VoIP?
As with any technology, there are always a few drawbacks, and VoIP is no
exception. The primary drawbacks with VoIP are:
Emergency Calling - VoIP service is often times unable to be used during
emergency situations, that is when dialing 911. Currently, if someone tried
calling 911 using a VoIP service, it would not be easily traceable. Because
you are making a call over the Internet, emergency services could not easily
pinpoint your location. Steps are being taken to change this, but these
changes have not been made yet.
Dependence on Working Internet Connection and Power – VoIP
service is dependent on a working Internet connection and power. You must
have a working Internet connection and you must have a power source in
order for the VoIP service to work. The benefits of using VoIP services far
outweigh these minor drawbacks, but you should be aware of these
nonetheless.
Conclusions about VoIP…
As you can see, using VoIP services can be very rewarding and beneficial. It has
the benefits of: huge cost savings compared to traditional phone services; taking
the benefits of VoIP along with you anywhere in the world; and enjoying more free
features and greater functionality as compared to your regular phone. It also has
the drawbacks of inability to use during emergency situations when dialing 911,
and its dependence on a working Internet connection and power. Regardless, the
advantages far outweigh the drawbacks, and hopefully this guide provides good
insight into VoIP technology and the equipment you need.
Auvi offers a full line of VoIP products that fit any budget including:
PHIP65 – Dual mode cordless phone that brings your landline and Skype together
WIP20S – Converts any traditional phone, corded or cordless, into a Skype phone
WBT121 – Wireless Bluetooth headset and dongle for Skype or with other services
PCIP06 – USB phone with complete Skype integration or use with other services
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