Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol

toc Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number.

=How are Calls Placed?=

There are a number of ways to place calls but one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call.

=Required Equipment=

A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required

=Local and Long Distance Calling=

Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service.

Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

=Advantages of VoIP=

VoIP is digital therefore it may offer features and services a traditional phone is not capable of. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls. With many VoIP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection). You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.

=Disadvantages of VoIP=

Some VoIP services may not work during a power outage
 * 1) Some VoIP services may not work during a power outage
 * 2) A 911 call may not directly connect to an emergency service.
 * 3) Some VoIP providers may not offer a directory assistance.

=Works Cited=

FCC. Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol Online at http://www.fcc.gov/voip/ retrieved on Feb 20, 2006