Voice over Internet Protocol

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which lets you make voice calls using the Internet or other packet-switched networks, is one technology that has gained much popularity among Internet users. It is also called as internet or IP telephony and voice over broadband. Your speech is converted into a digital signal, packed into smaller units, and transmitted over the Internet. It helps bring down the communication and infrastructure costs to a great extent.

All that you need to get going are a broadband connection and either a specialized VoIP phone system or an adapter so that you can use the traditional phone itself for the purpose. But this depends on the VoIP service providers. Some will work only over your computer or a VoIP phone, while others will give you the flexibility to use your existing phone by means of an adapter.

Following are the many advantages of using internet telephony:

• You can simultaneously take more than one call using the same broadband connection.

• Conference calling, call forwarding, and caller ID don't cost me a bomb.

• Data transmitted using VoIP is totally secure once the digital data stream is encrypted and authenticated.

• You are completely free to access the service from anywhere with only a fast and stable internet connection.

• You can have video conversations, exchange message and data files even while talking, and manage my address book easily.

Skype is one of the popular VoIP software. You can call other users of the service free of charge. However, you are required to pay for the calls you make to landline and cell phone numbers. You can use a Skype USB Phone Adapter to use your corded or cordless phone or you can go for the USB VoIP Skype Calling Kit to take advantage of Skype's low cost calling features.

Article by Michael Sorensen

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