For decades, the way we’ve made phone calls hasn’t changed all that much. Now, though, VoIP has become the new norm. If you’re not familiar with this modern method, you’re about to learn all about and the four main options you have for using it.
What Is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s a both a methodology and types of technology that are used to deliver voice communications and multimedia over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Typically, it’s done through the Internet.
The steps for using VoIP are a lot like those used for making a phone call. Likewise, the process entails things like channel setup, signaling, encoding and digitization of analog voice signals.
However, rather than being sent through a circuit-switched network, the digital information travels via a packet-switched network after the digital information is first packetized. This allows it to be transmitted as IP packets.
There are four different types of VoIP connections, each of which we will now look at in detail.
Computer-to-Computer Connections
If you’re not ready to make the complete switch to VoIP service, a computer-to-computer connection is a great starting point. For one thing, they’re usually 100% free to use.
Furthermore, setup fees are often nonexistent or extremely cheap. After all, as long as you have Internet access, the proper audio-transmitting hardware (e.g. a microphone and some speakers) and an account with Skype, Google Voice or another service provider, you’re good to go.
You will also want to have sufficient bandwidth to support your call. Though technically not a requirement, you’ll find that between 50kbps and 100kbps is plenty.
Computer-to-Any Phone Connections
Unlike the above option, this one will cost you money because you’ll need appropriate software from a provider to connect with any out-of-network phones. To do this, digital data must go through a conversion process so it can travel via telephone lines.
That being said, the cost for these calls will prove to be significantly less than what you’d normally pay, especially for international calls.
Other than that, the biggest difference between these first two options is that you use a phone. That might not seem very important, especially if it means having to pay, but many people simply prefer to use that traditional device when they make calls.
Mobile Softphones and Apps
If mobility is vital to you while you make calls, this third option is perfect as it frees you from stationary devices. Fortunately, it doesn’t mean giving up ease-of-use or call quality.
One big advantage of using your smartphone is that you can make your call and leverage other premium features you’ve downloaded onto your mobile device.
Providers tend to be very flexible with customers who want to use their smartphones. Calls are very affordable and there’s no need to enter into a long-term contract with most of them.
Any Landline Using ATA
ATAs (Analog Telephone Adapters) are devices that use the Internet to make calls by connecting an analog telephone to either a VoIP system or a digital network. This can be done with a network device or just a computer.
With this setup, ATAs then convert the sound of your voice into data and send it over the Internet. The phone being used can also be outfitted with a number of VoIP features like call transfer, call waiting, caller ID, etc.
Some ATAs also allow users to switch between their traditional landline and VoIP, but this usually isn’t the case.
The way we make calls is changing. If your company depends on numerous calls being made every single day, you may want to consider the benefits of VoIP. As you now know, there are four main options for you to choose from.