What Actually is VoiP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.
The Internet Protocol (IP) was originally designed for data networking. The success of IP in becoming a world standard for data networking has led to its adaption to voice networking.
VoIP has become popular largely because of the cost advantages to consumers over traditional telephone networks. Most services are based on a flat monthly fee for local telephone calls and a per-minute charge for long-distance calls including calls to mobiles.
For International calling, the monetary savings to the consumer from switching to VoIP technology can be enormous.
Using the Internet connection for both data traffic and voice calls can allow consumers to reduce costs dramatically.
VoIP Telephones
There are three methods of connecting to a VoIP network:
- Using a VoIP telephone
- Using a "normal" telephone with a VoIP adapter
- Using a computer with speakers and a microphone
Types of VoIP Calls
VoIP telephone calls can be placed either to other VoIP devices, or to normal telephones on the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
Calls from a VoIP device to a PSTN device are commonly called "PC-to-Phone" calls, even though the VoIP device may not be a PC.
Calls from a VoIP device to another VoIP device are commonly called "PC-to-PC" calls, even though neither device may be a PC.