The Basics Of VoIP Service and VoIP Devices Fri Jan 13, 2006 3:58 pm by Mark Woodcock   Understanding VoIP Service Making long distance phone calls usually means that you have to commit to a long distance carrier through your phone company and pay steep per-minute fees just to call a friend or loved one. Often, the cost of the phone call depends on the day and time of day the call is made, as well as the location you are calling. Minutes you talk add up quickly, with long distance phone carriers, and their monthly bill can be a shock to your bank account. Fortunately, there is an exciting technology that gives the option of saying goodbye to traditional long distance. It is VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol. VoIP is in the process of changing the face of long-distance telephone systems forever. VoIP works by taking analog audio systems and converting them into digital data, which can be sent over the Internet. This means that your kitchen telephone could possibly become obsolete. It will not be the only place to call friends and family that live far away. VOIP can transform your Internet connection, and the home computer, into the place long-distance phone calls are made, free of charge. Because VOIP devices and software are readily available, the phone company is not involved. No phone company means, "there are no hefty long-distance charges". VOIP is a convenient and an affordable way to keep in touch with those who live far away from you. The Basics of VoIP Devices There are several types of VOIP devices available that can be used to place calls from your home computer. They are relatively simple to use and often cost very little, if anything at all, to implement. They are all commonly in use, and each provides a slightly different take on this exciting technology. The most common device used in VOIP service currently is the Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA). This VOIP device allows you to hook your typical Telephone up to your home computer Internet connection. This device converts the analog audio signal, from the phone, making it possible to use over the Internet. The ATA is simple for anyone to use. Just plug the cord from your home phone, that would usually go into the wall jack, into the ATA and it is set up for you to call anywhere in the world. Another type of VOIP device is the Internet Protocol (IP) phone. An IP phone looks similar to a regular home Telephone. They come complete with a handset and buttons for dialing. However, rather than having standard phone connectors (RJ-11), an IP phone is equipped with an Ethernet connection (RJ-45). This VoIP device connects to your computer's router and allows you to make phone calls directly from your home computer. Dialing is similar to using a typical home Telephone. Another type of VoIP device is known as, "computer-to-computer". With this method, long-distance phone calls are made free of charge. All users pay is the monthly ISP fee they are already paying. Many companies offer free or low-price software that you install on your computer. If your computer is equipped with a microphone, PC speakers, and a sound card in addition to your Internet connection, then you will quickly be set up to talk to anyone in the world using VoIP. This is an extremely easy and affordable type of VOIP device that allows you to keep in touch with those far away from you. As you can see, not only will VoIP change the way you make phone calls forever, but it will save you money as well. Utilizing equipment the vast majority of us have in our homes, VOIP technology provides consumers with easy and affordable long distance phone service. With the exception of your current ISP's monthly charges, there is little to no expense. Since there are several options of VOIP devices from which you can choose, there is no reason not to consider VOIP as your primary means of making long distance phone calls. About The Author Mark Woodcock is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.voip-services-provider.com   Back to Article Home