VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and is the name given for voice communication over the Internet.
The difference between VoIP calling and telephone calling however, is the fact that VoIP takes the audio signals, and converts them into digital ones, before transmitting over the internet (traditional telephones use analogue signals). Since you are bypassing telephone companies by talking over the Internet, this means you can use VoIP for free.
VoIP technology is nothing new. It has been around since the mid 1990’s but due to problems with the bandwidth of internet at that time, it was not quick enough to interpret and transmit a person’s voice without the whole conversation being very…disjointed……..as….I’m tr…..ying..to sho….w here. Nowadays however, the internet has developed to such an extent, coherent conversation is possible through the internet.
This is proving to revolutionise the way the world’s phone networks. AT&T have begun developing a VoIP calling plan, and there are already solely VoIP providers such as Vonage.
In order to use VoIP, you need to have special software. Skype is the most popular, allowing users to video or voice call one another through the Internet completely free of charge. IP phones are also available. IP phone’s act in the same way a normal phone would, but instead connect to your router and use the Internet to transmit digital signal and by passing telephone providers. WiFi phones are also enabling users to make calls from WiFi hotspots. ATA’s (Analogue Telephone Adaptor) are also a way you can enjoy VoIP. These adaptors allow you to connect a standard phone to your computer or internet connection for using VoIP.
