What is voip
How does it work
Why is voip so inexpensive
Why are some free and some you have to pay for
What happens in power outages
Can I take my phone adapter when I travel
Does the FCC regulate voip
911
What do I need to use voip
Do I have to get a number with my local area code
Can I use my current phone with voip
Do I need a computer to use voip
Can I use my computer and talk on the phone at the same time
Is voip quality an issue
Can I use a dial up connection with voip
International calls
Can I keep my current phone number
How do I make a call with voip
What does broadband mean
I still have more questions
1) What is voip? Top
A) VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is a voice call transmitted over the existing online networks utilizing internet protocol (IP). This is basically a software/hardware that people are now able to use as if it were a telephone, only now using the internet. It?s practically free, and has no boundaries. This is the technology that will no doubt eventually replace your standard phone services.?
2) How does it work Top
A
) With VoIP your voice is converted into digital form riding across the internet. There are three different ways VoIP is made possible. The most common way is what?s called -ATA- or analog telephone adaptor.
ATA is what transfers analog to digital, making it possible to travel thru the internet. All you need is simply the converter that plugs into your computer and has a jack no different from the one in your wall; it is as simple as just plugging it in. Some ATA setups are sent with additional software that can be uploaded onto your computer, it is by far the simplest to set up even still.
Computer to Computer is by far the easiest use of VoIP. It also means no long-distance charges; the only thing you pay is the monthly fee, which is getting to be less and less everyday. All you need is an internet connection, preferably a fast one such as cable or DSL. You also need a microphone, a speaker and a sound card.
IP Phones are a specialized phone made specifically for VoIP. It has a built in Ethernet port in replace of the standard phone connector. Although these phones look exactly the same as a regular house hold phone they are far from it.?
3) Why is voip so inexpensive Top
A) Think of VoIP as an email. It travels almost exactly the same way as email. The main difference is the dives used to convert your analog voice into a digital document. This device is provided to you by the service provider either at a small fee or free.
4) Why are some free and some you have to pay for Top
A) A VoIP service can connect users not only with other VoIP customers but also with phone services that are offline, such as those that use traditional landline networks and wireless cell phone networks. For those calls, VoIP service providers must pay access fees to the landline and wireless operators. Those charges are passed along to VoIP customers. VoIP services that stay on the Internet (calls that are between personal computers with VoIP service) are free.
5) What happens in power outages Top
A) With the old VoIP services this was a big deal. If you had no power to you internet connection you had no way of receiving phone calls. With the options now you can set up a certain phone number for this situation. For example; you set up a specific phone number (your cell phone) and in a power outage all calls coming into your VoIP phone will transfer directly to your cell phone. The downside is you cannot make outbound calls from your VoIP phone.
6) Can I take my phone adapter with me when I travel Top
A) Voip services can offer the service that allows you to use their aplications from any location that has a high speed internet connection. This however will interrupt your ability to connect with a 911 emergency service.
7) Does the FCC regulate voip Top
A) June of 2005 the FCC requires that all VoIP providers supply 911 capabilities.
8) 911 Top
A) Emergency 911 calls are a difficult task for VoIP providers. It is difficult for anybody to know geographically where a caller is located from the IP address. The solution is for providers to offer E911. With E911 the customer sets up with the provider there location and local emergency contacts. Now when the call comes in to the providers E911 center the one that answers the call can see where you are, where you?re calling from and take the necessary steps to get you in touch with your local emergency.
9) What do I need to use VoIP Top
A) To use a VoIP service provider all you need is:
- A broadband high-speed Internet service such as: DSL or Cable.
- A credit card with US billing and shipping address.
- A Telephone Adapter that is sent to you when you sign up.
10) Do I have to get a number with my local area code Top
A) No you do not. You can use any area code as long as the provider you are using offers it.
11) Can I use my current phone with voip Top
A) Yes your phone will work. Just plug it into the adapter you receive. Cordless phones work as they would normally.
12) Do I need a computer to use voip Top
A) No you do not. The adapter you receive will connect directly to your broadband modem you do how ever need a computer to use some of the features.
13) Can I use my computer and talk on the phone at the same time Top
A) Yes you can, and it will not lower the quality of either.
14) Is voip quality an issue Top
A) With voip the quality is about the same as a cell phone call if not better. The quality of voip can however be affected by the quality of your internet connection. If you have a slow connection you may experience some echoing and in worse cases you may have a delay.
15) Can I use a dial up connection with voip Top
A) You must have a broadband connection to use voip. Wireless, dial-up and satellite internet connections are not supported. You need to have one of the following; Cable, DSL, Fiber Optic, or a T1 line.
16) International calls Top
A) Making international calls can be made with almost all voip services. The rates are far more inexpensive then a traditional land line. Some providers offer plans strictly for internal calling.
17) Can I keep my current phone number Top
A) Yes you can. Providers will allow you to transfer your old number to your new service. Your existing phone company may have to be contacted for the transfer to be completed. However, if you are using your phone number for a DSL connection you can not transfer your number.
18) How do I make calls with voip Top
A) You make calls the exact same way you would with a traditional phone. You pick up the phone and dial as normal and you end the call by hanging up as you would do normally.
19) What does 'broadband' mean Top
A) 'Broadband' means high speed internet connection. This includes cable, DSL, Fiber Optics or a T1line.
20) I still have more questions Top
A)If you still have more questions you need answered we suggest you read our full reviews on the product your interested in. Voip Reviews
