What is VoIP service?
Voice over Internet Protocol service, also termed as VoIP service, is a method that offers internet-based communication rather than using a traditional telephone network i.e., Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) like the AT&T. In other words, making and receiving calls using the internet. This sensational breakthrough combines data and voice under one roof.
Origins of VoIP
The origins of VoIP service rooted in February, 1995, when an Israel-based company VocalTech Inc introduced a new software named “InterPhone”. This new software enabled users to make and receive calls by using computers along with a microphone and speakers. Following this by 1998, some new technologies emerged that offered services like “computer to phone calling” and “phone to phone calling”, claimed as free long distance calling across the nation. In 1998, a new technology known as “VoIP switching software” was introduced by three internet protocol switch (IP switch) manufacturing firms by including it in their routers. From then, VoIP’s legacy continued. In 1998 itself, 1% of global calls were made using VoIP service. It had grown to 3% in 2000, followed by 11% in 2002, and goes on to over 36% in 2013.
Types of VoIP
Types of VoIP differs depending on the connection, communication, and service and when we look at the services of VoIP, there are most probably two types of services. One is residential VoIP and the other is business VoIP.
A residential VoIP service is a home phone service that works like a normal telephone service but uses a high-speed internet connection to allow users to receive and make phone calls from anywhere to anywhere across the globe. It is very cheap compared to a traditional telephone service. On the other hand, a business VoIP service is a commercialized version of a
residential VoIP service designed for small as well as mid-sized organizations with advanced functionalities and features.
How to use VoIP service?
To start using a VoIP service, you must need some basic hardware such as a computer with a high-speed internet connection such as the digital subscriber line (DSL) modems, a special adapter probably provided by a VoIP service provider, and an ordinary corded or cordless telephone. The process is simple. Just connect one end of your VoIP adapter to your high speed internet modem and the other end to a phone which you want to use.
How does it work?
Technically, Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) is a transport protocol that transports voice over a data network. In other words, a VoIP works by converting the voice signal of a standard telephone into a digital signal to transport it over the Internet and then by converting the digital signal into a voice signal at the other side, to where the call is made. In order to optimize the bandwidth, VoIP utilizes speech compression techniques.
Why to choose VoIP residential service?
If you are wondering that why I should switch to a VoIP service, then here are some reasons:
- The first and foremost reason of why to switch to VoIP is that it reduces the cost of communication and increases reliability, speed and availability of a network compared to traditional telephone services. For example, some residential VoIP service providers like Vonage and RangaTel are offering cost cuttings of almost 90% on all international and domestic calls compared to the monthly phone bill from a traditional telephone network.
- Using VoIP, a user can make calls from a personal or portable computer as well as from a VoIP or a traditional home phone.
- A VoIP service provider offers the flexibility of retaining an existing telephone number or opting a new VoIP number.
- Choosing VoIP service not only allows you to retain existing number, but also to have virtual numbers in other countries. For example, RangaTel offers virtual numbers to the UK, which is treated as a local number there and redirects all calls to a US home phone number.
- One of the best things that VoIP offers is its portability, which enables users to make and receive calls on the go or from anywhere just by carrying the adaptor and connecting it to the internet.
- VoIP also offers the flexibility of using wireless technology such as the WiFi hot spots, wherever it is available, to connect to the internet and make or receive calls from your phone number.
- To use a VoIP service, you don’t need any heavy infrastructure or cable lines but except an adaptor, which is far better when compared to traditional networks that uses cables to offer service.
- Besides cheap calling plans, Most of the VoIP service providers, such as RangaTel, offers several free features including but not limited to online account management, 3-way conferencing/calling, enhanced voicemail, online billing, call waiting and forwarding. However, a traditional telephone service charges for every feature they offer.
If you came this far reading this article, I think that you are now aware of the whereabouts and advantages of using a residential VoIP service. Now, if you really want to switch to a residential VoIP service, I recommend you to compare and choose the best.
