Want to know about VoIP, what you need to get it going and how it can help you? 


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What is VoIP?

VoIP is basically the ability to make, and receive, telephone calls over the internet.  You can make these calls using you normal telephone handset, headphones or a specialised VoIP handset.

What are the benefits of VoIP?

The benefits are mainly about cost savings.  Some people on wireless and cable internet connects have even disconnected the normal PSTN phone.  However the majority of people are on ADSL and as such require a phone line to get broadband.  But many people reduce their line rental to the lowest level and use VoIP to make all their outgoing calls whilst still receiving calls over the normal telephone line and VoIP as well.  The reason they do that is that many providers have un-timed calls anywhere in Australia for less than the cost of local phone call.  Not only does it benefit home users but can benefits business to a greater extent.  Some business report reducing their monthly phone costs by half.

Another benefit is that is operates in the same way a your normal home phone does, making and receiving call using you normal handset.

What do I need to get VoIP?

To make phone calls over the internet you need to have a few things:

Broadband Internet. 

Although some say that a broadband speed of 256/64 is sufficient to make phone calls and this may, and probably will, cause some problems with call quality.  This is due to the fact of the slow upload speeds.  A minimum upload speed of 128 is recommended to maintain call quality.  A slower speed upload speed will require more compression of the voice data transmitted over the internet and can make calls sound tinny and to break up and even drop out.  An upload speed of 128 or more requires less compression of the data and makes for a better quality of phone call.  Faster speed can also allow for multiple phone calls to be made at the one time.

ATA or IP Phone.

An ATA or Analogue Telephone Adaptor is a small device that sits between your household analogue phone and the digital world of the internet.  It converts analogue information from your phone to digital information that is transmitted over the internet.   It also converts the digital information to what you hear on the telephone.  The ATA contains all of your information so you can  make an receive telephone calls.  There are many different types of ATA's that can perform different functions for a specific purpose and they are even integrated into routers.

An IP phone is a phone that plugs directly into the internet without the need for an ATA.

VSP or VoIP Service Provider

A VSP is someone who you have an account with.  They who you connect through like you would normally do with a telephone company.  There are many types of VSP's in the market each with their differences.  Some only allow internet to internet connections, but many act like you would expect a telephone company to do.  You can make calls and receive calls to anyone.  This includes from people not using VoIP and in most  ways it acts like a normal telephone.

Can anyone call me?

Yes.  If you use a VSP that has DID (Direct Inward Dialling) you can get one or more phone numbers that people can call you on.  You can even get phone numbers in other cities, states and even overseas that are redirected to your VoIP.  So the person call you only has to make a local phone call and can speak with you when you may be in another city or country.  Many VSP's also allow free phone calls between customers on their own network.

Can I get a local phone number?

A local phone number, also called a local DID, is available with some VSP's.  Some VSP's may only have capital cities or certain geographic regions available.  Some may only make internet phone numbers and a call in number where an extensions is dialled.  The major VSP's however usually have the widest range of DID's available.

Can I take my phone number with me?

At this point you cannot take your home phone number with you but these issues are being addressed.

What is QoS?

QoS is Quality of Service is a way of dealing with data over the internet.  Basically all data sent and received over the internet is identifiable. VoIP data has it's own identifying marks.  What QoS does is identify these markers in the data, in this case VoIP data, and gives priority over all other traffic.  If you were to be downloading at the same time as trying to make a phone call, the quality of the phone call may suffer and break up as the VoIP data is competing with other internet data such as the file download.  This in effect lets the VoIP data travel before and faster than the other data being sent and received.  Therefore you get a better quality of phone call.

Do I need a router?

A router is a device that allows you to share then internet.  There are many different types of routers.  Some have built in ADSL modems and some have a wireless capability so that you don't have to use wires to connect.  In most cases you will need a router to share your internet connection with your computer and ATA.  You may already have a router and not know it.

It is the router the performs the QoS.  Not all routers have QoS but there are many available that do and they are perfect for VoIP.  Just because you don't have QoS router doesn't mean that VoIP will not work successfully.  In most cases it will work fine.

Can I fax with VoIP?

Faxing over VoIP has been done however due to the current technology of VoIP faxing with this technology should not be replied on if it should work for you.  There are many options to faxing such as email and there are also providers that can offer email to fax and fax to email services to fill this gap.