VOIP Resources

Voice Over Internet Protocol Resources

Voice Over IP is a technology for carrying voice communications over IP networks. Access to IP networks, such as high-speed cable or DSL, or fiber optic networks, is increasingly available. Frequently such networks offer high bandwidth for relatively little money. This enables the cost effective carrying of voice communications.

History

VOIP has existed since the mid 1970s, though has only recently become more practical with the availability of cheap high bandwidth networks. VOIP evolved into telephone adapters, dedicated VOIP phones, and soft phones which connect a computer or PDA to VOIP networks. Skype is an example of a VOIP softphone.

Benefits

VOIP's chief benefit is affordability. Many affordable 'phone card' companies make use of VOIP to allow for cheap international communications. VOIP is also now highly available. A draw back of VOIP has historically been compromised quality however faster, cheaper networks, have done much to change this.

How to Set Up VOIP

Depending on your device VOIP access may be as simple as plugging your device into any DHCP Internet connection. Some VOIP access even allows VOIP of WiFi such as Skype for the Apple iPhone, or Google Voice. Most commonly a Network Adapter converts traditional analog voice signals from devices such as telephones into digital VOIP signals and automatically connects to a VOIP network such as Vonage. Also many retailers offer connections to VOIP networks which bridge two land line networks.

Security

Much attention is paid to digital voice communications with regard to security. Ironically most analog telecommunications feature little in the way of security and early voice telecommunications were known for easy to compromise security methods. VOIP because it is digital offers many newer and more complicated security methods.

Troubleshooting VOIP

Typically network access is the most critical aspect of VOIP. If the internet connection is not working or slow VOIP can experience delays, echoes, garbled sounds, or complete lack of connection or dropped calls. For VOIP connections using WiFi it is possible for channel interference to slow a WiFi connection. If this is the case sometimes altering a WiFi device's channel will fix the problem. Also devices like Microwaves can interfere with WiFi & VOIP connections. Local phone lines can be an issue for VOIP connections that pass over traditional phone lines.