What You Should Know About VOIP

Many wonder what VoIP is all about.  Those who have come across it or have even used it at work want to understand it further.  Voice Over Internet Protocol (or VoIP for short) is a fairly simple concept that describes a communication method aimed at transmitting voice over the Internet (which serves as the medium).

Utilizing existing networks that do not have to be physically available, the Internet is regarded as an inexpensive means of communication.  It also negates over-reliance on communication of traditional phones by offering alternative options in the form of Internet connected devices.

VoIP comes with an extra edge which traditional phones lack (due to wired connections being a prerequisite for use of traditional phones)-its phones can be used anywhere and at any time.  The VoIP phones also gifts users with many extraordinary features that the traditional phone does not have.

What is it?

An improved way of communication using the Internet to process information summarizes what VoIP is all about. Voice communication alone or video and data transfer are types of communication that can be done using this protocol.  Its ability to deliver the same lucid message as the traditional phone systems albeit through different technology makes VoIP simply amazing.  In fact, VoIP provides these and improved features at a lower cost.  It is important to understand that flexibility of connectivity with various devices using the VoIP comes at cost: VoIP is not a stable source of communication because it is dependent on a good internet connection.  If your connection is disrupted your call is terminated.

What Can VoIP Offer You?

The biggest selling point of VoIP systems is the flexibility and versatility that it offers since a user can enjoy the added feature of the laptop or computer when taking a VoIP call.  Versatility of VoIP is portrayed by features like call forwarding and call waiting, which is cheaper then when done with traditional phone systems.  A few VoIP systems have proven their reliability in adverse conditions although most VoIP systems still perform under par in terms of stability and reliability compared to traditional landlines.

VoIP Providers

Reliability of Internet connections is important to anyone who is interested in looking into VoIP providers.  Having calls dropped or losing signals can be a very unpleasant experience.

When researching VOIP providers, it is important to find out about hidden fees.  Covert fees are a common denominator of both the VoIP and traditional phone systems.  Although the VoIP offers  functions that traditional phone services lack, it still has its shortcomings.

Minimum Requirements of VOIP are:

• Backup power source
• Modem or router
• IP phone or a VoIP Adapter (ATA)
• Computer with reliable Internet connections
• At least 3Mbps of upload speed

You can expect a wide range of features from a VOIP provider, including technical support.  Most people end up paying for all the features of sophisticated VoIP.  It is therefore smart to understand what all of the features what are being offered under a VOIP plan is before you commit.

Savings

One can save some money with the VoIP system because it eliminates the costs associated with maintaining a landline.  The costs of an IP phone, or a VoIP adapter, for an already existing analog phone, among other costs, however, are not eliminated.

A predominant factor in making a decision on whether or not to switch from traditional phone system to VoIP systems is the ease of installation of each system.   The traditional POTS system is more expensive to install because it requires telephone wires hung on telephone poles.  VoIP utilizes pre-existing Internet networks thus removing these costs.

International calls attract certain rates from traditional POTS systems even though some of these systems have limited reception range.  These are non-issues with VoIP because there are no additional costs for placing international calls and, as long as Internet exits, an individual will always be able to place these calls.

Residual fees apply to both VoIP and traditional phone systems.  VoIP system providers make provision for monthly or yearly contracts the same way it is done in the traditional POTS system.  Telephone service contracts under the POTS systems are life-long with no room for flexibility.  The only way to cancel services is after paying the appropriate cancellation fees.

Breaking a contract without incurring cancellation fees is not possible with most VoIP providers.  However, customers rarely fall victim to this since most people prefer to go with providers that have packages relevant to their needs.  Because of this, rarely do people find it necessary to cancel their VOIP plans.

Comparisons & Competition

Traditional and VoIP phone systems are two ends of a spectrum that have very little in common.  It makes more sense to compare different VoIP providers.  This can seem like a large task at times due to the similarities between the set-ups and features of VoIP providers.  Comparing their coverage and support features as well as adaptability of VoIP phone systems (in terms of adding applications and mobile phones) more readily reveals differences between these service providers.

Careful consideration needs to be given to features you prefer and features you cannot live without before committing to VoIP service provider.

Customers expect VoIP providers to offer certain basic features and also upgraded features like video chat and email support.  Unlimited worldwide calls and data through secure Internet connections is what VoIP systems are known for.  Researching the features one desires in a VoIP system before signing a contract is very important.