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    What is VoIP and, 

    How does it work?

  • What is VOIP?

    VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is cheaper than regular landlines or mobiles, and sometimes even completely free, people use it for international calls. VoIP converts analog signals like voice, fax and SMS into digital signals that can be sent over the internet. VoIP allows you to make calls and access other communication services via the internet. VoIP is a popular choice because of its affordability and ease-of-use. VoIP can be used wherever there is an internet connection because it works over the internet. People who travel abroad can take their adapters or phones with them.

  • There are three types of VoIP calling.

    1. Analog telephone adapter: Also known as ATA, VoIP adapter. This simple device allows you to connect regular phones to the internet or computer to make VoIP calls. For most calls, you can still use your regular phone with the service provider and switch to VoIP for international calls. The adapter converts analog signals to digital.

     

    2. IP phones: These phones are similar to regular phones, but can be connected to the internet without the use of adaptors. Both cordless and corded IP phones can be connected directly to your internet router. Many IP phones can offer additional services, such as calling on hold and transferring calls to other extensions.

     

    3. This is the simplest type of VoIP communication. You only need software for your computer, an internet connection, and a headset. There are no adapters or phone required! Many companies offer Pc-to-PC software. Some also offer additional services like transferring calls to another extension, placing calls on hold and using multiple lines. The software costs a monthly fee, but calls are free. This software can be installed on your mobile phone as a softphone, or mobile dialer. You can also make VoIP calls using a softphone. A softphone can also be used to make calls. Mobile phones are portable so you can use them wherever you go. For normal calls, you can use your regular phone plan and switch to VoIP to make internal calls.

  • There are many VoIP providers

    There are many options for pricing, but it is important to compare the services offered and ensure that you get a good call quality. VoIP service providers offer services like the following:

    * Caller ID

    * Call waiting

    * Call transfer

    * Repeating a call

    * Returning a call

    * Three-way calling

    You can try some services, so ask a friend to do the same and let you know how it works.

  • HOW DOES A VOIP WORK?

    It's useful to compare VoIP to regular phone calls to understand the workings of VoIP.

     Circuit Switching - Circuit switching is when a regular phone is used to make calls also known as Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN).

    To make a call, a copper wire was needed to connect both ends. Operator services were able to help connect the wires. This connection was very expensive as you had to own the wire for the duration of your call. For example, if you called from India to the UK, for example, you would have to own a piece that ran from India to England.

    broken image

    Making phone calls has never been easier, thanks to the digitalization of calls and automated electronic switching. Fiber-optic cables can now be used in place of copper cables. With fiber-optic cable, thousands of voice signals may share one cable. You don't own the wire while you make a call, but you can share it with others.

    Over the years, the way that circuits work has remained the same. A connection is required for the duration of the call. Standard data allowance of 960KB per minute is used when you connect. Voice data is also sent from both ends. This data is lost because neither end is sending voice signals simultaneously. One is listening, the other is talking and sometimes there is silence.

     

    Circuit switching has another disadvantage. If you make a call to a number that is not available, it will be removed from your phone. You can only make it available once you hang up.

    Packet switching

    VoIP calls use packet switching. Instead of keeping the connection open throughout the call like circuit switching, packet switching only opens when there's something to send. Let's take an example: Circuit switching allows you to send full data over a five-minute call. The connection will remain open at all times. You can call for up to five minutes with packet switching. However, data is only sent when there's something to send. It is possible to send only two minutes of data, which can free up space that could be used by other people. This happens whenever you send an item via the internet, such as voice messages, images, and e-mails, or make VoIP calls.

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