VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.

VoIP has become popular largely because of the cost advantages to consumers over traditional telepone networks. Most Americans pay a flat monthly fee for local telephone calls and a per-minute charge for long-distance calls.

There are three methods of connecting to a VoIP network: -

VoIP telephone calls can be placed either to other VoIP devices, or to normal telephones on the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol (sometimes called Internet Telephony) is touted in some circles as the technology of future. The reasoning is simple, really. VoIP is bringing possibilities to the forefront of technological thinking because the possibilities were listed as impossible just a few years ago. VoIP uses a broadband internet connection for routing telephone calls, as opposed to conventional switching and fiberoptic alternatives. This process holds great promise in providing higher efficiency and lower cost for communication consumers. One interesting aspect of the technology is that, for the user, no large scale infrastructure is required. It's all about combining the functionality of the internet and a conventional phone into one single service with minimal software and hardware support.

The most common way VoIP works is that the end user establishes a hi speed broadband connection, a router and a VoIP gateway. Instead of a standard telephone line, the router sends the telephone calls over an internet connection. The VoIP gateway, placed somewhere in direct proximity of the connected Internet converts the analog signals into digital format, which are further broken down into smaller chunks called 'packets', before sending it over the internet, much like the way data is transmitted to and from the computer. These packets are sent to their final destination and instructions for bringing back into an understandable form are embedded in them. It then goes through a VoIP gateway where the packets are reconverted into the original analog format utilizing a PSTN (Public Telephone Switch Network), thereby routing the call to the number the caller has dialed blending old school technology and hi tech delivery in a seamless and instantaneous way.

Using VoIP technology, phone calls can also be made using IP phones between two computers. IP phones looks like normal standard handsets, but equipped with an RJ 45 Ethernet connector in place of the common RJ 11 connectors. These phones come with all the necessary hardware and software pre-loaded, allowing the user to directly connect to the router bringing the new user into the cost effective world of VoIP.

The biggest advantage of VoIP is that the customers can make calls from anywhere in the world where a broadband internet connection is available. The customers can take their IP phones or ATA's with them on national and international trips and still can manage to access what is essentially an individual's domestic phone line.

VoIP is still in its infancy. While it holds great promise, it has some major technical hurdles to jump, such as emergency calling, and the need for an uninterruptible power source (i.e. PC battery backup). However, as VoIP is set to become more widely available, let's hope there will be reliable solutions in place for the existing problems in the coming years. Who knows? In another five years, we may have VoIP system sans a router and the VoIP service being more common than conventional phone networks we rely on so heavily today.

Free VoIP software is available for both Unix/Linux and Microsoft Windows. With one of these free VoIP software packages, you can place PC-to-PC calls across the Internet.

To make PC-to-Phone calls, you could install a VoIP gateway or a PBX which acts as a VoIP gateway. However, you will then need to hook your VoIP gateway or PBX up to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) somehow, and for that you will have to pay the telephone company.

VoIP ( Voice over Internet Protocol) is changing the way people communicate. VoIP utilizes a broadband internet connection for routing telephone calls, as opposed to conventional switching methods, providing efficient use of existing Internet connections as well as lowering overall costs. Interestingly, there is no need for any large scale infrastructures; just combine a conventional phone with a broadband Internet connection to utilize a single service with minimal software and hardware support.

There are several VoIP providers who claim outstanding services and comprehensive features. Don't be fooled - not all VoIP services are created equal. The VoIP package includes many features that may not be available on traditional phones. The most common VoIP features include 3-way calling and call waiting. As the competition between VoIP providers escalates, some providers are offering additional features to establish branding of their business while attracting additional customers. That's why it's always a good option to compare several VoIP providers to discover the VoIP product features you will get when taking a connection from the provider.

One of the main advantages of VoIP is reduced long distance cost and inexpensive local phone service with several enhanced features conventional telephone services are ill equipped to provide. Compare various VoIP providers to know the monthly rates they charge for their service. Selecting an ideal VoIP provider will help you to save up to 75% on expected annual charges.

If you make a lot of international calls, do a bit of research to find a VoIP provider who offers outstanding international services at the best rates. International rates differ from one VoIP provider to another. There are also some carriers which offer unlimited overseas calling. Though this offer is limited to certain countries, check whether the country to which you call falls in this category.

Today, majority of the VoIP providers offer E911 service. While selecting a VoIP provider, make sure the provider offers 911 service.

There are many VoIP providers who allow the customers to transfer (port) their current phone number to the VoIP service. Not all VoIP providers offer this service. If you need to change your phone number in this way, then you need to do research on the various VoIP providers to discover whether they offer such services. However, before asking your VoIP provider to switch your current number to the VoIP service, it is advisable to try out the provider's service and make sure that you are satisfied with the end result.

As VoIP is a relatively new product, most of the VoIP providers will offer a free money back guarantee. As a customer you will be in a risk-free position if your VoIP provider is offers a money back guarantees for up to 30 days.

VoIP phones are telephones which connect to VoIP networks instead of to the PSTN . -

A VoIP phone with an Ethernet connection is the easiest type of VoIP telephone to use. Instead of a standard telephone >RJ-11 connector to plug into the PSTN , these phones have RJ-45 connectors to plug into Ethernet networks.

Wi-Fi (802.11) VoIP phones provide the same service as Ethernet VoIP phones, but they do it wirelessly.

VoIP phones with dialup modem connections are very similar to VoIP phones with Ethernet connections.

Software VoIP phones turn your PC into a VoIP telephone.

Software VoIP phones use the PC's sound card, speakers or earphones, and microphone. This hardware works to emulate a telephone, even though this is not what the PC was designed for.