Voice over Internet Protocol

If you are making long-distance phone calls and sick of paying the high cost, it's time to learn about Voice over Internet Protocol. This technology is changing the face of communications as we know it. Today, the internet is not only a pathway for data transmissions. It is now also possible to make telephone calls over the internet, a technology which makes paying long-distance charges optional instead of mandatory.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), is the technology that gives the ability to take an analog voice signal and translate it to a digital signal. That digital signal is then sent from one computer across the internet to the receiving computer, where it is reconverted to an analog signal that the receiver hears as the caller's voice. Or, if only the originating caller has VOIP, they can still make a call using VOIP. The provider will route the call across the internet to the 'node' (local phone switch) nearest the receiver's location. Usually the caller has to pay a small fee for this service. By using the internet instead of a long-distance company's telephone network, the caller avoids paying any long-distance fees.

There are, however, variations to the types of Voice over Internet Protocol available. Depending on what the customer wants or needs, their level of comfort with technology and their other telephony needs, they have a choice as to what kind of voice over internet service they select.

Starting with the basic voice over internet protocol service, there are different packages in which it is offered to the customer. There are VOIP providers who provide both the internet (usually, broadband internet) service, local phone service with all the calling features the local phone company offers, plus the software and hardware needed to make calls.

They usually charge equipment fees and monthly service fees. Then there are those who provide only the VOIP service over your existing broadband connection, and equipment is optional. But if you have a PC with speakers, a sound card, a microphone and an internet connection, you can even purchase or download software that will allow you to set up your own VOIP calls, free of any monthly or long-distance charges.