Voice Over IP (VoIP)

This week we will talk about VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a way of talking to others over the Internet.  The service converts an audio signal into digital data that gets transferred over the Internet.  This technology works better than the traditional phone line because it expands the power of your phone.

VoIP is becoming more prevalent in the business community due to reduced costs plus, the ability to integrate with computer network equipment.  VoIP provides services that are offered on a traditional phone plan like call waiting; three-way calling and caller ID in addition to advanced features that make your phone become more than a phone.   These features are listed below.

Voice Mail – You can see and hear messages via the Internet or through the phone and forward these messages to your email account or to others as an attachment.

Call Logs – You can view a list of calls you placed and received and click on any phone number to automatically dial just like you would on a wireless phone.

Call Forwarding – By setting up call forwarding, other callers can find you seamlessly wherever you are.

Speed Dial – Single digit shortcuts for numbers you call the most.

Conference Call – Set up conference calls with up to ten callers on the same line.

Do Not Disturb – Receive calls only when you want to or forward all calls to voicemail but allow urgent calls to ring through.

Advantages of VoIP

• Low Cost – Only one network is needed to carry voice and data and only one supplier.
• Portability – You could make and receive phone calls wherever there is a broadband connection simply by signing into your VoIP account.  You could call someone thousands of miles away or someone across town and the cost of the call is the same.
• No Extra Cables – Only network cables are required, eliminating the need for telephone wires.
• Video- Conferencing– VoIP enables advanced bandwidth capabilities and improved video-conferencing at a reasonable cost.

Disadvantages of VoIP

• Power outages – VoIP will not work during a power outage. Regular land line phones do not have this issue.  A generator or an UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) to supply power to prevent this from occurring.
• Emergency Call- Traditional phone equipment can trace 911 calls to your location.  Calls are then diverted to the nearest call center where an operator can identify your location; however, a VoIP call is essentially a transfer of data between two IP addresses and not associated with a physical address.  Making emergency situations a little more challenging.
• Reliability – Poor Internet connections and congestion can result in garbled or distorted voice quality.

I hope you found this information helpful.  Please feel free to forward it to others.  If you would like to learn more on this topic or would like to request another topic, please contact me. If you missed any past newsletters or would like a printed copy, visit my website www.mdsystemsolutions.com.

Until next time…Happy Computing!!!