Exerpt: If you have been around on the Internet for a while, you will be familiar with the term VoIP. VoIP is actually an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol Often VoIP phones are called broadband phones. VoIP phones use special technology to convert voice data (analog) onto digital data to be transmitted over the Internet.
If you have been around on the Internet for a while, you will be familiar with the term VoIP. VoIP is actually an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol Often VoIP phones are called broadband phones. VoIP phones use special technology to convert voice data (analog) onto digital data to be transmitted over the Internet.

The effects of this new technology as repercussion far beyond what anyone can imagine during its initial stage of actualization. This innovation has profound impact on the major industries of the world, especially in the telecommunication sector and may well revolutionize the way people communicate within the next few years.

To survive in this changing world, the ability to adapt and change is a vital factor. Thus Telecommunications Companies are fast embracing this new technology and making it a part of their own agenda to inculcate this into their own marketing plans. Regulatory bodies which are responsible for controlling the management and development of this new technology is taking steps to keep abreast of the latest development and to ensure that this new technology does not upset the equilibrium and the way the regular system of communication work.

The basic technology

How do VoIP impacts our life and can they really replace the traditional methods of communications?

At the first glance a VoIP looks just like its predecessors-cradles, buttons and handsets. . However the similarly stops there. While the old fashioned telephone is connected to a socket to via a RJ-11 connector, VoIP Broad Band phones are connected to the computer or a router with an RJ45 connector. While the computer is necessary to make VoiP phone calls, there are plans to create large number of Wi-Fi hotspot which will enable calls to be made by connecting to these centers.

ATA

ATA sets are devices that looks just like your normal telephone that can be connected to your computer which will let you make calls to anywhere in the world. ATA devices convert your analog signals into digital signals that will allow them to be transmitted through the Internet.

Sampling the Technology

If you want to have a first and taste of VoIP , a good pale to start is to log into your yahoo messenger and start making PC to PC calls. Another place you can try is Skype, where you can place calls to any place in the world using VoIP technology.

Long Distance

You may be unawake that even in the current telecommunications sector you are actually using VoIP technology when you make the normal phone calls using your normal phone lines. In an effort to reduce costs, most telecommunications company is fast replacing their costly systems with VoIP solutions, routing digital signals across IP gateways and transferring them back to analog signals at the point of destination.

VoIP in the Future

More and more people will be using this new technology in the future. As the costs of utilizing VoIP lowers and in fact you can use it for free, if you are planning to include them in your Internet broadband connection. The only cost is to pay is the cost of the broadband connection itself. The software can be downloaded for free or are often bundled together with you broadband connection plans.

Today, broadband companies are offering rates as attractive as the normal cell phone companies are offering. You can choose to use a single line merely for your broadband telephone.

Exerpt: Hackers are renowned for creating security concerns with the development of any technology. With the advent of VoIP a number of these hackers have resorted to hijacking the technology for malicious purposes. This article explores the threat from hackers as well as the measures that have been taken to counter the effects of these hackers.
If you’ve been going through the news lately, you’ll have heard so much mentioned about VoIP. VoIP is a new and evolving technology which converts voice into digital signals and then transmits it over the Internet.
Before the data is transported it is broken down into packets. These packets are then reassembled into the original data on the receiving end. This technology produces a lot of savings on long distance and international calls. This ultimately improves productivity in business. With all the advancements in VoIP certain security threats also exist. Data being transmitted over the Internet is subject to attacks.
Because VoIP uses the Internet in order to send data, you have a harmful situation where this data can be intercepted during transmission. Hackers are aware of this and have started creating havoc. These hackers have stolen personal details and financial information due to lack of efficient firewalls. Viruses have also been used to disrupt services and damage systems.
The latest thing with hackers is to hack into VoIP networks and make free calls along with caller-id spoofing where the number on the receiver’s caller id display can easily be controlled.
VoIP providers have seen the danger and they have been working at solutions in order to provide security solutions for their customers. Tunneling and encryption have also been used to aid them in these tasks. Most VoIP service providers utilize Layer 2 Tunneling and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to keep information confidential and safe.
Layer 2 Tunneling performs as a data link layer protocol. It also tunnels network traffic between two existing peers over an already existent network. It assists in securing public networks by providing a link for all encrypted data; the needed security comes from layered protocols that may exist above or below it.
Currently every browser in existence supports SSL technology. SSL permits the encryption of data and sensitive material being transmitted over the Internet. It also secures HTTP channels as well. Also contained here is unique and authenticated information about the owner. Another thing that is verified is the owners’ identity. Public key encryption and private key decryption are also supplied.
Along with the security methods supplied by the VoIP provider, users can also secure themselves through various means. You should ensure that software is kept current. Updates may be knows as firmware updates and they will protect against attacks on problem areas that have been identified. Users may also use current anti-virus software as well. They can in addition to this, take advantage of the security options supplied by their providers. Firewalls should also be installed and enabled and this prevents infections as well. Security settings should be evaluated as well but the choices that will not place a person at risk should be selected
Different dangers await data that is being transmitted over the Internet with the use of VoIP technology. Transmissions may be easily intercepted by hackers who have compromised certain paths in the transmission of this data. However this will not cause a decline in the popularity or the growth of VoIP. The benefits of the service are greater than any trouble currently being experienced. Providers are addressing all security situations and with some vigilance from individuals the security will prevent hackers from their dastardly acts.

Exerpt: Anyone who intends to make use of the VoIP advantage will have to choose from a plethora of choices in the VoIP service market. This article shows how to make that choice among the multitude of providers and how to determine which option suit you best.
If you’ve decided to use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, then you should congratulate yourself on saving some money. All you’ll need to do now is to seek out a service provider who makes your savings on calls a reality.
A lot of different options and packages are available to people ho require VoIP services. All of these options are potentially appealing. All you have to do is relax and take some time out to determine what you need, research potential companies, read service reviews; you should also take the time to research any services in your area and see what they have to offer. The work you have to do may seem somewhat overwhelming but if you take the time to breakdown your tasks into bits you should find out exactly what you have to.
First of all we think of the costs. This is the most important factor that we usually consider. The prices we pay for services may range from very cheap to mid range prices, You should keep in mind what these prices cover, Cheap ones may not supply add on services which include call waiting, voice mail or call forwarding. Certain services won’t permit you to call outside the immediate area. You should also take the time out to check the charges for international calls and determine the fees. It may be better to go with a more expensive plan since you get better benefits for the price that you pay. A lower priced plan may initially seem cheap but may end up costing you more in the long run.
If this is the sole phone system that you will use, ensure that your provider will have the capacity to contact emergency services. This requires access to E911. One day you may need this feature, you never know. Don’t take chances with your safety.
Another thing that is essential is that you read the contract carefully. You should know exactly what is in it and what it means. Certain providers may have a lock in period which basically means that you may not be able to change providers during that period. You should also take the time to find out about potential service charges. You should find out if the provider offers money back testing periods as well in case you aren’t satisfied with the service. Another thing you should try and determine is the availability of technical support to the users.
You should ensure that your existing system and Internet cables are compatible with the provider in question. You should also find the different necessary requirements needed to establish a VoIP connection with the provider. Research is also essential to determine the current technology and any future plans for it. One more thing is to determine if you can retain your current number. Changing numbers may be something you don’t want to do if you change providers.
Searching for special promotions is also essential. You should search for potential special deals as well as features in case there are any you can benefit from.
All these points above are to be considered when selecting a VoIP provider. You should take everything listed here into consideration in order to make a reasonable choice. In the end you should have a service which supplies the essential features at a price that you can afford.

Exerpt: VoIP hardware is substantially more expensive than VoIP software. This article explores VoIP hardware, cost issues and why it is more preferable as an option compare to the use of VoIP software.
VoIP software still remains popular amongst a huge number of people but most cable and phone companies are now offering VoIP services which are hardware-based. They tend to combine this with other packages that they have on offer and these are given to the public at a single cost.
VoIP hardware may be much more expensive than VoIP software but it tends to be a whole lot easier to configure. The only requirements that you need to start talking are your broadband connection and your router as well. What you do with your VoIP hardware connection is that you simply plug your phone into a converter box which is then plugged in turn into a broadband modem. The basic advantage of the hardware connection is that you can easily make calls to anyone even people who don’t use the same service that you do. You can also receive calls from anyone as well and the sender and the receiver do not need to use the same hardware and software.
One other benefit of a VoIP hardware connection is that it isn’t dependent on your location. If you need to travel, all you simply need do is take the VoIP phone adapter and use it with any available broadband connection, wherever you go. In case you move on to another house, you still use the same service, no disconnection or change in phone number. It can’t get easier than this.
You can use different devices to get your VoIP hardware connection established. One of such devices is the analog telephone adaptor (ATA). What this adaptor does is that it links the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and the VoIP network by converting voice signals to digital signals before it reaches the Internet. On one end you have an Internet connection through a router or modem. On the other end the adaptor is connected to a phone.
Because you have the ATA directly connected to the VoIP service, you eliminate the need for any computer or form of software. You don’t need to buy any special phone since you can easily use your current phone. IP phones are also another hardware option that you may want to use. They look and feel like regular phone but they have an Ethernet connection to the Internet instead of a telephone line. VoIP gateways are what bridge a VoIP network and your traditional telephone network. They use a combination of both a router and a Voice over IP adapter placed within a single device. These devices are called Foreign Exchange Stations. Anyone who has a laptop at home and needs to move from one room to the other can use a wireless gateway as well.
The hardware that you need for a VoIP connection is not much. Some providers even include such equipment as part of your startup costs when you select a provider. The VoIP hardware that you select has better voice quality, flexibility and reliability when compared to other options. Savings are also an integral part of the benefits. In order to take advantage of these benefits of you have to do is determine what you require it for and how you intend to use it.

Exerpt: VoIP can be used with software, hardware or both means. This article explores the use of VoIP through software means and how it can be harnessed to a person’s advantage.
VoIP otherwise known as Voice over Internet Protocol relays voice traffic over IP-based networks. It is the advent of true communications in the digital era, due to its popularity and its foundations; it tends to offer benefits that traditional telephone companies and services are unable to provide.
VoIP tends to operate through either hardware or software and in certain cases, a combination of both means. VoIP software is much less expensive than other means and most of the products first used to launch the VoIP service were based on software products. Software is utilized with VoIP in order to compress voice signals and translate it into packets before sending it over the Internet. This sort of software is usually referred to as a softphone and it makes use of a computer to establish VoIP connections. It also needs a speaker as well as a microphone on your computer. Most of such software comes free from providers and one of the more popular versions is Skype.
Skype actually started the introduction of free software downloads. It has certain requirements however. Before a person can use it the other person must be at their computer and have the same software. It is very easy to download and use as well, it also works with almost all kinds of computers and offers unlimited voice calls as well. It may be used in residential or business environments. Anyone who wants to make calls to landlines or cell phones will be required to pay a monthly fee.
People who travel can benefit immensely from VoIP software. All that they’ll need is a laptop. The software will allow the laptop to function as an IP Phone as long as it has speaking and listening devices. Any calls that are made within a VoIP provider’s service network will be free. Charges will apply to calls that are made outside the network. One more benefit is the low rate for international calls. If you have a business that is global, this will be quite beneficial to you.
You should consider the different software options available before making a choice. Because the system is run by software, you have to understand the user interface. You should look for an interface that will help you manage the entire system and one which supports your current operating system. You should also try before you buy as you don’t really know what you have until it’s all set up an operational.
The bad thing about softphones is that most users don’t feel comfortable speaking into microphones. They tend to feel much more comfortable with the regular phones that they are used to. USB handsets tend to give them the feel of a phone that is real. Though software and voice quality has improved it is still not the same thing as making calls through hardware based IP telephony.
Different software options exist and they range from Skype, GloPhone to BuddyTalk and a host of other options. Most of these software are available as free downloads. You should note however that while basic features tend to be free, additional components like voice mail will need a fee. By doing the necessary research and testing, you’ll easily find the VoIP software that meets your needs.

If you’ve heard about the new technology called VoIP then now may just be the time to take a closer look at it and how it works.
When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1865 he had no idea of the effects this complex device would have. After a series of refinements and developments in the field and more than a century later, VoIP was launched. VoIP simply stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. This popular service was started sometime in 1995 by some people who were carrying out PC-to-PC communications somewhere in Israel. The telephone that was initially seen as a device for hobbyists in Bell’s time, has since become an enterprising business.
In the year 1995 Vocaltec released the first software that was meant to function as an Internet telephone software. The advent of this invention challenged the traditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN). Data packets sent through the Internet are easily sent at costs much cheaper than long distance charges on PSTN networks. The process of transmission breaks data and sends them to a receiver through routers with no circuit switching as in the case of PSTN. The system of the receiver would then reorder the data packets. The only requirement was that both the sender and receiver would have the same equipment. The software could be run on a simple Home PC and used sound cars, speakers, modem, microphone and the H.323 protocol. The voice quality was initially poor when compared to traditional telephones but over time the situation would improve.
3 years later VoIP has successfully cornered about 1% of the voice communications market. However its initial success was plagued by many problems. PC to phone followed by phone-to-phone communications was then established with the use of gateways. The transmission through the phone would initially include advertisements which would come just before and at the end of the message which reduced the costs and permitted companies offering these services to offer free calls to their customers. With the introduction of Ethernet services, voice quality became less of a problem. Static and connection problems between Internet and PSTN networks however would still exist.
At the same time the need of a computer in order to establish communications became void. In 1998 Cisco, Nortel and Lucent manufactured equipment that could successfully route and witch IP-based voice traffic. The switching capabilities allowed dtat packet switching to be similar to PSTN data and easily read by PSTN equipment. VoIP thus became less dependent on computers. Since hardware had become much more reasonably priced, companies started the implementation of VoIP on their internal IP networks. Long distance carriers started using the network as well. In the year 2000, VoIP traffic had increased to about 3% of the voice communications market share.
The new technology continues to grow. Voice quality issues have also been addressed and VoIP services are now able to offer a huge number of different services. The service is available to both business as well as residential users. It is also an exciting field which could see a number of changes and advancements in the near future. The amounts of competition in this area will ultimnately lead to better services as well as cheaper costs. In any case the end-user will be the final beneficiary.

Exerpt: The fact that VoIP has its advantages is an often overstated fact. However users should be aware that the technology has its disadvantages as well. This article explores these disadvantages and compares them with the advantages to determine who wins out in the battle for the consumer.
VoIP technology has resulted in serious changes in the way we communicate with each other. It has succeeded in integrating both voice and data and utilizing the Internet for communication as well. Telecommunication is continually evolving and as people we can only continue to benefit from this evolution. VoIP will be the telephony service of the future but are its advantages being overemphasized? All things may not be as they seem.
VoIP has a great number of benefits and advantages. The only requirement that VoIP has is that you use a broadband DSL or cable connection. Provided you have this sort of connection, you can easily use VoIP. If you use your VoIP through a PC-to-PC connection calls are usually free just as long as the person you are calling has VoIP as well, other than this most VoIP providers tend to offer unlimited calling plans for calls made outside a certain geographical area for a flat monthly fee. Traditional telephone services are much costlier than VoIP. VoIP also offers additional services such as call forwarding and caller id, free of charge.
One other benefit of the integration of voice and data is that the person needs only a single system. It makes it easy to install and save money as well. Each phone is identified by a single IP address regardless of wherever it is plugged into. This makes it easy to move from one place to another or to add it to other networks as well.
These VoIP phones may also be utilized anywhere just as long as they have been connected to an IP network. This assists a lot with telecommuting and international offices as well, saving companies and individuals a lot of money. These devices also tend to be light and very easy to carry.
Regardless of these numerous benefits, there are disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage would be that VoIP is run by a lot of power. If a power outage occurs all voice communications cease, unlike the traditional telephone service which can still be made use of if there is no electricity.
Problems also exist with the calling of 911 emergency numbers. When you usually make a 911 call it is traced back to the sender and sent to the nearest 911 communication center in the area. However with VoIP these calls cannot be traced back to a particular location and cannot lead rescuers to find you.
Voice quality with VoIP is generally efficient but the use of cable broadband could mean poorer qualities. This is because the data is broken down in order to be transmitted and the delay or a packet of data will sometimes mean that it needs to be dropped. This then results in silent periods.
Phone equipment may also need to be updated since VoIP only tends to work with newer phone versions. Depending on the number of phones that need to be replaced, this could a substantial expense.
VoIP also has some minor annoyances that have to be sorted out but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages, From all evident aspects VoIP is the phone of the future but the future may already have arrived for all we know.

Exerpt: Cell phone manufacturers have become increasingly aware of the agitation by cell phone subscribers to have access to VoIP services. The recent launch of access to these services has threatened the market share of cell phone companies on calling routes. Who will win in the end?
Because we live in a society that is based on technology, we tend to think of the future all the time. VoIP has reduced the costs of making calls for a lot of people and saved many businesses thousands of dollars that would have been wasted on phone calls yearly. Why then shouldn’t VoIP services be used along with cell phones? International calls made from cell phones can be rather expensive and if you need to make a number of these calls and you are constantly on the move, using VoIP on your cell phone would seem like a very natural thing to do and quite advantageous as well.
VoIP and cell phones make the perfect fit for people who are constantly on the go and who can’t be tied to their computers all day in order to handle their business. Althrough wireless IP phones exist, you can’t roam everywhere with these phones. If you are the kind of person who multitasks frequently, you probably understand this. If the cell phone is one thing that is always with you when you move, VoIP can solve a lot of your problems and make your life a whole lot simpler.
When using cell phones, you tend to pay a flat monthly fee for a certain amount of minutes, if you’re the kind who normally exceeds these minutes due to the need to make long distance calls, VoIP can easily help you solve your problems. Mino Wireless in the USA claims that they are the first ones providing mobile VoIP in the United States. Their charges start from around 2.2 cents by the minute and they also charge a flat monthly fee for calls to about 40 different countries. In order to get Internet data however, they require that the user of the service is subscribed to Cingular, Nextel or T-Mobile. The phone they use must also have the capability to handle Java.
Different mobile carriers are interested in providing VoIP services along with their regular cellular operations. A lot of these carriers are currently implementing VoIP in their daily operations and in order to help them save on costs. They may also want their users to take advantage of the opportunities that it provides. Thy can easily implement these services on their own but they tend to be concerned with voce quality issues. The launch of companies like Mino may be a threat to these cell phone service providers.
Wi-Fi is another popular technology that comes along with VoIP in cell phone technology. Wi-Fi makes use of free airwaves over a short-range wireless broadband network. Handsets that are Wi-Fi compatible allow their users to make calls over Wi-Fi networks. The capability to make VoIP calls over Wi-Fi networks will also reduce the number of calls over cellular networks. Mobile carriers aren’t so excited about losing this portion of their business to businesses like Mino.
VoIP is continually increasing in terms of the number of subscribers that are using the service. What VoIP cellular phones will bring to mobile technology is immense. Cost is one of the areas that immense benefits will result in. Before hurrying to sign up for a VoIP cellular phone service a user must try to determine what their potential savings will be. Businessmen will be the people who benefit from this the most. Cell phone companies will not be too quick to start such services but the demand from VoIP subscribers will outweigh any reservations that they have. High Speed mobile technology should be combined with the Internet. What VoIP cell phones will offer is a freedom of movement as well as lower costs in cell phone communication.

Exerpt: If you aren’t part of the tech crew, the different definitions in the use of VoIP technology could easily bar you from understanding what its all about. This article explores what VoIP is in a way that is easy for you to understand.
If you’re one of the people who aren’t too smart when it comes to technology, then VoIP may just be another communication device out of Star Trek. In reality, its actually a phone service that can be used easily and which can save you a whole lot of money. In order to take advantage of the opportunities of VoIP and what it can do for you, you need to understand the service better, this way you can make a smart decision on how to make your short and long distance phone calls.
Well, what is VoIP? It simply stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s all about transmitting voice in digital form. Traditional telephone systems use wires and fibers to transmit voice. When you dial a number your call is taken through a series of switches until you reach the intended destination that you have called. A wire connects the two ends. The father this wire is the higher the cost of the call. On the other hand VoIP sends the necessary audio over an IP based telephone network. The data packets are broken down in pieces and sent to the receiver. On the receivers end the data packets are reassembled back into place. Because this data connection is made through the Internet no fixed cost is charged for telephone calls.
One way you can use VoIP is by using an ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor. This adaptor hooks up to your phone which in turn is hooked up to the Internet through your computer. What it does is that it turns analog signals into digital signals. It’s a simple affair to install one of these and the only thing you need is the adaptor. You can also use VoIP by using an IP phone. The Ip phone looks like a regular phone but the difference is that it uses an Ethernet cable connector and not a phone jack. The Ethernet cable plugs right into a router and eliminates the need for a computer or any form of additional software. Another way to use VoIP is from computer to computer. Using this means you don’t need a VoIP provider and you can simply start by downloading the required software on the Internet. The only cost here is your regular Internet fee.
Quite unlike your traditional telephone, VoIP makes no use of the Public Switched Telephone Network. In PSTN networks both the caller and the receiver are constantly connected. Packet switching technology is employed in VoIP which only requires the parties to be connected when a packet is being transmitted. This allows the packets travel the most efficient packet and does not need any dedicated line.
Now that the basics of VoIP have been established, how does VoIP become an attractive package to the subscriber? Well, you can save on costs by using VoIP since it offers lower cost and long distance plans and bundles added features into the basic plans. It also allows for flexibility and portability since your phone can be taken anywhere you go and used anywhere a broadband Internet connection exists. You can then simply use the phone as if you were at home.
VoIP is becoming more commonplace nowadays; people subscribing to the service are forever on the increase. A lot of major telephone companies have started offering VoIP today. You may not have known what VoIP was before but the chances are that you have used it at one point or the other while making your last phone call.

Exerpt: VoIP has its advantages in different aspects of communication. This article explores the advantages of the technology for people who want to consider using VoIP in their businesses.
VoIP is a fast-growing technology that is becoming more popular everyday. This service makes use of the Internet to transmit voice data unlike the ordinary telephone service. Because it does this, it offers so many benefits which aren’t offered by traditional phone services. Due to these reasons a lot of people are opting to use VoIP so that they can experience the different advantages that are open to them.
One of the best advantages that VoIP has over traditional telephones is that it has a lower cost. This is possible because the VoIP industry is not regulated by the FCC and they don’t pay the taxes that phone companies do. In the end VoIP customers benefits from these savings. A lot of VoIP providers offer cheap and unlimited monthly calling plans. Businesses can call long distance locations during peak hours and stay free from the expenses that are usually associated with traditional telephone services. Extra feees may be charged for international calls but they are still cheaper nonetheless. Over the course of a long period such as a year a subscriber will have saved thousands of dollars in bills. Additional services such as caller id and call forwarding may also be supplied free of charge.
VoIP is both flexible and portable at the same time. The service integrates data and voice and does not need separate networks for both. A lot of movement between employees will traditionally result in hassles. With VoIP however, if an employee moves its simply a matter of plugging the VoIP phone into a different broadband network jack, this way telecommuting also becomes a simpler issue. Messages can also be sent to e-mal and you have fax capabilities on this email as well. All your messaging needs are now organized centrally and that’s wonderful for any hard-working employee.
Another advantage of VoIP communications is mobility. You can keep your area code anywhere you are in the entire world. This way you also get rid of international rates. If you’re all the way in Auckland you can still be reached using your New York area code. If you’re the sort who travels frequently you can easily see how you tend to save money. Virtual phone numbers will handle your calls at home even though you may not be there. Your telephone can easily be taken along with you and all you require is a broadband internet connection. Alternatively you can easily use your laptop as well along with a microphone and a headphone connection as well.
Because VoIP is a relatively new technology it still has some minor hassles those in charge however contend that they will be able to resolve these problems in time. Benefits from VoIP will result in lower costs and increased productivity over time. These sorts of benefits are what businesses need. If you think it’s an attractive offer to you, you can easily hop on the VoIP train and get fast-tracked towards your destination. Millions are hopping along to sign up as VoIP subscribers and if you own a large or growing business you might as well benefit from this advantage.
VOIP Article #3
Title: What the Fuss is About VoIP
Word Count: 548
Exerpt: In recent years VoIP technology has been the subject of reviews and intense speculation. Few people however are aware of the true origins of VoIP. This piece examines the origins of VoIP and the impact of this invention on the communication market.
If you’ve heard about the new technology called VoIP then now may just be the time to take a closer look at it and how it works.
When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1865 he had no idea of the effects this complex device would have. After a series of refinements and developments in the field and more than a century later, VoIP was launched. VoIP simply stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. This popular service was started sometime in 1995 by some people who were carrying out PC-to-PC communications somewhere in Israel. The telephone that was initially seen as a device for hobbyists in Bell’s time, has since become an enterprising business.
In the year 1995 Vocaltec released the first software that was meant to function as an Internet telephone software. The advent of this invention challenged the traditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN). Data packets sent through the Internet are easily sent at costs much cheaper than long distance charges on PSTN networks. The process of transmission breaks data and sends them to a receiver through routers with no circuit switching as in the case of PSTN. The system of the receiver would then reorder the data packets. The only requirement was that both the sender and receiver would have the same equipment. The software could be run on a simple Home PC and used sound cars, speakers, modem, microphone and the H.323 protocol. The voice quality was initially poor when compared to traditional telephones but over time the situation would improve.
3 years later VoIP has successfully cornered about 1% of the voice communications market. However its initial success was plagued by many problems. PC to phone followed by phone-to-phone communications was then established with the use of gateways. The transmission through the phone would initially include advertisements which would come just before and at the end of the message which reduced the costs and permitted companies offering these services to offer free calls to their customers. With the introduction of Ethernet services, voice quality became less of a problem. Static and connection problems between Internet and PSTN networks however would still exist.
At the same time the need of a computer in order to establish communications became void. In 1998 Cisco, Nortel and Lucent manufactured equipment that could successfully route and witch IP-based voice traffic. The switching capabilities allowed dtat packet switching to be similar to PSTN data and easily read by PSTN equipment. VoIP thus became less dependent on computers. Since hardware had become much more reasonably priced, companies started the implementation of VoIP on their internal IP networks. Long distance carriers started using the network as well. In the year 2000, VoIP traffic had increased to about 3% of the voice communications market share.
The new technology continues to grow. Voice quality issues have also been addressed and VoIP services are now able to offer a huge number of different services. The service is available to both business as well as residential users. It is also an exciting field which could see a number of changes and advancements in the near future. The amounts of competition in this area will ultimnately lead to better services as well as cheaper costs. In any case the end-user will be the final beneficiary.