Sites With Info

VoIP Overview


Since we're using computers all the time to do our work, let's make it easy and add the phone to the pile. VoIP also known as (voice over Internet protocol), Internet telephony, IP telephony, and Internet voice is catching on and is expected to grow in the next few years. The technology has been around for about a decade, but it isn't till now that we have the supporting technology to handle it and an market reaching critical mass (hate using jargon, but there isn't a better way to say it).

VoIP requires users to have broadband connections. With 22 percent of Americans connected to the Internet by broadband, the numbers are large enough for making money with Internet voice and big telecoms are already in the game.

How VoIP works

VoIP works like email. TCP/IP networks consist of IP packets with a header for controlling communication and information for transportating data. VoIP uses the IP packets to send the human voice across the Internet using IP packets to its destination.

It digitizes a voice into data packets, sends them through the network and converts them back to voice when arriving at the destination. Digital format can be compressed, routed, and converted to other and better formats.

When calling someone using VoIP, you use a phone with an adapter. Just like we use a telephone to make phone calls on POTS (plain old telephone service), the adapter is a device to connect the phone to the network. The VoIP phone has its own phone number for callers to dial.

The good and bad things

An advantage of VoIP is it can avoid charges typically found on PSTNs (public switched telephone network). For customers, there is less worry about how long or how often they make phone calls. Calling another state costs the same as calling another country even on the other side of the world. IP-based boxes are cheaper than analog PBXes.

However, service reliability is an issue. How many times has a download or connecting to a Web site faltered? That may not be such a big deal, but it is more disruptive to phone calls. Network issues are complicated by customers getting broadband from one company and VoIP from another. When a call gets switched from network to network, it impacts quality.

When the Internet is down, so is VoIP. Traditional phones aren't affected by power like VoIP since they have its own power and work during blackouts.

Money and regs

Companies make their money by selling features and services. Connect anytime and anywhere there is an Internet connection or while in Wi-Fi-enabled hot spots. It's also exempt from traditional regulations and taxes, but that could change tomorrow though telecoms are working to keep it unregulated. This exemption is keeping prices down, and current prices are anywhere from $20 to $65 a month.

Meryl K. Evans is the Content Maven behind meryl's notes, eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.


MORE RESOURCES:

CNET (blog)

Apple teases third-party AirPlay support, but details are scarce
CNET (blog)
Compatibility for Apple's AirPlay network audio streaming is coming to third-party audio products soon. According to an updated page on ...
iPad Gets iOS Upgrade to 4.2 in NovemberCrunchGear (blog)

all 256 news articles »


Sony Qriocity Set To Compete With Apple iTunes
USANewsWeek.com
Sony has entered the digital music market with its new video and audio streaming service Qriocity. Reports say it will come by the end of the year. ...

and more »


Freeview: What's available on Bulls Player
Hereford United FC
Live audio commentary, extended match highlights, live audio streaming of forums and behind-the-scenes events, breaking news and exclusive interviews with ...

and more »


NorthJersey.com

NJ Transit seeks proposals for Wi-Fi network
Progressive Rail Roading
... Internet applications, including web browsing, email, Virtual Private Network applications, file uploads and downloads, and video and audio streaming. ...
Wireless Access Coming to NJ Transit TrainsPatch
NJ Transit seeking firms to install on board wi-fiRail-News.com

all 19 news articles »


The Motor Report

Peugeot RCZ Review
The Motor Report
... six-speaker AM/FM radio with MP3 capable CD player, Bluetooth compatible hands-free kit, USB connector, a jack socket, and audio streaming function. ...

and more »


Game Audio, Hawkins Radio Show Returns To CUBuffs.com
CUBuffs.com
Live audio streaming of Colorado football and basketball games and the Dan Hawkins Radio Show returns to CUBuffs.com, and this season is free to all ...



PRLog.Org (press release)

Irvine BMW Serving LA Presents 2010 BMW 328i Purchase Specials
PRLog.Org (press release)
Design and entertainment features include ambient lighting, driver orientation, Bluetooth audio streaming, Harmon/Kardan sound system, BMW Teleservices and ...

and more »


CNET

Apple Confirms Sept. 1 Media-Centric Event
PC World
The MobileMe audio streaming feature could have been a test run of a larger iTunes plan. Rumors have been swirling for the past few weeks about the ...
6 Things Apple Should Announce at its September 1 iPod EventPC Magazine

all 1,549 news articles »


2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible
CNET
The Bluetooth audio streaming works great on my bold, and sounds as good as the iPod direct connection. Combine that with the satellite radio, Hard-drive CD ...



'So Yes'! Sonos partners with Spotify
Mobile Computing News
... audio playback in the home, partnering with Spotify, which is considered to be the marquee audio streaming service, this partnership just makes sense. ...

and more »

Google News