Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the family of technologies that allow IP networks to be used for voice applications, such as telephony, voice instant messaging, and teleconferencing. VoIP entails solutions at almost every layer of an IP network--from specialized voice applications (like Skype, YM & Google Talk) all the way down to low-level quality measures that keep those applications running smoothly.
Unless you've been sleeping under a very big rock for the last year, you've certainly heard the phrase "Voice over IP" uttered. Perhaps you've seen those hilarious Vonage commercials that feature painful and embarrassing accidents caught on tape, promising to let you dump your local phone company in order save big on your phone bill. You may also have seen the Cisco telephones that are curiously inserted in prime-time shows like 24.
What is all the hubbub about, anyway? Why, VoIP, of course! VoIP, the fabulous secret ingredient in Vonage, Skype, Cisco CallManager, and a host of other revolutionary technology products you may have already encountered on TV, in the news, or in person. But what makes these products so revolutionary? What is it about VoIP that is such a big deal?
The VoIP Technology
Voice over Internet Protocol is a family of technologies that enable voice communications using IP networks like the internet. Inventive developers and entrepreneurs have created an industry around VoIP technology in its many forms: desktop applications, telephone services, and corporate phone systems. VoIP is a core technology that drives everything from voice-chat software loaded on a desktop PC to Mac full-blown IP-based telecommunications networks in large corporations. To the Wall Street speculator, VoIP is a single technology investment with many revenue streams. To the enterprise network engineer, it's a way to simplify the corporate network and improve the telephony experience for users of the network. To the home user, it's a really cool way to save money on the old phone bill.
Phoning without the phone
Most computers come equipped with speakers, and the cost of microphones or headsets start at just RM15 or so, so it’s easy to turn your broadband-connected computer into a phone by downloading VOIP software. You will also need a credit card; billing is either pay-as-you-go or by monthly subscription.
The most well known of the Internet-based VOIPs are Skype, Gizmo5, Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Messenger, but the list of providers is long. There are some variations in sound quality, the operating system on which they will run (Windows, Mac or Linux), and the security of the line. If you are concerned about security, look for an encryption feature, which will block eavesdroppers from tapping into your calls.
For a dizzyingly long list of providers and their features, go to Wikipedia.com and search for “Comparison of VoIP Software.”
The most popular of them are simple to use and VoIP-to-VoIP calls are usually free, but “soft phones” have a few limitations. The sound quality is usually good, but not always. A few countries limit the use of VoIP or require the rates to be the same as those of traditional long-distance providers (Japan), but most do not. VoIP connections do not transmit faxes very well. They may not work at all when they are routed through certain satellite or digital-video recording TV systems, and if you are on a university campus, you may be restricted from using Skype. But it is worth a try to find out, because VoIP can bring the cost of long distance calls down to nothing or close to it.
The most popular of them are simple to use and VoIP-to-VoIP calls are usually free, but “soft phones” have a few limitations. The sound quality is usually good, but not always. A few countries limit the use of VoIP or require the rates to be the same as those of traditional long-distance providers (Japan), but most do not. VoIP connections do not transmit faxes very well. They may not work at all when they are routed through certain satellite or digital-video recording TV systems, and if you are on a university campus, you may be restricted from using Skype. But it is worth a try to find out, because VoIP can bring the cost of long distance calls down to nothing or close to it.
If using VoIP from your home, you may be tempted to cancel your land line, and many have. But first, a caution: Internet telephony does not usually allow Enhanced 911, which links your phone number to your address. So in an emergency call, emergency services may not be able to tell where you are -- you will have to tell them.
