VoIP Article explaining voice over internet protocol and internet phone.

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The Meaning of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)

VoIP, otherwise known as Voice Over Internet Protocol is a generic term that applies to most phone systems which use the Internet for calling. You may have even heard this system of calling people referred to by names such as Internet telephony, broadband telephony, or broadband phone.

The Inner Workings

Very technical terms are used to describe this process, and this is a more watered-down version of how VOIP systems are run. There is a such thing called “session control protocols” which helps operate calls over a digital audio system. This requires a codec system, which involves the encoding of sound waves for transmission.

Systems and Equipment

Usually communication is done by way of sending voice over the Internet. The sound of people’s voices can also be sent over what is called “packet switching” networks.

Packet switching is a hard concept to explain to beginners, as it is a fairly complex thing to describe. However, it basically is the sending of variable-bit-rate data streams over a shared network. It often is used with switches, routers, and other network equipment.

Usually the packet switching types of IP services is used with local area networks. All types of VOIP services handle equipment such as fax machines and/or software and in some cases even mobile phones.

Oftentimes additional equipment helps support alarm systems, conventional modems, satellite television, DVR boxes, and more. You can support an entire business or customer service representative system via VOIP as well.

VOIP Calling Services

There are many different types of VOIP calling services available today. Some of these are offered for free via instant message for PC to PC users. Almost all major search engine networks such as Yahoo, Google, or MSN/Windows Live provide this.

There also are prepaid and postpaid phone out services that require the use of the same software program used by people who make free Internet calls. The paid services allow people to make calls to land line or cell phones whenever they want. Skype or Yahoo Voice are the two best examples of this.

There are some smaller companies that also provide VOIP calling services. There is even one company that lets you test them out online. Major cell phone and landline phone companies also offer these services.

Another type of VOIP service is the Magic Jack USB device. This is used along with either a landline phone receiver or a telephone headset. It requires the download of a software plug-in that also can update your VOIP service when need be.

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