Jump to an Answer:
Question: What is Voice Over
IP VoIP?
Answer: Voice Over IP (VoIP) is the technology that enables users to make and
receive phone calls thru the Internet as opposed to using the traditional public switched
telephone networks (PSTN's).
Question: How does VoIP work?
Answer: VoIP involves the transmission of voice communication using the Internet
Protocol that is already common in data transmissions on the Internet. Internet telephony
software is also available that enables individuals to use the Internet as a transmission
medium for essentially free telephone calls to anywhere in the world.
Question: How Do I Know If I have
a VoIP Phone Call?
Answer: It will ring like any other telephone call.
Question: What are the advantages
of VoIP over traditional a telephone network?
Answer: The primary main advantage of VoIP over traditional analog phone lines
is it's cheaper. Other advantages of VoIP are as follows:
-
Digital features not commonly available on traditional phone lines such as voicemail
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Caller ID
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Conference
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Music-on-hold
-
Conference calls
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Call Filtering and Blocking
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Receive voicemail to your email inbox or web page
-
Add multiple new inbound area codes for your phone allowing you to create a ‘virtual
presence’ in other cities or provide a local calling number to friend and family members.
Question: What type of service
and equipment are needed to use VoIP?
Answer: The following equipment and services are required to use VoIP:
-
High-Speed Broadband connection
-
IP Phones (Softphones will require PC) or Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs)
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A VoIP Service Provider.
Question: What kind of quality can
I expect from VoIP?
Answer: It depends on two primary factors, the amount of bandwidth available
and the IP Endpoints connected (whether there are additional components that are providing
processing power to improve the connection). Experts do not recommend VoIP through
dial-up or other Internet accounts that offer “low” bandwidth. This causes severe
loss of quality depending upon the amount of congestion on the Internet, bandwidth
limitations leading to packet loss, latency, and jitters.
Question: Do I need a computer
to make/receive VoIP calls?
Answer: The answer depends on whether or not you will be using a softphone
with your VoIP integration. VoIP does not require any computer to make/receive phone
calls (only ATA devices or IP phones). If softphones are used instead of physical
phones or (ATA devices), then computers are required.
Question: Can I surf the web during
VoIP calls?
Answer: Yes, VoIP allows web surfing while making and receiving VoIP calls
simultaneously. It shares the bandwidth connection with other LAN computers and prioritizes
voice.
Question: Should I use an (ATA)
or an IP Softphone?
Answer: It depends on your preference and budget. An (ATA) will allow you to
use analog phones for VoIP. While this might save money, they do not have one touch
feature keys (e.g. transfer, hold, etc). On the other hand, using IP softphones will
provide more features that are similar to digital phones.
Question: Can I use VoIP for all
the phones in my residence?
Answer: Definitely, VoIP can replace every single phone in your residence.
Both (ATA devices) and IP softphones can be used instead of regular analog phones.
This setup requires an account with a VoIP provider. It is recommended that you keep
your current telephone service because a loss of power will mean your internet connection
will go down and you will not be able to make or receive VoIP calls. VoIP is currently
looked upon as a way to reduce your long distance telephone charges while capitalizing
on many of the advanced features offered by VoIP technology.
Question: Can VoIP make and receive
calls to/from public switched telephone lines (PSTN)?
Answer: Yes, VoIP users can make and receive calls to/from public switched
telephone lines (PSTN) lines. Any type of calls (e.g. local, long distance, international,
etc.) are allowed. This requires an account with VoIP Service Providers that provide
termination.
Question: May I keep my existing
phone number when migrating to VoIP?
Answer: Most VoIP Service Providers will allow you to keep your existing public
switched telephone phone number for VoIP. However, you will need to check with the
provider since not all of them offer this service. A signed ''Letter of Authorization''
will be required by the provider when keeping your number.
Question: What are VoIP
Service Providers?
Answer: VoIP Service Providers are the next generation telcos that provide
interconnection between VoIP and public switched telephone network (PSTN) networks.
They allow call origination and termination between these two networks.
Question: Does My Computer Need
To Be Turned On?
Answer: No, but your Internet connection needs to be powered and working.
Question: Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
Answer: The FCC has organized an FCC Internet Policy Working Group to identify,
evaluate, and address policy issues that will arise as telecommunications services
move into Internet-based platforms.
What
is Skype?
