VoIP Tutorial - Getting Started with Internet Telephony
Article By: Lee Quarles
This VoIP tutorial deals with the basics of Voice-over-Internet Protocol technology. VoIP is simply a means by which voice can be carried over an Internet connection similar to data. The technology is the inexpensive alternative to conventional telephone calls, especially via long distance.
The first thing you need is a PC with an Internet connection. Transmitting voice was already possible even using conventional phone lines. But with widespread broadband use, voice transmits faster than ever before. And, with WiFi technology, VoIP can now be used in more places than ever before.
Voice over IP transmits so seamlessly that you may be hard pressed to distinguish it in terms of voice quality compared to a regular telephone. However, in terms of cost, you will definitely notice the difference.
What you pay for your broadband or dial-up connection is basically the entire cost of voice over IP. If you want to refine your experience with software you can, of course, invest in that. But since you can download free programs (e.g., Internet Messenger) from the Internet, you really need not spend on anything else.
What's more, organizations (e.g., VoIP User) offer free IP phone numbers in the US and other parts of the world like the UK.
If your PC has speakers and a microphone, or if you have a plug-and-play headset with mic, then you're all set.
VoIP Tutorial - Investing in IP telephony
However, if you want to invest in IP telephony for business purposes then you can purchase SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) software for a more professional setup. A SIP phone gives you more features such as video conferencing, call forwarding, events alerts, etc. Some providers even have additional features like caller ID.
One of the most cost-efficient applications of voice over IP today is the Global outsourcing industry. VoIP technology enables worldwide branch and offshore offices to connect (24/7 if required) sans the need for costly long-distance or overseas calls.
That's why businesses don't mind investing SIP and other VoIP infrastructure, because VoIP costs will always be cheaper than its alternatives.
VoIP Tutorial - Where to Get Troubleshooting Help
One of the great things about voice over IP is that you can easily get technical help even from free IP telephony programs.
Just visit the website of the provider or the organization and you will find an FAQ or troubleshooting page dealing with the typical problems users encounter with this relatively new technology.
Common problems have to do with the integration of a fax system (many simply opt to use a regular phone line for this purpose), echoes, and sound or video quality. The latter issues, however, usually have more to do with the ISP (Internet Service Provider) than IP telephony software.
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