VOIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol service, is a phone system that has been gaining a lot of popularity over the years. VOIP phone system allows you to utilise a standard telephone in order to call any other phone through a telephone system that is connected to a public landline telephone system.
Defining VOIP
There are three types of VOIP phone systems that are used. However, the most commonly used VOIP system for business is one, which uses an ATA, also known as an Analog Telephone Adapter. Using an ATA permits the user to access the VOIP system through a standard telephone instead of a specialised IP phone, which needs to be connected to the computer router. A VOIP phone system would require microphone and a pair of speakers and the phone is connected to the adapter instead of the wall jack. The ATA converts the analog signal into a succession of digital packets. These digital packets are then sent over the Internet where they are delivered to the correct telephone exchange. When the connection is established with the correct exchange, the call is completed.
Benefits
Most VOIP phone systems offer the premium services which are offered by public landline systems such as call forwarding and caller ID, Three-way conference call and voice mail. These services are offered free of any charges and the only charges applicable are the flat rate for calls. The rate for calls is charged on the number of calls placed in a month and not separate call charges for local and out-station calls.
The ATA provided by the VOIP services providers is simply a plug-in into the broadband Internet system. This allows businessmen to carry their ATA with them even to their hotels while on the move. This ensures that they will always be connected with their business. The required software is known as “Softphone” and can be downloaded onto a laptop. All it requires is a microphone and speakers along with Internet connectivity. The Internet card is a wireless one, then the need for the ATA and a physical handset does not arise.
VOIP phone system