VoIP lets you make calls over the Internet using a broadband connection.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a communication technology that allows for phone service to be provided over an Internet connection. VoIP is also sometimes called IP Telephony, Internet Telephony or Voice Over Broadband.
Function
VoIP services works by digitizing audio and transmitting it over an Internet connection. This is opposed to classical land line phones, which create an analog connection between users.
Calls to Non-VoIP Phones
Even though VoIP is a digital service, most VoIP service providers still allow for calls to normal phones. The VoIP service provider simply translates the digital audio transmission from the VoIP phone to a normal analog signal that the phone network uses.
VoIP and Broadband
VoIP requires you to use a broadband Internet connection. Slower Internet connections such as dial-up do not provide the required bandwidth to transmit the digital audio data.
Benefits
VoIP service is usually much less expensive than normal phone service. VoIP service also often provides many features that normal land line phones do not.
VoIP and 911
Not all VoIP service providers allow direct calls to 911. This can make it dangerous to use VoIP as your only phone line. For more information, check the FCC VoIP 911 advisory linked at the end of this article.
Tags: VoIP service, Internet connection, digital audio, land line, land line phones