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History of the Telephone - From Bell to VoIP and Beyond
Everyone knows the story of Alexander Graham Bell inventing the telephone. There’s the story of Bell’s first words, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you,” that’s indelibly printed on our brains from childhood. However, what some don’t know is...
Intentions Behind the VoIP Industry
Most VoIP
providers have now realized what a lucrative industry
they've chosen to enter, and are trying to beat other providers
in the areas of cost and functionality, in order to catch a
large market share in the coming months and years.
...
The Lowdown on VoIP
It seems like technology is headed for a massive telephone change over. The traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is looking to be replaced by VoIP. VoIP is short for Voice over IP. VoIP is the routing of conversations over an IP...
The Power of VoIP
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is becoming the powerful choice for residential and business customers when it comes to selecting telecommunications applications. VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is the technology used to transmit voice...
Three reasons why you are going to hate VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is rapidly becoming a top choice for people wishing to avoid costly telephone service. The system works by allowing you to make phone calls using a computer network, such as your Internet provider. Depending on...
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VOIP-Voice Over IP at Home: Is it Right for You?
VOIP AT HOME
What is VoIP?
Chances are you've heard of VoIP, or "voice over Internet." If
not, you will soon, as major phone companies are now trying to
get in on the action. Why? VoIP allows users to make phone calls
using their high-speed Internet connection. This essentially
translates into "free" long distance, or, depending on set-up,
unlimited long distance for a low set price for the service.
When using VoIP, the traditional phone company is left
completely out of the loop--literally. The concept is much the
same as email; for the price of an Internet connection and
provider, you can send unlimited email messages.
VoIP Pros
VoIP is an affordable method for long distance calling, and
depending on where you live, you may be able to transfer you
current phone number to a VoIP system. VoIP is easy to use, and
depending on the service and method you choose, installation can
be as easy as downloading software or attaching an adaptor to
your computer. For the most part, sounds exactly the same as
with a traditional telephone line. If you are using VoIP and the
other person is not, they will not know the difference.
VoIP Cons
Some areas do not yet have this availability, but it is still
possible to transfer long distance only to VoIP--it just means
that you'll have a separate number for long distance calling.
This may be a slight inconvenience, but the savings may offset
the cost--it all depends on your needs. Also, some users report
hearing an echo when using VoIP. There can also be a slight
delay at the beginning of the call.
One primary issue regarding VoIP is the ability to dial out for
emergencies. Some providers work to place 911 calls (by
configuring your service), and some do not. If you will be
replacing your landline or mobile completely with VoIP, this is
something you will want to research before choosing a provider
and service.
Is VoIP Right for Me?
Deciding to choose VoIP depends on your needs. If you make a
large number of long distance calls, it may be well worth
looking into. VoIP services are often much less expensive than
traditional providers. When comparing VoIP to cell phone
programs, it again depends on needs. Most VoIP packages
are
considerably less than cell phone unlimited calling plans, but
of course, VoIP is not as flexible (yet) as far as portability
and other features you may not want to give up on your cell plan.
How Do I Get Set-up for VoIP?
Technical requirements for VoIP depend on the service and method
you choose to use. There are three types of VoIP options.
* ATA stands for analog telephone adaptor, and it's very simple
to use. You connect it to your computer or Internet connection,
plug in a regular phone, and you're ready to go! Providers such
as Vonage and AT&T CallAdvantage use this option.
* IP phones are special phones that look like traditional
phones, but they connect with an Ethernet connector. A similar
phone in the works is one that operates with Wi-Fi, which means
that when you take your laptop to the local coffee bar to access
wireless Internet, you could also make a long distance call.
* Computer-to-computer is an easy way to use VoIP and long
distance calls are free; you only pay for the software. To use
this method, you will need to download and install the software
and be equipped with a microphone, speakers, a sound card and a
high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable. Aside from
the software, the only fees are those for your monthly ISP.
You'll need a high-speed Internet connection to use VoIP, such
as DSL or Cable.
Most VoIP options are easy to install. Providers of ATA, for
example, will usually send you the adaptor you need when you
sign up for the service. If you have a standard Internet set-up,
you should be able to easily install the adaptor and software
yourself, and be on your way. The process is very simple and
straightforward, and once installed, the service is immediate
(no waiting 3-5 business days for your phone service!).
Connecting an IP phone is equally easy, and computer-to-computer
simply requires the downloading and installing of software.
About the author:
Andrew Kelly is a Technology Consultant who helps keep
businesses at the leading edge of technology. For more great
tips and resources on everything voIP visit: VoIP
Solutions for Your Home & Business
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| Voice over IP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
| Encyclopedia article with background information, technical details, and the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP. |
| en.wikipedia.org |
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| Voice-Over-Internet Protocol |
| An overview of VoIP from the Federal Communications Commission. With news, FAQs, factsheets, and findings. |
| www.fcc.gov |
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| voip-info.org - voip-info.org |
| A wiki that covers VoIP software, hardware, service providers, reviews, configurations, and standards. |
| www.voip-info.org |
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| Howstuffworks "How VoIP Works" |
| Voice over Internet Protocol lets you make free long-distance phone calls using your computer. It’s essentially a phone network that uses the Internet ... |
| www.howstuffworks.com |
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| VOIP.ORG.UK - The UK resource for IP telephony |
| UK resource with the emphasis on small businesses and home users. Includes news, reviews, and forums. |
| www.voip.org.uk |
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| Packet8: VoIP Internet Phone Service Provider and Voice Over IP ... |
| Packet8 offers VoIP Internet Phone Service and Voice Over IP Telephony phone systems. |
| www.packet8.net |
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| Voip |
| 1-800-TRY-VOIP; Voip.com: do more, pay less. Use a broadband connection and your voip.com adapter to make and receive calls using a regular phone. |
| www.voip.com |
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| Vonage - Leading the Internet Phone Revolution |
| Use your high-speed Internet connection to make all of your phone calls with Vonage digital phone service. Plans start at $14.99 per month. |
| www.vonage.com |
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| VoipBuster - The Free* Calls Company |
| Free* phone calls with the VoipBuster. Call your online friends for free as well as a special selection of popular international destinations. |
| www.voipbuster.com |
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| The VoIP Weblog |
| OK, VoIP customers, the $24.99 a month party is just about over. ... The issue definitely kept me from switching to a VoIP service for over a year because I ... |
| voip.weblogsinc.com |
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| IVR Platforms / IVR Hosting / IVR Development |
| Get to market quickly with our A to Z VoIP platforms and services >> ... Our IVR and VOIP hosting, turnkey platforms, and developer services - powered by ... |
| www.voxeo.com |
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| VoIP |
| Connecting a business to a VoIP network doesn’t require a big, expensive integration overhaul. Quintum’s VoIP access solutions are designed with “integrated ... |
| www.tmcnet.com |
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| VoIP - Internet Telephony |
| voip, Internet Telephony Magazine. ... Internet Telephony is the leading VoIP magazine in the world covering all topics VoIP. ... |
| www.tmcnet.com |
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| Convergence & VoIP - Network World |
| The Convergence & VoIP research center is your source for the latest convergence and VoIP news, analysis and research links from Network World. |
| www.networkworld.com |
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| VoIP News - Enterprise, Carrier, Small Business VoIP Information |
| VoIP news, trends, experts, product reviews. Carrier and enterprise-class voice over ip. |
| www.voip-news.com |
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| O'Reilly Network -- What Is VoIP |
| Ted Wallingford looks at why the VoIP technology, the key ingredient in Vonage, Skype, Cisco CallManager, and a host of other technology products, ... |
| www.oreillynet.com |
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| What is VoIP? - A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer ... |
| This page describes the term VoIP and lists other pages on the Web where you can find additional information. |
| www.webopedia.com |
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| Access >> VoIP | CNET News.com |
| EarthLink expands VoIP service. Eight more cities will get access to Net phone service that requires no ... Verizon sues Vonage for VoIP patent infringement ... |
| news.com.com |
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| Pages tagged with "voip" on del.icio.us |
| All items tagged voip ??? view popular ... SunRocket Internet Phone Service · save this. by dbrogdon to VOIP ... saved by 18 other people ... 3 hours ago ... |
| del.icio.us |
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| VoIP (Voice Over IP) Solutions - AudioCodes |
| VoIP, VoP Chip Processors and Voice over IP packets solutions developed by AudioCodes, leaders in the VoIP market for VoIP equipment and VoIP technology. |
| www.audiocodes.com |
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