In the recent years, the internet has found new applications in day to day life. Recently, the method of transmitting voice signals through internet was initiated and this lead to the invention of VoIP phones. VoIP technology converts voice signals into chunks of data and sends them through the internet. These chunks reach their destination and are converted back into voice. VoIP phones offer more call clarity, greater bandwidth, faster file downloads and lesser operational costs than traditional phones. ANALOG AND VoIP: DIFFERENCES
The standard analog phones use Circuit Switching Network (CSN) where as the VoIP phones use Packet Switching Network (PSN).
The two differ in the way how data is transmitted.
• In Packet Switching Network it is done in the form of packets
• In circuit switching network the user is connected to the receiver by means of electric circuits
The method used in internet to transfer email is the packet switching method. The VoIP phones have a large number of benefits to offer due to which its popularity has been increasing these days.
• The VoIP phones offer better call clarity at cheaper prices and it is also easy to use
• VoIP phones offer more number of features at the same price as the traditional phones. These features include caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Block, Three-Way-Calling, Voice Mail, * 69 and more
• With VoIP, the service providers will let you keep your old phone number even if you change area
• Another advantage is that no matter what area you are in, you can choose area number of another area. Calls done to you by your relatives and friends in another place will then be local calls for them
WHY VoIP IS PREFERRED
Businessmen today prefer VoIP because VoIP offers high bandwidth and lets to transfer data quickly. Business transactions and deals are finalized these days mainly through internet and email.
Businesses need an application that:
• Is cost effective
• Is highly productive
• Is cheap when they contact their long distance clients
VoIP helps in meeting the data, video, and audio needs of the businessmen. All the call centers are also slowly but surely switching to VoIP technology.
VoIP helps them to expand their business by hiring employees from the overseas also. They can also integrate audio, video and web based features into one system. Hiring employees from different time zones helps to give full time assistance to the clients worldwide.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VoIP
For us to use a VoIP phone, a high speed internet connection is required. The VOIP Company gives you a VoIP Telephone Adapter with two Ethernet ports for connecting to the DSL modem and a computer. Your phone number is programmed into the VoIP adapter. This adapter converts voice signals into packets of data and send them over the internet. VoIP phones are cheap and take only the cost of keeping the broadband connection alive. However, the quality of sound is affected by the traffic on the internet line. If the modem fails or power shut downs, the VoIP phone stops working. Another problem with VoIP phones during disconnection is that the 911 or emergency services are de-activated. Even the emergency calls are handled like normal calls and you are sometimes kept in call waiting.
Hence VoIP phones and traditional phones have their own advantages and disadvantages. The consumer must assess his needs and decide which type of connection he requires.