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HOMEVoIP Faq
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) refers to voice calls being made over a high-speed internet connection as opposed to a traditional landline. VoIP calls can be made from either a computer or a regular VoIP enabled phone (the regular phone also connects to the internet).
Why is VoIP relatively inexpensive?
VoIP is just another computer application running on existing systems. This makes it no different to email, Instant Messaging (IM) and any other internet-based communication medium.
If VoIP is similar to email and IM, why isn’t it free?
Connecting via VoIP to another user with VoIP is free because this is just two users connecting to each other via the internet. However, using VoIP to call someone on a normal landline or cell phone requires a connection outside of the Internet and for this reason costs money—although it’s still very cheap.
What are the advantages of VoIP?
Primarily, home and business users switch to VoIP due to the significant cost reduction in using the service. However, there are also many other benefits of using VoIP. For instance, because VoIP is an internet based service—it means that you can take your number with you wherever you go. VoIP also allows for more flexibility with phone numbers whereby an individual may be based in the UK but have a local NYC phone number (this is a powerful feature for many businesses).
What are the disadvantages of VoIP?
The majority of VoIP services don’t work during power outages. Although it’s possible to purchase backup systems, and many large companies do so, the majority of VoIP services don’t have this feature. Also, some providers don’t offer phonebook listings in the white pages with their services.
VoIP Faq
What is VoIP?
How do I make a VoIP call?
How do I make emergency calls with VoIP?
What is a VoIP telephone?
Why is VoIP relatively inexpensive?
Are there limitations on who I can call with VoIP?
Can VoIP replace my normal phone line?
Is an answering service possible with VoIP?
If VoIP is similar to email and IM, why isn’t it free?
What are the advantages of VoIP?
What are the disadvantages of VoIP?
Can my existing phone be connected to a VoIP service?
Do I require a static IP address for VoIP
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) refers to voice calls being made over a high-speed internet connection as opposed to a traditional landline. VoIP calls can be made from either a computer or a regular VoIP enabled phone (the regular phone also connects to the internet).
How do I make a VoIP call?
If you have a standard telephone based VoIP service, it’s exactly the same as using a normal telephone. If you’re using VoIP through a PC, then you’ll require a headset (or a microphone with speakers or headphones) in order to make calls. Either way, it’s fairly straight forward.
How do I make emergency calls with VoIP?
Most services offer an emergency service such as E911 which allows the user to contact emergency dispatch. However, it can be difficult for them to trace the call to your house which is something you may want to consider before getting rid of your landline all together.
What is a VoIP telephone?
A VoIP telephone, also known as a SIP phone or a softphone, allows a user to make calls to another VoIP service, landline or cell phone using VoIP. A softphone can be software running on a PC or a piece of hardware very similar to a standard phone, together with features such as caller ID, call park, call transfer and call hold.
Why is VoIP relatively inexpensive?
VoIP is just another computer application running on existing systems. This makes it no different to email, Instant Messaging (IM) and any other internet-based communication medium.
Are there limitations on who I can call with VoIP?
No, you can call anyone, anywhere, just like with a normal telephone. The only difference is it’s often a lot cheaper.
Can VoIP replace my normal phone line?
Yes, and most definitely will in the near future. However, you may still want to keep your normal phone line in case of emergency (depending on your provider) or power outages.
Is an answering service possible with VoIP?
Most certainly, almost all VoIP telephones have this feature inbuilt. The feature is also available on computers, although additional software may be required.
If VoIP is similar to email and IM, why isn’t it free?
Using VoIP to connect to another person with VoIP is usually free. However, using VoIP to call someone on a normal landline or cell phone requires a connection outside of the Internet and for this reason costs money—although it’s still cheaper.
What are the advantages of VoIP?
Primarily, home and business users switch to VoIP due to the significant cost reduction in using the service. However, there are also many other benefits of using VoIP. For instance, because VoIP is an internet based service—it means that you can take your number with you wherever you go. VoIP also allows for more flexibility with phone numbers whereby an individual may be based in the UK but have a local NYC phone number (this is a powerful feature for many businesses).
What are the disadvantages of VoIP?
The majority of VoIP services don’t work during power outages. Although it’s possible to purchase backup systems, and many large companies do so, the majority of VoIP services don’t have this feature. Also, some providers don’t offer phonebook listings in the white pages with their services.
Can my existing phone be connected to a VoIP service?
Yes. Existing telephones can be connected to a VoIP service through an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) by plugging in the broadband line and the phone into the ATA.
Do I require a static IP address for VoIP
No. Any VoIP service out there is designed to work with dynamic IP addresses—the service isn’t linked with your IP address in any way.
Friday, March 14. 2008
