VoIP has been steadily gaining popularity over the last few years, finding success with businesses and homeowners alike, but the technology still is not universally understood. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which is kind of a fancy way of saying that users can use their Internet connection to make phone calls. This technology is also known as Internet telephony, and functions by converting voice vibrations into highly compressed digital signals and translating them into IP packets. If a user has a regular phone line, these IP packets are converted into a phone signal before being delivered. With all this fancy technology, converting voice signals from vibrations to IP packets to phone signals, VoIP enables users to make phone calls using computers or VoIP telephones. This may sound like a lot of trouble to go through just to make a phone call, but VoIP technology offers a more flexible and less expensive alternative to traditional phone systems, encouraging many traditional phone users to reevaluate their choice in service.
Flexibility
Traditional phones can still be used on a VoIP system, using a converter similar in size and form to a USB memory stick to connect them to a computer. This converter will take regular phone signals and convert them into digital data that can be transferred using the Internet. The converters are plugged into an active computer, allowing the digital data a way to get onto the network in order to be transferred. VoIP service also allows users to create their own unique VoIP specific telephone number, which never changes, no matter where a user is in the world. This means that if a user created a VoIP number at home in California, they could take their adapter to New York, plug it in and make and receive calls using the same telephone number. This feature is perfect for people on the go, such as those who travel for business or have family across the globe. Plus, long distance VoIP calls are cheaper than traditional cell phone calls, so it is more economical as well.
Productivity
The current advancements in VoIP technology have also made for a much more clear and productive experience than previous iterations. Long gone are the choppy and dropped calls, as today’s VoIP audio experience is nearly indistinguishable, and often clearer, than traditional phone service. According to Caller-IP, audio isn’t the only capability anymore either, as users can bring video calls and file sharing into the experience. They explained, “When users are seated in front of their computer’s onboard or detachable webcam, they can videoconference with family, friends and coworkers, allowing for more complete communication. If a document or image needs to be discussed, users can send them via VoIP as well, so virtually anything can be seen, heard and communicated through VoIP technology.”
Easy Setup and Maintenance
Despite the highly advanced technology of current VoIP systems, setup and maintenance require very little technical acumen. Many times, the installation of VoIP systems requires nothing more than connecting a phone or adapter to a computer. Eliminating another set of wires that need to be installed in a home or business, VoIP helps to minimize potential fire hazards and unsightly cable clumps. Maintenance most often consists of keeping components clean and functional, and always making sure an active Internet connection is available when attempting to make or receive calls.
The benefits of today’s VoIP systems are far superior to what they were in previous years, and the improved flexibility and productivity, coupled with the ease of setup and maintenance, make for a completely viable and often beneficial alternative to traditional phone systems.
