Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been a hot topic ever since the birth of the computer network. By no sooner than 1973, voices could be transmitted over the Internet. The technology for transmitting voice conversations over the Internet has been available, to users since the early 1980’s. In 1996 some software was released called Vocaltec Internet Phone Release 4. This allowed users not only to use VoIP, but had extra functions such as voice mail and caller id.
What’s all the fuss about?
(VoIP) is a protocol or set of rules, which translates and transmits our voices through the internet. If you ring from one VoIP phone to another anywhere in the world, it is usually free, and so by routing your calls through the internet you can save lots of money! In fact calls to normal landline phones usually still work out cheaper and save people money which is why they are proving to be so popular at the moment!
VoIP providers are companies which help route your calls and provide you with a phone number. Companies such as Skype, Babble and Vonage, you may have heard about Skype as it is one of the leading companies.
Getting started using VoIP you will need:
- A computer (with broadband internet connection)
- VoIP Phone or Headset
- Service Provider
The future of VoIP is SIP or Session Internet Protocol, this allows you to make internet calls with or without a computer, by using special SIP phones and routers which connect straight into the internet.