an introduction to voip
Have you been bewildered by this new fangled acronym VOIP? What is the big fuss and why are so many people getting so excited over it?
In short, VOIP is a protocol which allows voice calls to be transmitted over the Internet: Hence Voice Over Internet Protocol.
If you are sceptical, I can assure you that it is possible to setup your very own VOIP connection for free – all you need is a microphone, set of speakers and functioning internet connection.
The best known software for VOIP on a computer is Skype. This is really worth getting just for experimentation purposes. The concept is the same as using an instant messenger application. Recent feature additions include allowing externally directed calls to be made to standard land lines (however use of this service is charged). In response, some of the major telco providers have started their own VOIP services such as BT in the UK, while in the USA, a typical service is provided by the dedicated broadband phone company Vonage.
In short, VOIP is a protocol which allows voice calls to be transmitted over the Internet: Hence Voice Over Internet Protocol.
If you are sceptical, I can assure you that it is possible to setup your very own VOIP connection for free – all you need is a microphone, set of speakers and functioning internet connection.
The best known software for VOIP on a computer is Skype. This is really worth getting just for experimentation purposes. The concept is the same as using an instant messenger application. Recent feature additions include allowing externally directed calls to be made to standard land lines (however use of this service is charged). In response, some of the major telco providers have started their own VOIP services such as BT in the UK, while in the USA, a typical service is provided by the dedicated broadband phone company Vonage.
This entry was posted
on Friday, June 03, 2005 at 2:06 pm.
