Voice Over IP Articles

Internet Phones- Internet phones are becoming more and more popular since the introduction of Voice over Internet Protocol. There are several types of internet phones and we are going to explain the main types of internet phones. Internet phones review!

Internet phone service allows people to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and speak from personal computer to personal computer, from phone to computer, or from phone to phone. So the first thing to know about Internet phones is that, in some cases, your computer can actually act as one! In this case, software is allowing your computer to function as a phone. When talking about Internet phones that are separate devices, however, there are several different types, which this article will explore.

The term Internet phones can mean three distinct types of devices, but in all cases it refers to a piece of hardware that works with a high speed Internet service. It can either do this because 1) it is a VoIP-ready phone that can connect directly to your router or broadband modem or 2) because it is a VoIP cell phone that has two modes, one for the usual cellular radio signal and Wi-Fi to connect to a wireless Internet network , or 3) because although it is an analog phone, by connecting it to an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), it can work with your Internet service.

ATA and Analog Phones

Let’s take the last case first, because it’s easiest. Your phone is . . . your home phone the same phone you’ve used at home for a landline, whatever type of equipment that may be, whatever company it was made by. This means that all your muscle memory for its buttons and all the data you’ve entered into it are still there you’re just going to be using it in a new and different way. Moreover, you’re likely going to be able to keep your current phone number as well.

Note that there are two kinds of ATA’s that are differentiated by two characteristics: where you attach them and whether they require software. One type connects to your router, if you have a network, or Ethernet modem, requires no software, and since this equipment is permanently on can be used to make phone calls whether your computer is on, off, or out of the country. The second type connects directly to your computer using a USB cable, and requires both special software and that your computer be on in order for you to use the telephone.

There are actually other variations on the ATA approach. In one scenario, a VoIP provides you with a telephone that is a "regular" analog phone with a built-in ATA. In another, the ATA is prebuilt into either the modem or the router. These offerings vary with the service provider.

VoIP-Ready Phones

A VoIP-ready phone is an analog-to-digital phone with a control protocol, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), built in, so it may also be known as a SIP phone. If you search for a digital phone, be aware that many phones that are actually analog phones are listed as digital phones on, for example, Google Shopping, because they have some digital component or because, given an ATA, they can be used with a digital telephone service. Also, don’t confuse cordless and digital a VoIP phone can be corded or cordless.

Dual-Mode Cell Phones

Dual-mode cell phones integrate wireless VoIP calls with cell phone calls. The idea is to improve the reception indoors, where cell phones may have the weakest reception, by substituting WiFi service. These phones may also be referred to as WiFi-enabled mobile phones.

Internet Phone Features

Whatever type they are, many Internet phones include features above and beyond the simple cradle phones of the past. These may include Caller ID, call blocking, transfer, and hold, and the ability to pause, mute, host conference calls, sore phone numbers, and redial. Call answering may also be integrated with the phone’s display, with a highlighted button to indicate voicemail, and notices about calls missed, battery usage, etc. on the screen.

Sources

ehow.com- Advantages-internet-telephone.html

t1rex.blogspot.com/2009/11/do-you-need-special-phone-for-voip.html

communication.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony9.htm

chooseyourvoip.com/articles/using-ata-voip-phone-adapters

reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-and-smart/t-mobile-hotspot-home/4505-6448_7-32486222.html#cnetReview

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