Computer Network Blog

What Makes VoIP and a Computer Network so Marketable?

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is not really a new concept. Actually, the idea of making phone calls using a broadband connection has been around for quite some time. If you’ve ever used your computer to talk to someone, you are basically taking advantage of a form of VoIP phone calling. The only difference is that you are using your computer with a headset as opposed to a telephone. The program you are using on your computer probably dials your contact for you at another IP address. Or, some software programs actually allow you to dial a phone number using a simulated dial pad in a software program they offer online. In either case, if you have tried it out, you probably decided to do so because it was free. This is the premise behind VoIP technology.

VoIP is slowly starting to gain momentum as an emerging hot new technology. The reason is because new hardware and voice calling options are becoming available along with new service providers who support the VoIP network. Altogether, this has meant cheaper phone bills for customers, especially businesses that may make hundreds of phone calls per day. Generally speaking, broadband connections can transfer audio, video and data information allowing VoIP phone calls to include live video feed and simultaneous file transfer while an audio conversation is taking place. The information can potentially be sent much faster using a broadband connection due to the higher bandwidth that the network cables support.

VoIP vs. Landline/Cell Phone:

It is cheaper to make VoIP phone calls because many calls can be placed over the same line and information can be sent in both directions simultaneously. The VoIP connection is also opened only when information needs to be sent. Shutting down the connection when there are no digital packets (containing audio/video/data) being sent reduces your theoretical “talk time”, thus reducing your bill. Like many cell phone companies, calls made to another member of the same network are generally free. As more people sign up for VoIP, more calls will be made “in-network” and therefore, a little to no cost. VoIP can be more reliable than cell phones since the calls are placed over a wired network using CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet networking cables. Computer broadband networks are also superior to satellite cell phone networks in terms of speed.

VoIP Hardware:

You can make phone calls through your computer. If you already have a computer and a headset, this could also be the cheapest option for you. However, depending on the speed of your computer and how many other programs you are using, you might experience lag and this could affect the quality of your call. You can purchase a VoIP adapter to use with an existing landline phone. It converts the analog signal to digital and sends it out over the broadband connection. Lastly, you can purchase VoIP phones that work just like regular landline phones, but plug directly into your broadband connection. These can be expensive. You can look to purchase used or refurbished phones in order to save money. It is often that you can find used phones selling for more than 50% off the retail price. This will save you even more money when switching to VoIP.

In conclusion, as the ability to make VoIP phone calls becomes more mobile, it should increase in popularity faster than it is now. This will require wireless networks to evolve with better coverage and reliability. Laptop computers will also have to be more mobile, (smaller with an “always-on” network connection) to send and receive phone calls on the go. I suppose a VoIP cell phone/computer that dials over a broadband connection instead of through satellite communication would be the next step in VoIP development.

Written by Eric Higgins