Frequently Asked Questions
What is VOIP?
VOIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. VOIP is a technology for making phone calls over the internet without the use of traditional phone lines.
How does Voice Over IP / VOIP / Internet Voice / Internet Telephony Work?
Voice over IP, also called VOIP, is a technology that converts your voice into a digital signal and then transports the voice data over the internet. The data terminates at the end point called and is converted back to an analog signal that can be heard over a regular Telephone.
What converts the voice signal to data and back to voice again at the far end?
The device that converts your voice to data and back to a voice signal again can be a special VOIP phone, a desk top or lap top computer, or an adapter made especially for Voice over IP conversion.
What Equipment Do I Need?
1. You will need a high speed internet connection. This is typically provided by a DSL connection, a cable modem or a wireless local area network (LAN). This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. 2. You will need a computer (with some VOIP software and a microphone), or a VOIP adaptor, or a specialized VOIP phone. Some VoIP services are designed to work over your computer, others require a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone (POTS) connected to a VoIP adapter (like Vonage).
What is POTS?
POTS is an acronym for Plain Old Telephone Set. A POTS phone is the type of phone commonly used with traditional phone service. By connecting your POTS phone to a VOIP adapter connected to the internet, it is possible to make VOIP phone calls using a POTS phone.
Where can I use VOIP?
Because all you need is a VOIP Conversion device (i.e. a laptop or VOIP converter) and a high speed internet connection, a Voice over IP call can be placed anywhere that you have access to high speed internet. You are no longer tied to one location. For example, using a properly equipped laptop allows you to make VOIP calls from a hotel room, an airport lobby, a coffee shop and anywhere an internet “Hot Spot” can be found. You can take you phone number with you anywhere in the world.
How is making a VOIP call different than a traditional phone call?
Once you have your VOIP system in place, there is almost no difference between the way you make a voice over IP call and making a traditional phone call. You will pick up the receiver, hear dial tone, dial, and talk normally. It is a little different if you are using a computer because the phone is not real. It is typically represented by a graphical representation of a phone on the computer screen.
Are Long Distance calls Free?
This varies from one provider to the next. Some providers allow free long distance to others using the same provider. Other providers may charge a flat monthly fee for unlimited long distance. International VOIP calls may be charged a small fee or be entirely free depending on the country called.
Can I call non-VOIP phones?
Yes. A Voice over IP call can typically be terminated to any phone that has a phone number. However, some inexpensive services only allow calls to be made to other VOIP phones.
Why switch to VoIP?
1. Cost is typically reduced when compared to POTS services.
2. There are many calling features that are only available with Voice over the internet service. Also, many tradition features are offered free or at low cost compared to traditional phone service.
3. Portability. You can take your VOIP service with you where ever you travel or reside.
Are there any disadvantages to VoIP?
1. 911 service may not work the same as a POTS phone, particularly if you are traveling with your VOIP adapter.
2. When the power goes out you may also loose phone service.
3. If you are using a computer as your VOIP adapter, it must be turned on to receive calls.
Can I take my existing phone number with me to a VOIP service?
Yes. Local Number Portability (LPN) laws have been extended to include VOIP.
Can I Travel with my VOIP phone?
Yes. You just need your adapter and a high speed internet connection to use your VOIP service. It does not matter where you are, except that the 911 service may think you are still at your home location.
Can I use VOIP in my business?
Yes. VOIP offers a powerful set of features that allow small business to have multiple locations (home offices, etc.) that all appear to be located in one place to your customers. You can even have multiple area codes to create the appearance of a local office in any area code. There are many more advantages to Voice over IP for businesses.
Can VOIP replace my PBX?
Yes. Several options are available from various VOIP service providers which allow a business to replace the need for a PBX with a virtual Voice over IP PBX hosted by the service provider.
