Internet Telephony Has Changed Communications

Internet telephony has changed the face of telecommunications, worldwide. Internet telephone is any type of communications services that are based via the Internet, rather than using a PSTN. A PTSN is a public switched telephone network, such as a phone company. Internet telephony is most closely with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Internet Telephony is technology that lets a computer user place telephone calls through the Internet. This is done online and actually bypasses long distance networks. Instead of handling a telephone call along a traditional phone circuit, a computer user will digitize the call, chop it up into tiny packet of data, and send them out across an internet network.

The most common form of Internet telephony is Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is utilized by converting voice into digital packets. These packets are then sent over the Internet. This digitized signal is then converted back into analog signals. This all occurs almost instantaneously before the phone call received by the end user.

There are several hardware based VoIP phone services that has equipment fitted and adapted to the internet. This device connects to most high speed Internet connections. When a caller places a call, the caller circumvents through a local telephone provider. These phone companies work with the VoIP provider. The internet protocol then calls the end users local telephone company.In addition to hardware based VoIP’s, there are software based alternatives, as well. This software based VoIP provides phone services by using a microphone and headset plugged directly into your computer. Calls are directly routed through a cable modem, using the keyboard. VoIP can also be utilized by using a private data network.

There are many advantages to using internet telephony, such as Voice over Internet Protocol. The major advantage of using VoIP is costs. By using the VoIP network, the consumer benefits by avoiding toll charges that are implemented by telephone companies. This is why VoIP service providers are able to offer cost savings advantages such as free voicemail as well as long distance calls at no cost. In addition to having advantages, VoIP also has its drawbacks. The biggest disadvantage to using VoIP is dependability. The quality of the calls is very inconsistent. By utilizing random paths, as opposed to fixed paths, the VoIP service is not predictable. While there is a cost savings, there is also a price to pay. As bandwidth increases and internet protocol continues to improve.