The Working Of VoIP
Ever wondered how VoIP works? You should know the answer to this question especially if you are a new subscriber. It’s simple… VoIP works exactly like e-mail. The only difference being in the fact that e-mail is text-based communication whereas VoIP is voice-based traffic.
The first thing to do to transmit voice traffic is to convert the voice data into digital data. This is done by using specialized VoIP software which can be installed in your computer or via a phone adaptor which is a part of your Internet phone.
Once the voice is converted to small packets of digital data, each of these packet is placed in a digital envelope and stamped with the IP address. This is a unique IP address allotted to every device which is connected to the Internet.
The router then reads the IP address and starts routing digital packets to their respective destinations. You may think it interesting that this routing may happen over multiple paths. Instead, the data packets are moved over different paths to create minimum congestion. This not only improves the speed at which data moves but also makes it possible to move even more voice traffic on a single line. The data packets are then reassembled at the destination and routed to an ATA adapter, which converts them back into voice signals.
The VoIP calls can be made over an IP phone, or from one computer to another using a special software. These calls can also be made using an ATA adaptor, which converts voice signals from a conventional phone into digital form. However, to get good voice quality you must have a broadband connection. This connection allows more digital traffic to flow smoothly as compared to a dial up connection which so narrow that it gets choked if the traffic increases.
One big advantage of using VoIP is that you can make international calls, STD calls and local calls, at rates way cheaper as compared to those for a conventional phone. VoIP technology also offers many features like call waiting, caller ID, return call, call transfer and repeat dial.
Any computer with an internet connection can be used to make VoIP calls. This means you can carry an IP phone or adaptor with you and make VoIP calls from anywhere, even while you are traveling.
VoIP technology is still evolving, but many telecom operators are predicting that VoIP will revolutionize the way in which phone calls are made. All telecom operators need is to get dedicated IP addresses so that they can start routing phone calls over the Internet. They don’t even have to invest too much on infrastructure to start a VoIP service. The technology is readily available.