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VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology used to carry voice conversations using IP by digitizing voice into discrete packets that are transferred independently over the IP network. This is in contrast to traditional circuit-switched protocols used in the Public Switched Telephone Network. In simple terms a VoIP handset converts an analogue voice signal into a digital signal (binary data) that can be placed in an IP packet. For example, the telephone user speaks into their handset. The voice vibrates the diaphragm in the handset microphone and converts these vibrations to an analogue electrical signal. The analogue electrical signal is sampled at regular intervals (e.g. 8000 times per second) and each sample is assigned a binary number – typically 8 bits long. The binary data is assembled into small packets and inserted into the data field of the IP packet and sent to the destination.
At the destination, the handset receives the IP packet containing the voice data. The handset extracts the voice data and coverts the data back to an analogue electrical signal which is passed into the handset receiver. The electrical signal vibrates the receiver diaphragm faithfully reproducing the original audio voice signal.
VoIP offers a great deal of flexibility and economies of scale. Businesses need only install a single cable per desk position as many VoIP handsets have integral Ethernet switches allowing the users PC to be connected to the handset. The handset can then easily prioritize the voice data over the PC data. There are also many handset software packages available so you can use your PC or laptop as a VoIP phone by connecting a low cost headset. Also, USB handsets are available for less than £10/$15.
VoIP may be used to provide remote telephony services from your main office telephone system. Home workers require a domestic broadband connection and a VPN connection to their office to enjoy the full facilities of the office telephone system at home.
VoIP services are more innovative and cost effective and allow any size business to handle their clients telephone calls from anywhere in the world. Over 78% of small or mid sized companies use VoIP services compared to other legacy networks. VOIP has several other benefits like call waiting, caller id, outbound caller id blocking, speed dial, last number redial, anonymous call rejection, call screening, three way calling, call hold, call forwarding, voicemail, and priority rings etc. We have staff based in France and Australia but as far as our UK customers are concerned, they are working in our office.
Initially in 2004 when VoIP was introduced in the market there was a very little or no demand for these services. But today with technical advancements and innovative ideas VoIP services are more widespread.
VoIP's use IP network to transmit voice data renders our VoIP telephone systems vulnerable to virus attacks and other IP associated problems (e.g. Quality of Service). Software weakness can be exploited and also some sensitive information could be misused or hacked. Hence VoIP should be installed and checked by professionals, especially if you intend to use VoIP for sensitive, personal or secret communications. Security measures can be added without compromising the quality or flexibility of the service.