Are you new to the term Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)? If so, here is a simple explanation of how it works. VoIP technology takes the analog signals used by your traditional phone, changes them into digital signals, and then sends them over the Internet. How can this save you money? You are already paying for Internet service, when you combine your phone to your Internet you do not have to pay for space on the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN). You are using the high-speed broadband for two applications, your phone, and Internet and pay only one low price per month.
VoIP technology is innovative and has the potential to change the way the world communicates. No longer is there only one way to call someone. With VoIP technology, you have three different methods you could consider for making a call.
The easiest method is by using an adapter that you connect your traditional analog phone into and then connect the adapter to your computer. This will then transform your phone into a VoIP phone. Several providers such as Vonage and AT&T are offering those who choose their service this adapter free of charge. It is very easy to set up: you take it from the box, connect your telephone to the adapter and then the adapter to your computer and you are ready to make calls. Some providers may also send additional software, but that is simple enough to install.
If you prefer you can purchase an IP phone that resemble traditional phones but instead of having a connection that would go into the wall, they come ready to connect to your computer. They are equipped with all of the hardware necessary to work immediately with the VoIP technology.
For those individuals who enjoy chatting with their friends and family on the computer you can also take advantage of VoIP technology. Providers offer free or low-cost software that you download. Then the only other equipment that you need is a sound card, high-speed Internet connection, microphone, and speakers. You can call anyone via computer-to-computer free except for the monthly rate that you have agreed to with the provider of your choice.
If you are interested in trying VoIP technology, research the various providers and the plans they offer. You will be amazed at what you are able to do with this new technology. Gone are the days when you could not talk to friends and family due to the high cost of the call. Now you can talk to them for as long as you like and relax knowing your phone bill will not skyrocket with long distance charges.
Voice Over Ip Equipment
Voice calls that by-pass the PSTN are clearly a threat to incumbents. If alternative operators use to deliver long-distance calls to their customers, or enterprises themselves elect to piggy-back voice on their data network, then it all adds up to lost revenue for the PSTN operator.
The people that have got the most to lose from are the slow-moving incumbents sitting on obsolete circuit-switched equipment. The VoIP attraction that can exist in the corporate space, purely on the level of having lower call charges than the incumbent can offer.
To offer PSTN-like voice services over a packet-based infrastructure, Class 5 equivalent softwsitches are required. And the plus side for softwitches is that they are a lot cheaper to purchase and maintain than the traditional Class 5 switch. "A softswitch can provide savings of up to 60 per cent on both Capex and Opex compared with a TDM Class 5 switch..
However, incumbents with legacy switches wouldn't feel an immediate cost benefit as, initially at least, they would most likely need to run Class 5 and softwitches side by side. Instead, the softswitch running--for Class 5 replacement--is mostly being done by alternative operators and Internet telephony service providers.
Softswitches are the heart of today's VOIP networks, but they have evolved since their introduction less than ten years ago and continue to evolve as carriers begin implementing IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and next-generation network architectures. The original softswitches were modeled after the traditional TDM switches they were designed to replace, but over time carriers have been able to take advantage of the flexible nature of IP networks to implement distributed switching architectures. Along the way, the softswitch has morphed into a collection of components distributed across the network, or just a core call control element in the center of the network, depending on one's perspective.
It is a threat only for those carriers slow to capitalize on VoIP and NGN, believes C21 Communications, exclusive provider in the UK and Ireland of Topex NGN and Fixed to Mobile Convergence portfolio. The addressable market for NGN services alone is estimated to be in excess of €38 billion over the next five years, a report said. But carriers must respond fast to new challenges and this is where C21 Communications can help.
Both Michael Williams & Alison White are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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