What is a WiFi Phone?

Posted: Jan 06, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

The world of communication is going wireless.  Cell phones and laptops allow for lightening fast connectivity to everything around us.  But there's another option in the ever-expanding technology field: WiFi phones.

To understand what a WiFi phone is, we first have to understand what WiFi means.  WiFi stands for "wireless fidelity"- it's a local wireless network that allows devices with wireless capabilities to tap into that network.  So, a WiFi phone is a phone that allows its users to tap into a local area network (or wireless LAN), but it does not stop there. In addition to tapping into an available wireless network, a WiFi phone can also connect to a standard cellular network.  Depending on which is readily accessible, a WiFi phone will automatically switch over to a wireless or standard network as needed.  For example, if someone attempts to make a call from a WiFi phone and the standard network does not register a signal, the phone will seamlessly transition to a local wireless network (if there's one in the area).

The technology that makes WiFi phones possible is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).  Basically, VoIP is a system that converts analogue signals to digital so that a phone call can be made over the internet.  And, since the internet can be accessed wherever there's wireless fidelity, a WiFi phone can also beused just as easily to make a call.

Depending on where you live, a WiFi phone might provide more widespread coverage than a standard cell phone.  Metropolitan areas can have buildings and high-rises that block cell phone reception, creating an endless stream of dropped calls.  Having a WiFi phone can counter that phenomenon because in those same metro areas are numerous wireless hot spots which can provide the user another network on which to communicate.  A WiFi phone also allows those who travel outside of their standard network the convenience of utilizing any available wireless network.

Getting set up with a WiFi phone begins with contacting your local cable company - specifically those who offer both internet and phone services.  Or, instead of doing the heavy lifting yourself, you can let someone else sort through the information for you.  There are some websites that have gathered a list of the cable TV providers throughout the country.  They give a breakdown of which cable providers operate in which state and city; and what features are available in those areas.  On their site, you can also compare prices and features to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/what-is-a-wifi-phone-3986370.html

    Article Tags:

    wifi phone

    ,

    wifi phones

    ,

    wireless phone

    ,

    wireless phones

    ,

    voip

    ,

    internet

    ,

    network phones

    ,

    cable

    ,

    satellite

    History 1974  The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) published a paper titled "A Protocol for Packet Network Interconnection

    By: wuwul Business> Small Businessl Sep 01, 2010 lViews: 371
    Brent Vanderstelt

    If you live, work or vacation in an area that cannot get broadband Internet like DSL or cable Internet, your options are generally dialup, satellite, cellular or wireless Internet access.

    By: Brent Vandersteltl Technology> Cable and Satellite TVl Oct 26, 2008 lViews: 478

    Comcast, high definition TV, On Demand pay-per-view movies and high speed wireless internet provider, is now packaging VOIP residential phone service in their double or triple play bundle packages.

    By: Suzanne W McMahonl Technology> Communicationl May 13, 2009

    There's a lot of hype surrounding internet phones. For many people, it might seem like the next step in the evolution of technological advancement. But, is that kind of phone right for you?

    By: Cable Studyl Technology> Cell Phonesl Jan 06, 2011

    Broadband devices may allow and apply band antenna, band cable, band router, band modem, band sound musician or band equipment dish. These are the important physical band devices which permit our complicated act today become so ultimate still are sophisticated.

    By: Top Article1l Internetl Nov 06, 2009

    Since it came out with the first android enabled smart phone, HTC has been on a roll. The markets abroad have accepted HTC products very easily and are happy to see that the company is faring exactly in accordance with the demands put forward in the market by the customers.

    By: jerry macguirel Technology> Cell Phonesl May 31, 2012

    In an atmosphere of ever-increasing digital social inter-connectivity, more and more people every day are turning to their mobile devices rather than their laptops or PCs for the way they get their information.

    By: Alex Teplishl Technology> Cell Phonesl May 30, 2012

    Iphone is introduces by Apple company. It is hot selling product all over the world since its launch. Iphone is not just a phone from which you receive call or make call or send sms. Iphone is more than a mobile phone, it's a mini super computer. Iphone has amazing features and huge variety of iphone apps are available. You can buy and download iphone apps according to your interest and need.

    By: Ahmed Jamill Technology> Cell Phonesl May 29, 2012

    Google android phones are the recent fad and craze which has taken more than the mobile telephone purchasers.

    By: hwu jamesl Technology> Cell Phonesl May 29, 2012

    Connectivity on international trips is no longer a major problem with an international SIM card. Long distance mobile calls while traveling used to be very expensive, and moreover, efficient coverage was another hurdle. But with the coming of international SIM cards targeted at travelers, all these things have changed. This article highlights two types of international SIMs – a universal SIM card, and a country specific SIM card:

    By: Danis Jammyl Technology> Cell Phonesl May 28, 2012

    There's a lot of hype surrounding internet phones. For many people, it might seem like the next step in the evolution of technological advancement. But, is that kind of phone right for you?

    By: Cable Studyl Technology> Cell Phonesl Jan 06, 2011

    With Skype leading the way for a new generation of web communication and more cable TV companies offering digital voice as an option for phone service. We can now video chat, using our existing phone line, via the internet. We now have cell phones that can work wherever there is a local wireless network. It's amazing! The common thread running through each of these technologies, making it possible for them to exist, is VoIP.

    By: Cable Studyl Technology> VoIPl Jan 06, 2011

    With millions of people using the internet in various ways, it's a wonder that the technological grid hasn't crashed under the intense pressure. In order to accommodate this rise in data transfer, many are opting to use a new breed of technology: the broadband system.

    By: Cable Studyl Technology> Communicationl Jan 06, 2011

    You're sitting in front of the TV, watching the best movie of all time, perhaps. Then, something annoying happens and you know what is coming next, fuzzy picture, distorted sound, then nothing. Before you completely give up on the movie and resort to reading, let's run through a few quick tips that might fix the TV reception.

    By: Cable Studyl Technology> Cable and Satellite TVl Jan 06, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast