VoIP in a Nutshell

Using Voice over Internet Protocol services has become common place for those that are tech-savvy but for those that are feeling a bit like a fish out of water this may help.

VoIP allows users to make phone calls though an Internet connection instead of a phone and they are able to make and receive calls at any place where there is a broadband connection. Aside from the software, many Canadians are already equipped to use the innovative voice over IP call service. All that is required is a computer, a microphone, speakers, a soundcard and, of course, a high speed broadband connection.

There are three ways to make a VoIP connect: computer to computer, phone to phone, computer to phone and vice-versa.

Computer to computer

Computer to computer is widely believed to be the easiest way to connect with VoIP. Even better, it is usually free. For those that want to stick to basics, all that is required is the installation of voice communication software (something like Skype) and a correspondent on the other end who is using the same software. VoIP can also use a Local Area Network (LAN) as long as it is IP-enabled. But for both methods an adequate bandwidth is required which would be between 50 to 100 Kilobits per second. The higher the number of Kbps the faster the information is sent or received, thus avoiding delays in the conversation.

Phone to phone

The second method is phone to phone, which is slightly more complex and not as cheap to setup. Instead of a computer, you are still using two phones to communicate through VoIP. In order to use this method an IP phone that is connected to a gateway or router instead of a telephone network is required. Another option would be to use an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) which connects a regular telephone to the computer or the Internet. The voice is converted from the phone to digital data that can be then sent over the Internet. For those that find the ATA way appealing, when registering for a VoIP service the adapter is usually included in the package, which saves the hassle of finding the device on your own.

Computer to phone

And the last method, which can be considered the most difficult, is the computer to phone connection. Like before, a requirement is the proper software and tools (speakers, microphone, and so on) but the other party simply requires a regular telephone and, in some cases, even a cell phone can be used. Although this connection can come with a charge - usually about $20 a month, it is considerably less that what a phone company would charge.

It seems that the cheapest and easiest way to use VoIP is by sticking to a computer to computer conversation. There are some downsides, such as the possibility of less-than-great sound quality or a lack of bandwidth available. However, for all those that may not be the most computer literate, reading up on what the Internet offers is a great way to expand horizons and save a fair bit of coin.