VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Making Calls Over the Internet

Learn how VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology lets you make phone calls using your internet connection. Discover how VoIP works, its benefits, different ways to use it, and its impact on modern communication.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that enables you to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of an analogue (traditional) phone line. VoIP services may allow you to call multiple people at once, while some let you make calls to anyone. VoIP services may or may not provide a phone number, including local, long-distance, mobile, and international numbers. While some VoIP services require a computer or a special VoIP phone, others allow you to use a regular phone connected to a VoIP adapter.

How VoIP / Internet Voice Works

VoIP services convert voice signals into digital signals that travel over the internet. When dialing a regular phone number, the digital signal is converted back to an analogue signal before reaching its destination. You can make calls from a computer with a VoIP phone or from a regular phone connected to a special adapter. Many public places like airports, hospitals, and cafes offer wireless hot spots, allowing you to use VoIP services wirelessly.

Required Equipment

To use VoIP services, you need a high-speed internet connection such as a cable modem or a local area network (LAN). Depending on the service, you may need a computer, a VoIP adapter, or a special VoIP phone. For some services, you can use a regular phone with a VoIP adapter, while others require a VoIP phone. If using a computer, you will also need software and a microphone. VoIP phones connect to broadband connections and work like traditional phones. If using an adapter, you can dial normally, and the service provider may supply a dial tone.

VoIP vs. Landline Phones: Calling Requirements

Landline phones are connected to a phone jack and use the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to transmit calls via copper wires. In contrast, VoIP calls are transmitted over the internet. This means that with VoIP, your employees don’t need to rely on landline phones plugged into electrical outlets and wired connections. Instead, they can make calls from anywhere with internet access.

VoIP systems are more reliable and transmit voice data more quickly. Since they operate over the internet, long-distance calls are typically of higher quality without additional costs. Additionally, VoIP providers manage the hardware, software, and network, meaning businesses don’t need internal IT resources to maintain the system.

Desktop VoIP Phones

VoIP phones are designed to transmit calls using IP technologies and offer the same features as traditional business phones, such as conference calling, call waiting, and do not disturb. However, these phones are wireless and do not require a landline connection. Employees can use these phones both at the office and at home without the need for complex setup procedures, making them easy to use right away.

Calling Headsets

Headsets are an optional VoIP accessory that allow employees to communicate comfortably without needing to hold a phone or use the computer’s audio system. They are especially useful for remote work environments.

Do VoIP Calls Require a Special Modem or Router?

No, you don’t need to purchase a new modem or router to use VoIP. Once the VoIP application is downloaded on your device, you can start making and receiving calls. However, if your internet connection is not strong enough, you may need to upgrade to ensure sufficient bandwidth for reliable calls.

Can Your Regular Phone Make VoIP Calls?

If your business is already using a traditional phone system, you can still benefit from the flexibility, call quality, and cost savings offered by VoIP with SIP Trunking. SIP Trunking routes calls over the internet instead of traditional copper wires, eliminating the need for a conventional phone company. If your phone system supports SIP Trunking, you won’t need additional hardware. However, if your system is over 10 years old, you might need a VoIP Gateway to convert analogue and digital calls into VoIP calls.

Benefits of VoIP

  • VoIP services offer features not available with traditional phones, or they may provide them at a lower cost.
  • VoIP eliminates the need to pay for both broadband and a traditional phone line.
  • VoIP connections provide smoother call quality than analogue phone signals.

Disadvantages of VoIP

  • Some VoIP services may not function during power outages unless the provider offers backup power.
  • VoIP services may not connect to emergency services directly via emergency service numbers.
  • Not all VoIP providers offer directory assistance.