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free of charge, as long as the bylines are magnetic planar headphones. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated – send to info@globalvalueconnect.comTitle: VOIP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSAuthor: Raymond KlescEmail: info@globalvalueconnect.comCopyright 2004 Raymond KlescPreformatted for 60-charactersVoice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in popularity recently and with that rise in popularity has come a number of common misconceptions and confusion. Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) has complied this simple guide to address some of these most common questions and concerns.1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?4.
Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?12. Who regulates VoIP services?13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?14. Are free trials normally available?15. How can I improve the sound quality?1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for? VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it allows you to place telephone calls over a data network like the Internet. It operates by converting your voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that can then be transmitted over the Internet.
The digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You first hear a dial tone then the call is made. You are also able to place a call directly from your computer using a conventional telephone or microphone. 2. How do I make a VoIP phone call? Making a VoIP phone call is no different from using a regular land line telephone. You pickup the receiver and listen for the dial tone. You can then dial your number as you always have in the past. The call connects to your high-speed Internet connection and travels to your local telephone company’s equipment to a VoIP provider which transport the signal through the Internet to the local provider of the party you are calling. They relay the signal to your parties telephone. As an alternative, you may also place the call using your computer’s hardware and software, entering the number through your keyboard. The signal is then sent through your cable modem to your local telephone carrier. 3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls? Your existing incoming high-speed Internet connection should be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal. In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice.
This is called an SIP phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant. 4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call? There are many different calling available for VoIP. The calling rates and fixed plans will vary from one vendor to another depending on the service you select. Please make sure to read all of the fine print associated with any plan that you choose. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that VoIP can blur the difference between local and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone. This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is an Internet connection to plug in your phone, it doesn’t matter what Internet provider you use, and you can call your local area code from anywhere in the world without paying long distance rates. 5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service? Your calls can be made to any local telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any international number.
