Over the past few decades there has been an enormous wave of new technologies and technological advances. Many people use these technologies everyday and never spare a thought for the time when this product or service did not exist.
What Is VoIP Phone Systems and How It Works
Yes, it is often hard to fathom a time before many of the technologies that we take for granted existed, but regardless we as a society have much to be thankful for.
On the other side of this, however, is an entire group of people that do not yet understand or therefore utilize many of the advances in technology that are currently available.
One such technology is VoIP phone systems. For the remainder of this article you will be learning all about these phone systems, how they work, and how to utilize them.
What exactly is a VoIP phone service system? VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) network. This systems creates pockets of data by converting traditional analog voice into data that can then be transferred via the internet.
These data packets can travel through public internet or private internet IP addresses. VoIP systems can be used to call landlines and cell phones as well make computer-to-computer calls. Simply put, these systems allow users to turn their computer into a phone.
The next question that must be answered regarding VoIP systems is, what equipment is required? This type of phone system is fairly easy to use and does not require a great deal of specialized equipment. The first thing you will need is a high-speed broadband connection.
The Basics of Bookkeeping for Small Business: Key Elements You Must Know to be SuccessfulThis is because your calls are taking place entirely through the internet. Because of this, the more bandwidth you have, the better your call clarity will be. The most reliable type of connection to use is cable or DSL, that is not to say that other types of connections will not work, only that these are the most reliable of the options.
It is vital to have a strong and reliable connection so as to avoid dropped calls and poor quality. There are two options for actually making calls through a VoIP system. You can either use the computer microphone and speakers or you can use a physical phone by utilizing an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA).
Another option is an Internet Protocol (IP) phone. IP phones are often referred to as a VoIP phone because they are so often used with VoIP systems. These phone work exactly like traditional phones, but are even better. They plug in using an Ethernet cable and then they are ready to go.
The next topic of discussion is the benefits of using a VoIP phone system. One of the biggest benefits of using VoIP is the price reduction from traditional phone plans. For example, you can make as many long distance calls as you would like for absolutely no cost.
This is because VoIP systems are able to circumvent phone companies and their service fees. Despite this, many of the major telephone companies are now offering their own VoIP calling plans. Consider, though that there are absolutely no additional fees when you use a VoIP system.
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The only things you need are an internet connection, and a computer with a microphone, speakers, and a sound card. If you have all of these things, you can make as many calls as you would like for no cost other than your monthly internet bill.
Who can use a VoIP system and where is it best utilized? Literally anyone can use and utilize a VoIP phone system, but where is it the most useful? There really is no “right” answer for this questions because this technology has so many potential applications for both individuals and businesses.
However, listed here are some of the ways that VoIP systems are currently being utilized. This is a great way to cut costs if you are trying to save money on your monthly expenses, you can entirely eliminate a monthly phone bill.
This is also a fantastic tool for anyone that is currently working from home and needs to be able to make a lot of calls on a regular basis. Businesses have been utilizing these systems for quite some time.
VoIP allows employees to connect to the phone system from anywhere in the business’ facility that has access to the network.
The last topic of discussion is the downside of VoIP systems. These systems are very dependent on bandwidth, if something causes an interruption or causes the bandwidth to decrease, the system will not be able to work correctly. Another downside to VoIP is its need for continuous power and internet.
Again, if there is an interruption of either, the system will fail. A very big downfall of the VoIP phone systems is its ability to interact with 911 call centers. The 911 centers are designed so as to be able to locate a caller if they cannot speak during the call to give an address.
VoIP systems give the operator an address, but is is always whatever address you used to set the system up. If you have moved or are using the system outside of the location of the address you used, emergency services will not be able to locate you if you are not able to provide an address.
VoIP systems are not in any way difficult to set up or use. They provide users with a free phone service that does not require a great deal of additional equipment and no hidden fees.
These systems are not infallible and have a down side like everything else. Regardless, there are a great many perks to using a VoIP system and they are especially great for businesses.
If you have a small business, this is a great way to get a portable and cost effective phone system up and running in your place of business without the hassle or having to spend an arm and a leg.
If you think a VoIP system is right for you, no matter what setting you are using it in, look into to getting one today. It is a fast and easy process.
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