VOIP white paper

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Telephony )



Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), also known as IP telephony or Internet telephony, is a technology that allows an individual to place a telephone call using a broadband Internet connection rather than the regular or analog phone line.

VoIP services vary. Some only allow VOIP calls to other parties who use the same technology, while other VOIP services allow telephone calls to be placed on any party assigned a telephone number, regardless if it is local, long distance, mobile, or overseas.

VoIP makes possible the transfer of voice over a data network such as the Internet. VOIP uses Voice XML, a computer language for creating voice over user-interfaces particularly for telephone, to convert voice data from one end into a digital signal that is capable of being transferred over the Internet. The same data is then converted back to voice on the receiving end.

A basic VoIP system consists of two ends. On the first one, where the call is placed, a personal computer or a telephone must be in place, respectively, connected to a cable modem or a phone adapter. These last two devices convert the voice signal to a digital format. The data then travels over the Internet, which delivers the message to the second end, with either a personal computer or a telephone for receiver.

Among the major advantages of VOIP over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the current global platform for telephones, is that VoIP services are cheap. VoIP providers often permit long-distance and overseas calls at a flat rate for an unlimited number of hours, for as long as Internet connection between the communicating parties is maintained. The technology also allows telephone conferencing at no additional costs for making calls to other phone lines.

However, despite these advantages, VoIP experiences setbacks on more widespread usage. It is often cited in VOIP white papers that negative public perceptions on VOIP hinder the world’s movement towards VoIP as a global platform. Among the reasons cited by VOIP white papers for the slow spread of VOIP technology are public disbelief over VoIP pricing and features (the too-good-to-be-true-attitude), uncertainties over the security of VOIP calls, network interoperability concerns, and issues involving competition between VoIP providers, cable operators, and carriers. Still, there are VOIP white papers that address the security-related concerns over VOIP.


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