A technological communication breakthrough, the Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) can let you have voice conversations
through a broadband Internet connection or any Internet
Protocol-based network instead of a regular phone.

The other terms for the VoIP are: IP telephony, broadband
telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband or
broadband phone.

There are advantages in choosing to use VoIP over the
standard phone line. You automatically receive phone calls once
you get connected to the Internet, regardless of the network
that you are using. Even during phone conversations, you can
still access the other programs in your computer.

VoIP is also possible during road trips, you just use a
mobile phone that can connect to the Internet. Incoming calls
to your home will be treated as local calls wherever you
connect to the Internet.

VoIP to VoIP calls are usually free of charge, which is a
good advantage. But the VoIP user would be charged if he or she
makes a VoIP to PSTN calls.

Stable Internet connection for VoIP service users is another
advantage. This ensures faster access and delivery of good
quality voice data.

There are other features in the VoIP services that are not available with the traditional
analog phones. These include video conversation, conferencing,
sending or exchanging files parallel to the conversation,
managing your address book and more.

How does VoIP work? Through the VoIP service, your voice is
converted to digital signals that pass through the Internet
connection to a destination that you choose. Also, through this
service, you can make calls by a computer or a VoIP phone. In
case the computer is turned off, the standard phone line can be
used to make and receive calls.

An important requirement obviously is that VoIP users should
have a high speed broadband Internet connection.

The VoIP phone is plugged directly into the broadband
connection and this can already be used just like any other
traditional phone. But if you want to use your traditional
telephone, you will need to connect it to a VoIP adapter. The
dial tone will then be provided by the service provider.
Remember that you would need the VoIP software and a microphone
when you use the computer to make phone calls.

How does the VoIP system work for long distance or local
calls? You would need an area code that may be different from
the area code of where you reside.

This code would determine whether calls are long distance or
local calls. If the person calling you is outside the area or
the service covered in your VoIP, he will be charged for a long
distance call.

But this could differ, depending upon the terms set by the
VoIP service provider. There are some service providers who
charge a fixed rate for a certain time limit regardless of the
distance between you and who you call.

Who can you call with your VoIP service? This information
would depend on the terms, conditions and services available of
your VoIP service provider.

But you can call anyone who has a telephone or mobile number
and this includes loca or long distance calls. The person you
are calling will no longer need any special device other than
his phone to receive your VoIP call. You can also make
simultaneous calls or conduct video conferences, again,
depending on the terms and service of the VoIP provider.

One disadvantage of VoIP phones is that during power outage,
some services are not available so some VoIP providers provide
backup power. Another disadvantage is that you have be
constantly connected to the Internet to make and receive
calls.

But you can divert the call to an analog phone or mobile
phone if you do not want to miss any incoming calls. You can
also activate your voice mail box so your messages can still be
received even when you can no attend to them.

It is advisable that you choose a VoIP service provider that
offers the directory assistance or white page listings because
not all service providers offer this feature.

Also, check with the provider if they can directly connect
you to the emergency service 911. Nonetheless, calling 911
through your VoIP phone will be treated differently from that
using the traditional phone. But what matters is that you are
able to readily seek help at times that you need it.

Connection to any place around the globe is possible with
the use of a VoIP phone.

Aricle by Jessica Bradbury, you can learn more at her site on business Voip and residential Voip.