The acronym VoIP has been growing
in my awareness for the last several months. I, like most individuals
and companies look forward to the free or low cost world wide phone
service, that voice over the Internet promises.
Before going further in this review let’s make one thing clear. I call
myself the perpetual computer novice, meaning that I use a computer
without understanding the technology that underlies the file structure,
word processing, spreadsheets, drawing and the photo manipulation that
the computer permits. I call for help when things go wrong. This is a
group I think most computer users fall into—so please forgive me if I
sidestep the technical stuff.
Bob Hughes, program manager of IBM’s voice network strategy, explained
that this is the formative time to establish the services we want,
showing how they are structured and priced. IBM feels that if they don’t
take this initiative now VoIP will become whatever the suppliers decide
— offering less at a higher cost and limiting the flexibility and
interoperability we might otherwise enjoy. The world is moving toward
Internet technologies, and IBM is working to ensure that these systems
work together and perform well. All the technical background, though
interesting to the application developer, should be invisible to the end
user. Think of the transition from operator assisted calls in the early
1900’s, to the transition to dialing a series of three letters and four
numbers, then to access numbers, country codes, area codes and 7 digit
numbers to connect to any world wide phone. There is a universe of
circuit switching technology of which we are most blissfully unaware,
hidden behind the system we use every time we pick up a phone.
VoIP is a method for taking analog audio signals, like the kind you hear
when you talk on the phone and turn them into digital data that can be
transmitted over the Internet. By using some of the VoIP software to
make phone calls you are bypassing the phone companies entirely. The
state of VoIP is where the Internet was 10 years ago. In a few years it
may replace traditional phone systems entirely.
Departing from Bob’s presentation, a short Internet searching introduced
me to the following:
Now that we’ve looked at Internet calling in a general sense, let’s look
more closely at the components that make VoIP an improvement over the
traditional phone system.
The Standard Phone System: Circuit Switching
Existing phone systems are driven by circuit switching, a very reliable,
but somewhat inefficient, method for connecting calls. Circuit switching
is a very basic concept that has been used by telephone networks for
more than 100 years. When a call is made between two parties, the
connection is maintained for the duration of the call. Because you are
connecting two points in both directions, the connection is called a
circuit. This is the foundation of the Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN).
VoIP calling:
There are three ways to place a call using VoIP:
• ATA - The simplest and most common way is through the use of a device
called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). The ATA allows you to connect
a standard phone to your computer or your Internet connection for use
with VoIP. The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter. It takes the
analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital
data for transmission over the Internet. Providers like Vonage and AT&T
CallVantage are bundling ATAs free with their service. You simply crack
the ATA out of the box, plug the cable from your phone that would
normally go from the wall socket into the ATA, and you’re ready to make
VoIP calls. Some ATAs may ship with additional software that is loaded
onto the host computer to configure it; but in any case, it is a very
straightforward setup.
• IP Phones—These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a
handset, cradle and buttons. But instead of having the standard RJ-11
phone connectors, IP phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. IP phones
connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software
necessary right onboard to handle the IP call. Soon, Wi-Fi IP phones
will be available, allowing subscribing callers to make VoIP calls from
any Wi-Fi hot spot.
• Computer-to-computer—This is certainly the easiest way to use VoIP.
You don’t even have to pay for long-distance calls. There are several
companies offering free or very low-cost software that you can use for
this type of VoIP. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers,
a sound card and an Internet connection, preferably a fast one like you
would get through a cable or DSL modem. Except for your normal monthly
ISP fee, there is usually no charge for computer-to-computer calls, no
matter the distance.
Try it Yourself
If you’re interested in trying VoIP, then you can check out some of the
free VoIP software available on the Net. You should be able to download
and set it up in about three to five minutes. Get a friend to download
the software, too, and you can start tinkering with VoIP to get a feel
for how it works. Chances are good you are already making VoIP calls any
time you place a long-distance call. Phone companies use VoIP to
streamline their networks. By routing thousands of phone calls through a
circuit switch and into an IP gateway, they can reduce the bandwidth
they’re using for the long haul. Once the call is received by a gateway
on the other side of the connection, it is decompressed, reassembled and
routed to a local circuit switch.
Although it will take some time, be sure that eventually all of the
current circuit-switched networks will be replaced with Internet
packet-switching technology. IP
telephony just makes sense, in terms of both economics and
infrastructure requirements. Even now, data comprises the largest
portion of the information transmitted; voice transmission is just a
small portion of the existing bandwidth. More and more businesses are
installing VoIP systems, and the technology will continue to grow in
popularity as it makes its way into our homes.
The Forrester Research Group predicts that nearly 5 million U.S.
households will have VoIP phone service by the end of 2006. Perhaps the
biggest draws to VoIP for the home users that are making the switch are
price and flexibility.
VoIPgives you the flexibility to make a call from any broadband
connection. Since the IP phones or ATAs broadcast their info over the
Internet, they can be administered by the provider anywhere there is a
connection. So business travelers can take their phones or ATAs with
them on trips and always have access to their home phone.
Another alternative is the softphone. A softphone is client software
that loads the VoIP service onto your desktop or laptop. The Vonage
softphone has an interface on your screen that looks like a traditional
telephone. As long as you have a headset/microphone, you can place calls
from your laptop anywhere in the broadband-connected world.
Price
Most VoIP companies are offering minute-rate plans structured like cell
phone bills for as little as $30 per month. On the higher end, some
offer unlimited plans for $79. With the elimination of unregulated
charges and the suite of free features that are included with these
plans, it can be quite a savings. Most VoIP companies provide the
features that normal phone companies charge extra for when they are
added to your service plan. VoIP includes:
• Caller ID • Call waiting
• Call transfer • Repeat dial
• Return call • 3-way calling
There are also advanced call-filtering options available from some
carriers. These features use caller ID information to allow you to make
a choice about how calls from a particular number are handled. You can:
• Forward the call to a particular number
• Send the call directly to voicemail
• Give caller a busy signal
• Play a “not-in-service” message
• Send caller to a funny rejection hotline
Some VoIP services offer the ability to pick as many as 5 numbers in
different area codes, people in those areas can dial a local number to
reach you. With many VoIP services, you can also check voicemail via the
Web or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or
handheld. Not all VoIP services offer all of the features above. Prices
and services vary, so if you’re interested, it’s best to do a little
shopping. Enjoy the savings now—before the federal regulators and state
taxing authorities wake up to what they’ve been missing.
Now for my disclaimer:
I haven’t tried any VoIP services yet I’ve still to graduate to
broadband. I want to thank Bob Hughes from IBM and Jeff Tyson and Robert
Valdes for their Internet article “How VoIP Works” (http://www.engedi.net/documents/HowVoIPWorks_Feb2005.pdf)
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