You may have seen the funny Vonage commercials where some crazy antics go on behind the actor presenting the Vonage story. Vonage is one of a few companies taking VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) mainstream. VoIP has actually been around for awhile, but mostly in the commercial side because of the bandwidth requirements. Now that more home users are on cable modems and DSL connections, the home market is capable of providing the throughput to allow telephone communication through the internet.
So just what is VoIP?
VoIP is a term used in IP telephony for a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using the Internet Protocol (IP). In general, this means sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
VoIP specifically refers to sending voice traffic over an IP (Internet Protocol) network and does not integrate data applications. Voice and data convergence refers to sending both voice and data (such as LAN traffic) over any data network (typically an IP network, frame relay network or ATM network). IP telephony refers to any "telephone" type service carried over IP and includes voice, fax, video and even text messaging. VoIP involves only voice transmission.
H.323 is a standard approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1996 to promote compatibility in videoconference transmissions over IP networks. H.323 was originally promoted as a way to provide consistency in audio, video and data packet transmissions in the event that a local area network (LAN) did not provide guaranteed service quality (QoS). Although it was doubtful at first whether manufacturers would adopt H.323, it is now considered to be the standard for interoperability in audio, video and data transmissions as well as Internet phone and Voice over IP (VoIP) because it addresses call control and management for both point-to-point and multipoint conferences as well as gateway administration of media traffic, bandwidth and user participation.
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard protocol for initiating an interactive user session that involves multimedia elements such as video, voice, chat, gaming and virtual reality. Like HTTP or SMTP, SIP works in the Application layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model. The Application layer is the level responsible for ensuring that communication is possible. SIP can establish multimedia sessions or Internet telephony calls, and modify or terminate them.
H.323 and SIP are often compared and do compete with each other for VoIP services. H.323 has been the early leader in this market so it is very popular, but SIP is arguably becoming the de facto standard for VoIP.
Unfortunately, the biggest challenge to the total adoption of VoIP isn't the complex technology, or the lack of experienced implementers, or even compelling business cases -- it's regulatory hoopla. VoIP is simply illegal in an astonishing number of countries, while the rest are mired in enough red tape to often negate the cost savings.
Former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Michael Powell, strongly argues that new communications technologies should not be subjected to federal and state regulations. However, there is staunch opposition from several states to regulate VoIP as a traditional telephone service, a move that many fear would stifle its potential.
Interested in VoIP
There are many vendors that provide VoIP. Too numerous to mention, in fact. But if you do some homework, you can find a reliable one. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Be careful and read the fine print about E911 service. Since VoIP service is internet based (and the device itself can be plugged into any highspeed internet connection), the VoIP provider does not necessarily know where you are plugged in at.
- VoIP requires a power supply and a connection to the internet typically through DSL or cable modem. If any of these devices do not function (due to power outage or otherwise), you cannot make a call out.
- If a problem exists outside of your home but affects the connection to the internet (like when your cable modem is working, but the cable company has a problem), this too will prevent you from getting calls.
Aside from these considerations, VoIP may be a great option for you. Most plans without e911 start around $24.95 a month and include unlimited local and long distance in the US, caller ID, call waiting, three way calling, voice mail, and additional numbers. Plus most of the time you can get number portability which allows you to keep your existing phone number.
Example of its usefulness and cost savings
Say you have relatives you call who live in a different area code and you like to call them frequently. You can get a VoIP device with their area code and exchange, plug it in at your home, and the call to them is considered local from both directions. Potentially a huge cost savings.
The best advice: Do your homework. Compare plans. Ask friends who have the service how they like it.
Portions of this were gathered from HERE.
