The Challenge

Companies are constantly looking for ways to fix their complex phone communication expenses while further improving their capacity on call handling. Oftentimes, there are cases wherein companies receive calls more than what their phone trunk lines can handle. Such problem is usually left unattended by companies due to budget constraints.

The Solution

Traditionally, the Public Switched Telephone Network, or the PSTN, supports the operation of telephone calls. PSTN was developed to assist voice communications. However, voice transmissions, which are packet-based, were not initially intended to support voice transmissions. So, to make the transmission of voice over data networks possible, the following things have to be made:

1. The voice signals must first be transformed into data packets.

2. Then, these packets must be able to transmit over the network without or very minimal delay.

3. Finally, the data packets must be converted back into voice signals in the right chronological sequence.

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is one application that can perform all of the above. With the VoIP technology, voice can travel over a data network. The data network receives a voice signal by means of an interconnection linking a data networking device, like a router, and a telephony device, for instance a fax, PABX, or phone. With VoIP, the router is able to translate the voice signals into data packets. To ensure a minimal delay in the transmission to their destination, the data packets are given high priorities. When the packets reach the receiving end, a router which is also using VoIP translates the data packets back into regular voice signals. Then, they are passed into data networking devices, such as PABX's, telephones or the PSTN. Because telephony devices are allowed to communicate with each other through existing data networks, VoIP does not require the installation of another set of transmission lines specifically designed for voice communications.

VoIP does not consume a large portion of bandwidth of a data network. Usually, a conversation occupies only 11 kilobits per second at most. In addition, it is only while the call is ongoing where the network bandwidth is used up. That is why companies utilize their corporate data network to make multimedia applications such as web conferencing.

VoIP Enlarged

The Voice over Internet Protocol may be defined as the process of routing voice signals over IP-based networks or the internet. Other terms which refer to this technology are Broadband Phone, Internet telephony, IP telephony, and Voice over Broadband.

VoIP is termed as the internet's "next best thing". This is because VoIP is popularly growing in demand among consumers and businessmen. Basically, with VoIP, users can get away from the high costs of telephone calls.

Today's VoIP service providers are offering overseas calls for as little as three centavos per minute. This is a very great deal especially for those who have relatives or business partners abroad. This VoIP service is really cheap, but customers do not have to worry about experiencing low quality service. VoIP has been greatly improved over the last few years.

As the telephone companies in the Philippines are troubled by the growing competition with cell phone networks and by the lessening demand for landlines, VoIP is projected to land with good market opportunities. A number of major companies in the country are already developing VoIP locations. It is with a wider VoIP network that the benefits of the technology can be maximized.

However, as it would have been expected, the telephone companies have expressed their persistent opposition against VoIP. Obviously, with VoIP continuously drawing demand from the public, these companies fear the idea of slicing off large bits from their revenues.

The VoIP, however, also entail some drawbacks and implementation challenges. Some of which include the issues of power outage concerns, problems with sending fax communications, reliability and security concerns, and regular reliance upon the use of internet service. But considering the advantages that VoIP has to offer, these drawbacks seem to be minor.

The Voice over Internet Protocol, just like other technologies, undergoes constant development to meet the demands of the customers. Surely, it really is the next big thing. Have your own experience of the VoIP. Don't get yourself lagging behind.

VOIP Articles

VOIP Service Providers