The ways that we use telephones these days have drastically changed when we compare how they used to be used in the past. Previously, we were tethered to landlines that stayed in one place and could only be used by one person at a time.
This meant that when you left home, you needed to be able to cope without a phone – something that few people might be able to do today. These days, this is not the case and as technology changes, it allows us more and more options to communicate with each other, including VoIP calls.
If you’re working within a large (or small) business, it’s likely that you’ve come across VoIP calls technology already. For those who are interested in learning more about it, our handy guide of questions and answers will help you to do just that.
What are VoIP Calls?
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, and this technology actually gives people the option of utilizing their broadband to receive and make calls, regardless of where they are.
Utilizing this system, you can actually make calls to just about any computer, including tablets, laptops, smartphones and desktops.
What Do I Need to Make a VoIP Call?
If you want to make a VoIP call, you simply need broadband internet as well as speakers, a microphone and a headset. You will then need to install VoIP software, which includes software such as Skype, and you’ll be able to start communicating.
You need to remember, however, that in order for you to be able to connect to the other person, they will also need the same hardware and software listed above.
How Much Bandwidth Do I Need to Make VoIP Calls?
In order to be able to make these types of calls, you’ll need a sufficient amount of bandwidth. Usually, the professionals suggest you have at least 100kbps, as this will ensure that your voice quality on the calls is sufficient.
Can I Make VoIP Calls on an Analogue Phone?
If you prefer using the old school analogue phones, you might be happy to know that you can actually make VoIP calls using this type of technology, but it does come at a cost. You will need to make sure that you have an analog phone adapter installed on your device, which then connects the phone to your internet or computer.
This device then works to convert voice data to a digital format, which is then sent over the network. What is more, you can also use this technology with cell phones, making it all the more useful.
Where Do I Get an Analog Adapter?
Analog adapters are also called ATAs and these are usually included within a package you will purchase from your provider when you register for the VoIP service.
When you receive it, you’ll need to plug it into the computer or phone line and then proceed to install your VoIP software. Once this has been completed, you should be able to start making calls.
How Does a Computer Make Calls to a Phone?
Your computer will be able to make calls to a phone via a digital signal that will convert the data into voice data. This means that you can actually use your computer to make calls to a phone, as long as you have the right software to do this.
What makes this technology all the more exciting is that you can have different types of users all accessing the system in different ways – some via phones and others via computers. These people can all join in the same call, allowing multi-way communication and ensuring that you never have to be in the same location to have a meeting.
How Do I Find a Great VoIP Package Deal?
These days, so many providers are offering VoIP deals that they are getting much cheaper and this means that you’ll usually be able to negotiate your way to a good deal, as long as you know what you need to do to achieve this. Firstly, you need to make sure that you do some research and see what others are saying about the providers.
You’ll then need to make sure that you compare at least 3 deals to find one that will not only offer you the best possible price, but all the additional features you want too.
