| The number of ways in which we communicate with | | | | Equipment Considerations |
| each other by telephone has expanded over the last | | | | Because Voice over Internet Protocol accesses IP |
| decade. Cell phones and other wireless devices have | | | | networks, you'll need to have an internet connection in |
| passed the tipping point as society has adopted them | | | | order to use it. For some types of calls, a broadband |
| into popular culture. Another technology called Voice | | | | connection such as DSL or cable might be required. |
| over Internet Protocol delivers signals through IP | | | | The other equipment you'll need is partly dependent |
| networks. In 2004, the voice over IP industry surged as | | | | upon the provider. Besides the originating device (which |
| phone calls were delivered over broadband internet | | | | can be a regular telephone, VoIP phone, or computer), |
| connections (for example, DSL). Since then, many | | | | you'll likely need a router, especially if you're using a |
| people have begun using the technology without | | | | DSL line. If you intend to make and receive calls on |
| understanding the underlying infrastructure. | | | | your computer, plan to buy either a headset or |
| In this article, we'll provide a brief explanation regarding | | | | handset. |
| how VoIP works. We'll describe how the signal travels | | | | What About 911 Service? |
| from one end of a telephone connection to the other. | | | | Here's the sticking point for a lot of consumers: you're |
| We'll also take a look at the equipment you'll need in | | | | only guaranteed access to the traditional 911 |
| order to use the technology, and an interesting side | | | | emergency service with a landline connection. This is |
| note regarding 911 emergency service. | | | | why many people, even those who prefer voice over |
| Basics Of How The Technology Works | | | | IP, keep their landlines. Having said that, some VoIP |
| At its simplest, when you make a call, the signal is | | | | providers can connect you to 911, but it's far more |
| turned into digital form before being sent over the | | | | common for them to use a VoIP E911 feature. In fact, |
| internet to the recipient. If the person you're calling has | | | | all Voice over Internet Protocol providers that connect |
| a traditional phone, the digital signal is converted back | | | | their customers through the public switched telephone |
| into analog when it reaches its destination. | | | | network (PSTN) are required to make that emergency |
| The call can be made with a VoIP phone, from your | | | | system available for them. |
| computer, or with a traditional phone that connects | | | | While there are a few advantages to using VoIP (i.e., |
| through an analog telephone adapter (ATA) to a jack. | | | | lower-cost international calls, phone number |
| In the event that you're using a regular telephone, the | | | | transportability, etc.), there are also drawbacks. For |
| signal would travel through the ATA into a DSL (or | | | | example, the voice quality and signal dependability can |
| cable) modem. From there, it would travel through the | | | | vary. If you're planning to invest in the technology, |
| IP network before reaching the person you're calling. | | | | consider keeping your landline connection. |