VoIP Technology: the most popular questions and answers

Introduction
The technology of voice transmission on IP-network (Voice over IP, VoIP) is interesting for many. But what else, because almost every need inexpensive or even completely free calls around the world. Like any new technology, for VoIP there is a lot of questions. For many it remains a "white spot". In this article we will explain what is VoIP and answer the most frequently asked questions.

What is VoIP?
Speaking in simple language, VoIP - a technology that allows voice to negotiate via the Internet. Use VoIP to pay less for Your international calls. For example, a well-known system of Skype, offers calls from anywhere in the world to any other in the average price of just 2 cents per minute. Or many VoIP providers offer unlimited VoIP calling plans to US and Canada.

What is the difference between Device to phone from PC to Phone service?
In the case of device to phone You will use a VoIP telephone or a special adapter, connected to the Internet, but in the case of PC to phone, a special computer program running on a PC or laptop, and so, to make calls You need a computer and Internet access.
You can mak Unlimited calls to India (PC to PC) using Skype.

Is it possible to use the equipment of a VoIP provider to work with others?
Most often it is impossible. Most VoIP-providers from around the world, such as Vonage, AT & T CallVantage and Verizon Voicewing, blocking equipment for use only in its own network. Some providers offer to lease their equipment.
Instead of VoIP, running on the PC, such as Skype and Yahoo Messenger, do not require any special hardware. Anyone can use any number of VoIP services from one computer.

What are the VoIP requirements?
For any VoIP requires a broadband connection to the Internet (Land line, ADSL, etc.), and the faster will be the channel, the better voice quality. Note that for one user to connect at speeds of 256 kbit/s for incoming flow, and 128 kbit/s for outgoing would be sufficient. If multiple users, the channel will expand.
Hardware Requirements are not so rigid, enough virtually any PC purchased in the last two years (or even older). Of course, the requirements may vary for different providers. Naturally, you need a sound input device (microphone) and output (headphones).

Traffic figures
Many VoIP providers are using the codec G.711 with a sampling of 20 milliseconds, while generating a stream of 64 kbps. Here adds headers IP, and the flow increases up to 71.6 kbps. If you connect to the Internet uses a technology Frame-Relay DSL (or cable modem), the flow increases up to 81.6 kbit / s, and if the ATM DSL (a popular option), the flow increases to 106 kbps. Note that this flow is in each direction, in order to hear and to speak (that is outgoing and the incoming stream to the Internet connection).

Milad Mir has worked in communications sector for over 4 years. He is the person behind VoIP Providers A website to compare VoIP Providers and a list of Voice over IP Providers.