What is Internet Telephony or VoIP?

VoIP, or Internet Telephony is a way of using the internet to communicate with another person as though you were talking through the telephone system. The sound quality is not always as good as the telephone, but it is a very inexpensive way to make international or long distance calls. With the growth in popularity of VoIP service, the sound quality has enjoyed vast improvement since the beginning.

There are four main types of internet telephony:

1. Computer to computer - Both parties are connected to the internet. Each listens through speakers or headphones, and speaks into a microphone, connected to the sound card in his or her computer. All it costs is the cost of your online time.

2. Computer to telephone - A person connected to the internet uses particular software to connect to a site in the US. Through that site a call is placed for the US telephone system to an ordinary telephone anywhere in the world.

The telephone call is paid for by a pre-purchased debit card. The person connected to the internet listens through speakers or headphones, and speaks into a microphone, which is connected to his or her computer's sound card. For the other person, the call is like an ordinary telephone call.

3. Telephone call to a special local number. - A person uses an ordinary telephone to the signal which is then converted and transmitted across the internet to the country of destination. There the call is connected to the local telephone system. The recipient receives the call on his or her ordinary telephone. The provider charges a fee.

4. Broadband Phone - Using DSL or a Cable connection as one of the endpoints of a VoIP call.

And there you have the basics of Internet Telephony.

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