How it works

Get ready to change the way you think about long-distance phone calls. VoIP (or Voice over IP), is a method for taking analog audio signals, like the kind you hear when you talk on the phone, and turn them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet. VoIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to place calls for the lowest rates available and even to place free phone calls.

There are three different "flavors" of VoIP service in common use today:

Softphone

This is the easiest way to use VoIP.

All you need is the software, a microphone and speakers (or a headset), a soundcard and an internet connection, preferably a fast one like you would get through a cable or DSL modem.

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ATA

The most common way is through the use of a device called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). The ATA allows you to connect a standard phone to your computer or your Internet connection for use with VoIP.

The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data for transmission over the Internet. You attach the ATA to your cable or DSL connection and plug the cable from your phone that would normally go in the wall socket into the ATA, and you are ready to make VoIP calls.

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IP Phones

These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a handset, cradle and buttons.

But instead of plugging them into your wall phone socket, IP phones have an Ethernet connector. IP phones connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the IP phone call. Latest generation IP phones may even use your WLAN connection to connect to your internet, redefining the cordless phone.

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