Making a VoIP call – VoIP equipment
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The previous two
articles examined VoIP using computers. Internet phone calls can also
be made without a computer. A broadband Internet connection is still
required but it doesn’t need to be connected to a computer to take
advantage of VoIP.
This
kind of system works by installing a broadband modem to a telephone or
cable TV line. The modem is attached to a regular telephone with an
Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA). These devices are usually provided free
of charge when you sign up with a VoIP service provider.
The
ATA is connected to the modem and provides the necessary hardware and
software to convert your analog voice signal into compressed digital
data. The person receiving the call does not need any special equipment
and will have no indication that you are not using PSTN (Public
Switched Telephone Network). In fact, in some situations, the signal
may be clearer than with land-based phone lines.
One
of the great advantages of having an ATA is its portability. The ATA is
a small, lightweight device that can be taken with you anywhere. Why
would you want to do this? If you have access to a broadband modem
anywhere in the world, you can simply plug a regular telephone into
your ATA and connect it to the modem. The ATA has a unique
identification number that allows people to call you no matter where in
the world you are. The cost of such a call is the same no matter
whether you are in Hong Kong or Toronto.
If
the idea of carrying around an ATA seems cumbersome, you can buy an IP
phone that combines the phone set and the ATA into one unit. IP phones
are plugged into a modem and can be used to make or receive calls
anywhere in the world.
As
an example, suppose you are based in San Francisco and are travelling
in Asia. Anybody can call your regular San Francisco phone number and
their call will be routed to your IP phone in Hong Kong or Tokyo or
wherever you are. If they are calling from San Francisco there are no
overseas charges involved. Similarly, if you want to call someone in
San Francisco, your call will be treated as a local call.
All
the extra features of VoIP are available with both ATA’s and IP phones.
Call waiting, call forwarding, call display, and conference calls can
all be done with either an ATA or an IP phone. The cost of these
services is usually included in your monthly rate – a substantial
saving over similar services offered by your traditional phone company.
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Eddie Edwards
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