| > | | | | a second number with a Toronto area code. Now |
| Trying to determine if you should make the | | | | your parents can call a local number to reach you |
| switch to voice over IP? This article can help you | | | | in New York. Now they save on long distance as |
| make the decision. | | | | well. |
| For those of you that don't already know, Voice | | | | Disadvantages of VoIP. |
| Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make | | | | With any new technology there are some down |
| telephone calls using your internet connection. | | | | sides as well. Voice over IP is no exception. With |
| VoIP converts your voice to a digital signal which | | | | some VoIP services 911 calls are not possible. In |
| is sent over the internet to where you made | | | | general this is a small issue, after all how often do |
| your call. The digital signal is converted back to an | | | | you call 911. However, when you need 911 it is |
| analog one when it reaches its destination. This | | | | really important that the service works. |
| allows you to make calls to anyone you want, | | | | VoIP is power dependant. If there is a power |
| regardless if they use VoIP. | | | | outage your VoIP phone will likely not work. |
| Setting Up Your VoIP SystemSetting up your | | | | Although this problem also happens with most |
| VoIP system is simple. To start you need to | | | | regular cordless phones. |
| have a broad band internet connection. If you | | | | If your internet connection has periods of slow |
| choose a company like Vonage for your VoIP | | | | service this will have a negative effect on your |
| service you will need to buy their hardware. It is a | | | | VoIP phone. The result will be calls where your |
| rather inexpensive purchase that is installed like a | | | | voice will be broken up and garbled. |
| router; between your computer and your internet | | | | It is quite likely that you will not be able to access |
| connection. Plug in a standard phone and you are | | | | services you enjoy with your regular phone |
| ready to go. The VoIP phone works the same as | | | | service. Although features like voice mail, call |
| your traditional phone system. | | | | waiting, call forwarding, can be obtained with your |
| What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?The big | | | | VoIP service directory assistance will likely not |
| advantage is cost savings. Since your calls are | | | | work. |
| made over the net there really is no long distance. | | | | You also may not be able to use your current |
| So right away you save on long distance charges. | | | | phone number. If you do not live in a major |
| This is the primary reason why VoIP has become | | | | center it is unlikely that you will be able to simply |
| so popular. | | | | roll your current number over to your VoIP |
| Another advantage to VoIP is that it can allow | | | | service. This is the problem I currently have and is |
| you to disconnect your regular phone line. If you | | | | the last stumbling block before I can go with VoIP. |
| have broadband internet there is no need for you | | | | The only number I can get would be for a city 4 |
| to maintain a telephone line as well. VoIP frees | | | | hours away. The result would be that anyone |
| you from having to have this phone line. More | | | | calling from where I live would have to call long |
| money saved. | | | | distance to phone me. |
| A secondary phone number from a different area | | | | Anytime you have to make a decision to go with |
| code is also a big advantage. With some voice | | | | new technology you have to way the advantages |
| over IP services you can get a second phone | | | | with the disadvantages. If you can live with the |
| number from an area code where you receive a | | | | few disadvantages that voice over IP currently |
| lot of calls form. For example, if your parents live | | | | has you can save a lot of money on your long |
| in Toronto and you live in New York you can get | | | | distance calls. |