Voice over IP (VoIP)
Voice over IP (VoIP), or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that enables users to make and receive telephone calls via the Internet. This innovative method facilitates communication using computers, specialized VoIP phones, or traditional handsets equipped with VoIP adapters. VoIP has gained significant popularity among individuals and businesses since its inception in the late 1980s, offering both free and paid service options. The technology works by converting voice into data packets, which are transmitted over Internet connections instead of conventional telephone lines.
While VoIP services can lead to substantial cost savings and additional features such as integrated messaging and fax services, there are notable drawbacks. Users need specific equipment to use VoIP, and service reliability can be affected by power outages, as some VoIP systems lack backup power sources. Additionally, VoIP calls can pose challenges when contacting emergency services, as they may not transmit the caller's location or callback information as traditional phone systems do. Security is also a concern, as conversations can potentially be intercepted if not properly secured. Overall, understanding both the benefits and limitations of VoIP technology is essential for users considering this form of communication.
Voice over IP (VoIP)
Voice over IP (VoIP), which is also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows people to make and receive telephone calls over the Internet. VoIP technology enables people to communicate with computers and sometimes with handset telephones and cellphones. Some VoIP services are free while others cost a fee. VoIP technology has advanced since the 1980s and is now used by numerous individuals and businesses as their main form of telephone service.
How VoIP Works
Experiencing a phone call using VoIP technology is similar to experiencing a call sent through traditional phone lines. Nevertheless, the process of transmitting the call is different from a traditional analog call. A VoIP call can be placed through a personal computer (with VoIP software), through a telephone with a VoIP adapter, or through a special VoIP telephone. A person who wants to make a call dials a phone (just like an analog call) and begins to speak. When the person speaks into the VoIP device, the analog information from the call is then broken into packets of data. That data travels from the computer to the cable modem and to the Internet. The data travels through wires and devices that make up the Internet. The data is then received by the receiver's computer or telephone. In most cases, people can continue to use their computers for other tasks while they use them to make VoIP calls.
People and companies that want to use VoIP technology have to sign up for a VoIP service. Some VoIP services are free, but services that offer a number of different tools usually charge money. Larger companies and organizations can create their own VoIP networks using special equipment.
History of VoIP
In the late in 1980s, Israeli American Alon Cohen helped develop VoIP. He helped found the company VocalTec Inc., which invented the technology that eventually made VoIP possible. Eventually, VocalTec became the first company to offer VoIP. In 2010 VocalTec became a part of the company MagicJack. Other important VoIP services including Microsoft's Skype and Apple's FaceTime became some of the leading providers of VoIP services in the 2010s.
In June 2005, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) put in place the first federal regulations on VoIP technology. The FCC's first regulations ensured that VoIP services placed calls to local 911 emergency centers and provided 911 centers with a customer's callback phone number and, when possible, location information. The FCC made VoIP services inform customers about VoIP technology's limitations in contacting 911. The FCC also regulates VoIP by mandating VoIP services to follow the Local Number Portability (LNP) rules. The FCC requires that VoIP services protect users' calling records from being released. Also, the FCC requires VoIP providers to contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund, which helps give telecommunications services to people with hearing and speech disabilities.
VoIP and Security
Since VoIP services send the data from telephone calls over the Internet, VoIP data must be secured in the same way all data shared over the Internet should be protected. If the data is not sufficiently secured by the VoIP system, hackers could potentially eavesdrop on the conversation. Also, hackers could access VoIP address books and contact the people on those lists. Another potential security risk with VoIP comes from malware, or digital viruses. If a person's computer is infected with malware, the quality of the VoIP from that machine will likely be diminished, possibly making it impossible to place calls. People who sign up for VoIP services should verify that the services they choose have adequate security systems in place. People should also pay attention to any communication from their VoIP service to make sure they know about any possible security issues as quickly as possible.
Benefits and Drawbacks of VoIP
People who use VoIP can expect some benefits and some drawbacks. One of the biggest benefits of using VoIP technology is the potential financial savings. Since VoIP uses data networks, rather than telephone company lines, people who use VoIP do not have to pay for standard telephone service. Another advantage is that some VoIP services offer more than just the ability to place phone calls. For example, some VoIP services send faxes, e-mails, and voicemails all to the same inbox, which can help people and businesses better organize their communications.
VoIP technology also has some potential drawbacks. People who want to use VoIP must have certain equipment. Most VoIP services work on computers. People can sometimes also use special VoIP telephones or phones that have special VoIP adapters. Furthermore, some VoIP services may be unavailable when electrical power fails. Although some sources have backup power sources, others do not. Also, some VoIP providers do not offer white pages or directory assistance. This can be a disadvantage if a person or company relies on these services.
One other disadvantage of VoIP is that 911 treats calls from VoIP services differently than other types of calls these centers receive. At times, VoIP calls might not send callback and location information to 911 operators. Furthermore, sometimes 911 calls made from VoIP technology can call administrative numbers instead of emergency operator telephone numbers. As of December 2022, VoIP services and the FCC were still working to fix these potential problems.
Bibliography
"History Lesson: Who Invented VoIP?" Broadview Networks. Broadview Networks. 20 March 2014. Web. 29 July 2015. http://www.broadviewnet.com/blog/2014/03/history-lesson-who-invented-voip/
"Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)." FCC. Federal Communications Commission, www.fcc.gov/general/voice-over-internet-protocol-voip. Accessed 30 Dec. 2022.
"Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)." FCC. Federal Communications Commission. Web. 29 July 2015. https://www.fcc.gov/guides/voice-over-internet-protocol-voip
"VoIP and 911 Service." FCC. Federal Communications Commission, 27 Dec. 2019, www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/voip-and-911-service. Accessed 30 Dec. 2022.
"Voice-Over-IP (VOIP)." Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Department of Finance and Personnel, Ireland. Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Department of Finance and Personnel. Web. 29 July 2015. http://www.makeitsecure.org/en/voice-over-ip-voip.html
"What is Voice over IP? The Basics." Cisco. Cisco. Web. 29 July 2015. http://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/solutions/small‗business/resource‗center/articles/be‗more‗productive/what‗is‗voip/index.html
"What is VoIP and What Can it Do for Your Business?" Cisco. Cisco. Web. 29 July 2015. http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/unified-communications/networking‗solutions‗products‗genericcontent0900aecd804f00ce.html