What Do I Need For VoIP
Internet telephony ranges from computer to computer voice calls right through to connections for large company phone system.
For most people, the most practical way to use VoIP is to connect a standard landline phone to a broadband connection.
To do this, use an analogue telephone adapter (ATA). The ATA takes the phone's analogue signals, converts them to digital data and transmits them over the Internet. Your VoIP provider will be able to recommend an adapter; one might even be part of the package.
Another option, for homes with wireless networks, is to use a VoIP WiFi phone. WiFi phones are becoming more popular because they can be used at home, in the office and even in public, WiFi hotspots. Some VoIP service providers offer pre-configured WiFi phones for maximum ease of use.
Fixed Internet phones work slightly differently. These resemble conventional landline phones but plug straight into an Ethernet socket, so there is no need for an ATA. But you still need to sign up to a VoIP service provider, in order to call landline or mobile users.
Most VoIP services also use "softphones" - a computer-based telephony application -- for computer to computer calling. This can be either a standalone service or as an add-on to a hardware-based VoIP service. Frequent travellers, for example, might use a softphone on the road, but a wired solution at home or in the office.
Several instant messaging services also offer voice calls; a handful also support video calling. Although these services are technically VoIP, by no means all offer the ability to call landline or mobile phones.