VOIP- ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_over_IP) Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.
A broadband hard phone is a self contained IP telephone that looks just like a conventional phone but instead of a conventional phone jack, it has an Ethernet port through which it communicates directly with a VoIP server, VoIP gateway or another VoIP phone. Since a broadband hard phone communicates directly with a VoIP server, VoIP gateway or another VoIP phone it does not require any personal computer nor any software running on a personal computer to make or receive VoIP phone calls. It can be used independently, all that is required is an internet connection.
A soft phone is an IP telephone in software. It can be installed on a personal computer and function as an IP phone. Soft phones require appropriate audio hardware to be present on the personal computer they run. This can either be a sound card with speakers or earphones and a microphone, or, alternatively a USB phone set. Soft phones are inferior to hard phones but cheaper to obtain, many are available as a free download.
VOIP is also possible to use with mobile phone with significant reduced prices for connections.
What are you thinking about implementation such a possibility as a way of economizing company phone rates?
September 24, 2006 at 6:18 pm
Without VOIP I would get bankrupt sooner than I think. In Poland TP charges too much. If you have friends and family scattered all over a world than VOIP becomes a necessity. Also for enterprices. Can you tell me something more about VOIP that could be used with a mobile?
September 24, 2006 at 9:08 pm
Use VOIP with cellphone is a bit more complicate. you need Wi-Fi phone first, as I know is existing only one Nokia 6136 – which can switch seamlessly between GSM and WLAN networks, thus enabling users to make calls via the Internet.
However you can use PDA with Wi-Fi.
Ok, but what if you haven’t Wireless Internet? To save your money you can use your cell to connect to the internet and later via bluetooth with your PDA and VOIP program.
find some information here:
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=86855
http://www.voiplowdown.com/2006/04/voip_enabled_ce.html
http://www.voiplowdown.com/2006/04/mobile_skype_eq.html
September 25, 2006 at 8:40 am
THANKS A LOT! Sounds a bit complicated…
August 17, 2009 at 11:50 am
Nice introdution to VoIP issues here. Thanks for the post.