How to Make Phone Calls Over the Internet

Posted on September 17th, 2009 by Marck

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Many homes have phone lines and Internet connections. While it has never been a problem for most people to maintain two connections, you can actually make phone calls using the Internet, through a technology called voice-over Internet protocol, or VoIP. If you’re not familiar with VoIP, and if you want to set it up for your home or business, here are ways to help you get to know more about this set of Internet technologies.

How VoIP Works

internet call VoIP is a combination of hardware and software tools that make it possible for people to transmit voice signals over the Internet. VoIP works a lot like traditional phone lines, although it uses the speed and versatility of Internet connections to make calls to other VoIP networks or conventional phone lines.

Conventional phone lines use electromagnetic signals to transmit voice from one telephone to another, using an assembly of switchers and networks. Traditional phone networks are very useful, but the technology used for these communications systems are over a century old. VoIP, on the other hand, uses digital signals that also comply with conventional phone signals.

VoIP Tools and Software

VoIP is a set of technologies that combine and interact together to form a communications system. Here are some of the components of VoIP:

SIP/RTP are protocols used by VoIP to transmit voice signals through the Internet. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is used to begin and end VoIP correspondences, while the Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a format used to deliver VoIP voice signals across the Internet.
Chat and messenger services. Skype is the most popular VoIP tool available on the market today, although voice services are offered by other programs like Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, and iChat
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Analog telephone adapter (ATA) is a router that can be connected to a conventional phone jack from an Internet connection. ATA is usually offered as a service by Internet service providers, and are usually installed for you by the home technician.
VoIP phones. Unlike messenger software, VoIP phones are appliances that quickly and easily connect to an existing Internet connection. VoIP phones are among the easiest ways to install a new phone line to your home or office. You simply connect a VoIP phone to your Internet connection, configure it a bit, and you’re ready to use it as a new phone line.

While the existing technology for VoIP is far from perfect, it is so easy and convenient that you may have second thoughts about maintaining a conventional phone line. With these tools and software to help you get started, VoIP may just be that one important wire to the world you need for your home or office.