VOIP, an abbreviation for ‘Voice Over Internet Protocol’, is a technology that enables users to make and receive phone calls over their internet connection over a conventional phone line. Phone calls made using Voice Over Internet Protocol are far cheaper than those made using standard phone lines, which is one of the main reasons for its recent surge in popularity.

To be able to make and receive calls using VOIP, you would require the correct equipment that is capable of converting your phone call to a digital stream that can be transmitted over the internet. Depending on your requirements this equipment could be very basic and consist of just your computer and a headset or microphone and speakers. For more elaborate hardware-based VOIP, you would require additional equipment, which could include your computer, sound card, Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and a telephone set.

Commonly called a phone adaptor, an Analog Telephone Adaptor is an essential VOIP device that acts as a hardware interface between a digital VOIP line and an analog PSTN telephone system. While an ATA is not necessary if you are using PC-to-PC VOIP, it would be required if you intend subscribing to a VOIP service to be set up either in your office or at home and if you intend using your existing telephone.

A phone set, which makes up the interface between the VOIP service and the user, is an essential piece of VOIP equipment and serves as an output as well as an input device. Depending on your requirements, your choice of phone equipment could include your existing PSTN phone, a VOIP phone or a soft phone.

As with more conventional phone services, a VOIP service provider is necessary for routing your VOIP calls. VOIP service providers differ vastly in their fees as well as the mobility, benefits and support they offer. It is important to check out the features of several VOIP service providers and choose one that best suits your requirements.

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