INTERNET TELEPHONES

How does it work?

Internet Telephones are specialized input and output devices for receiving and sending voice communication. Typically, these devices connect to the system unit through a

USB port and operate much like a traditional telephone.

Internet telephones or the use of telephones VOIP or “Voice over Internet Protocol” is the technology that allows digitized audio to be transmitted over Intranets and the Internet. Broadband telephone service is a revolutionary new digital voice service that leverages VOIP to combine the power of your phone and your high-speed Internet connection.

For the consumer, broadband telephone service is an inexpensive alternative to traditional telephone communication over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). VOIP covers computer-to-computer, computer-to-telephone, and telephone-based communications.

Who are the leading providers for the said device?

In essence, broadband telephone service is available anywhere that high-speed Internet connectivity is available. In most towns and cities, inexpensive high-speed Internet connectivity is readily available via cable TV and ADSL service providers. In remote locations, high-speed Internet connectivity is available via satellite. VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology can therefore be leveraged anywhere.

Unfortunately, broadband telephone service providers are not yet operating in many regions. It is therefore not possible to obtain telephone numbers in all communities and in all countries.

With that said, the most popular service providers are: Vonage (the leading American service provider), Packet8, Lingo and BroadVoice. Usually, it is also them who takes care of providing the customer with the hardware device for easy configuration.

What is the device used for?

Internet Telephones are specialized input and output devices for receiving and sending voice communication. Typically, these devices connect to the system unit through a USB port and operate much like a traditional telephone. There are three popular approaches and these are:

º Computer-to-Computer communications allow individuals to place free long-distance calls. This application requires that both parties have a computer and that their computers are on and connected to the internet when a call is placed. The required software is available from a variety of sources for free or at very low cost. MSN explorer is one of the most widely used.

º Computer-to-traditional telephone communications allow a user to call almost any traditional telephone from his or her computer. Only the person making the call needs to have a computer connected to the internet. The calling party subscribes to a special Internet phone service provider that supplies the required software and charges a small monthly and/or per minute fee.

º Traditional telephone-to-traditional telephone communications does not require a computer. The calling party subscribes to a special Internet phone service provider that supplies a special hardware adapter that connects a traditional telephone to the internet. The cost for this service is similar to the computer-to-traditional telephone approach.

Are there other possible uses for the device aside from what it is designed for?

There haven’t been any attempts to expand the use of internet telephones but for sure, different types of people make use of it in different ways as can be seen below:

Broadband telephones and VOIP technology (Voice over Internet Protocol) are useful to many different groups including consumers, teenagers, small businesses, large companies and people on the move.

Consumers

Consumers can enjoy monthly residential local phone rates that are half the cost of conventional telephone service. Because long distance phone calls travel over the Internet rather than over the telephone network, long distance calls are also much less expensive. If the consumer has family and friends in another city, the person can further benefit by obtaining a second phone number in that city rather than in the city in where they live. This eliminates long distance charges for calls between the two cities.

Teenagers

Rather than paying for a second land-line phone for a teenager or for expensive cell phone service, a broadband telephone service can be a great alternative. Not only is it a less expensive option, the individual can take the number wherever he/she goes, provided that there is high-speed Internet connection to plug into at that location.

Large and Small Businesses

Businesses that wish to expand into new markets in other cities, states or countries, can establish a virtual presence in the target area by providing telephone support using a local phone number.

Similarly, if a firm’s suppliers are physically located elsewhere (e.g. India, China, Malaysia), communications with the suppliers can be enhanced and costs reduced by acquiring and using a local phone number in the city where the suppliers operate.

People on the Move

The portability of a broadband telephone services allows you to take your local phone number with you wherever you go. If your job involves travel or if you want to spend the winter months in a sun drenched paradise, yet remain active in your business, a broadband telephone service should be considered.

Bibliography

O'Leary, Timothy J., and LindA I. O'Leary. Computing Essentials 2008. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2008.

"Top Seven Questions You Should Ask About Internet Telephones - O'Reilly Media." Technology Books, Tech Conferences, IT Courses, News - O'Reilly Media. Web. 04 Aug. 2009..

"Use of Broadband Telephony and VOIP by Consumers and Businesses to Avoid Telephone Charges." Broadband-Telephones.com - Your Guide to Broadband Telephone Service and Internet Telephony - VOIP. Web. 04 Aug. 2009. .

"What is VOIP Phone Service? - A Guide to Internet Telephony and Broadband Telephone Service." Broadband-Telephones.com - Your Guide to Broadband Telephone Service and Internet Telephony - VOIP. Web. 04 Aug. 2009. .