Not quite so futuristic anymore, is it?

Voice over Internet Protocol, is now extremely well-known to Gen XYZ as VoIP. The short form VoIP is mass-marketed nowadays to target non-techies and the not too tech-savvy phone users as the “Digital Phone,” the “Internet Phone,” and, most recent in popularity, thanks in part to Beyonce and Lady Gaga, the “Video Phone.”

VoIP technology is well in position to fully transform the global communication system. That is no hype. VoIP technology has been around for over a decade and with further advances being made to fine-tune it’s mechanics, VoIP applications are undoubtedly on the way to replacing the traditional telephone system.

It is intended that in a few years time VoIP services will be within the reach of every single person in the planet and will ultimately become a universal lifestyle necessity and a fixture in every ordinary household.

What is VoIP? To appreciate the workings of VoIP, let’s look at it like a navigation tool. It’s tasks are: course-plotting and direction-finding.  It plots the course of your voice signals and transmits them over the internet or your own internal network to find the direction to which it has been specified to connect to.

To illustrate further:  You make a call, your call goes through your VoIP service provider, your VoIP provider then plots the course of your call by translating all the VoIP signals into basic telephone call signals, and then directs your call to the phone number you dialed.

How is VoIP different from the ordinary telephone? In effect, it allows you to make Internet-only phone calls. Calls made through your regular phone go through your local telephone company. With VoIP, the internet is used as the phone line, taking the place of your local telephone company, allowing you to directly make calls either by computer-to-computer, by using an exclusive VoIP phone, or by means of your regular telephone attached to a special VoIP connector. With Wi-Fi capabilities on the increase, VoIP services can now be used wirelessly.

Because VoIP calls do not go through your regular telephone company, it entirely escapes from the costs of an ordinary telephone

They've come a long way, Mr. Bell. Haven't they?

service. All phone communications are treated in the same way as any internet service with no extra charge. This means therefore that, depending on your service provider, you can make no-cost and low cost local, long distance, mobile, or international phone calls to anyone who has a phone number.

What do you need to make VoIP work for you? These are the basic equipment requirements:

• A broadband Internet connection: which can be either a cable modem, DSL or a local area network
• A computer : plus some VoIP software and a computer microphone
• IP phone – There are exclusive phones specifically made for VoIP services which you can plug up directly into your broadband connection and will function just like your regular telephone.
• A VoIP adapter – VoIP services will work with your regular telephone only if it’s connected to a VoIP adapter.
• An outstanding VOIP service provider: There are numerous service providers, such as GlobaLinx, that can supply a variety of premium VoIP service packages. As a guideline, these service packages may contain the following notable features:

1. Free or low-cost local and long distance phone calls
2. Allow you to keep your existing number wherever you move,  however, certain restrictions may apply
3. Special services for no extra charge including: caller ID, call forwarding, three-way calling, call return, call transfer, voicemail, to mention a few
4. Flat monthly rates because you can’t be bothered about fluctuating phone bills
5. Able to provide high-quality voice transmission
6. Reliable customer and technical support
7. Network security controls to safeguard data and identity from virus or hacker attacks
8. Compliant to the requirements and standards set forth by the telecommunications industry

There are yet several disadvantages that VoIP technology is persistently sorting out, but as it has consistently demonstrated over the last decade, that the benefits far outweigh the practical inconveniences and technical weaknesses: standards are now in place for enhanced 911 services, technological developments are aligned to undertake transmission concerns. And the tweaking and fine-tuning is far from over.

For more information or for any purchase on VoIP, please visit Perfect Pitch Marketing Group or contact your 5Linx National Director, Jason Grilli.

5Linx Goes Pro...As Seen in Success From Home Magazine