Voice Over Internet Protocol is a special type of communication protocol for transmission and reception of voice and multimedia signals through the internet protocol networks. This technology is also known as Internet Telephony, Voice Over Broadband, IP Telephony, Broadband Telephony. In VoIP, voice, fax, multimedia and voice messaging applications are transmitted and received over through internet. For smooth communication over VoIP, efficient network support is must.

The process of VoIP communication begins with making a VoIP telephone call. The first step in making a VoIP telephone call is setting up media channel. Then analog voice signal digitization, encoding, packetization and transmission follow. The same steps are carried out in the reverse order on the receiving side. The entire process is carried out by different types of computers and modems. So proper IT support is prerequisite for setting up VoIP communication. It ensures that computers and modems function properly.

Special session protocols are used by VoIP systems to control the setup. Audio CODECs are used for encoding speech. Various types of CODECs are used for different implementations of VoIP. In some implementations narrow band CODECs are used while in some other high fidelity stereo CODECs are preferred. Maintaining CODECs in good health is the responsibility of network support provider.

Generally 3 types of VoIP tools are popular in the market. Those 3 VoIP tools are Hosted VoIP, Home VoIP, Hybrid VoIP. As the name suggests Hosted VoIP is meant for business organizations while Home VoIP tool has been designed for home users. Hybrid VoIP tool has been designed for the organizations which want to continue with existing non-VoIP phone systems but also want to reap the benefits of VoIP.

VoIP could be implemented using various technologies, such as IP Multimedia Subsystem, Media Gateway Control Protocol, Session Initiation Protocol, Real Time Transport Protocol, Session Description Protocol.

VoIP has gone through lot of modifications for marketing purposes. It now employs broadband internet access, using which the subscribers can make and receive calls. VoIP service providers now support both inbound and outbound services with direct inbound dialing. Obviously a strong network support should be in place to provide that kind of service. Many service providers proffer unlimited local calling for a flat subscription fee.

To avail of the VoIP service, a VoIP device should be connected to the network of a VoIP service provider. This could be done in several ways. The first way of doing this is to connect a dedicated VoIP phone to the IP network using Ethernet card or wireless Wi-Fi. Another way is to use an analog telephone adapter which links to the network using special hardware and firmware. The third and last way is to employ a softphone. Softphone is an application software installed on a network computer with microphone and speaker. To install Softphone on a computer, the help of an IT support provider could be taken.

The VoIP service is economically feasible for common users because it cuts down the infrastructure and communication costs drastically. Separate voice and data networks are not required for VoIP service. One network could be utilized for both purposes. Caller ID, conference calling, call forwarding and automatic redialing features come with no extra cost.

Daniel Hughes, 31, is one of the most heralded technical writers of PC Care n Cure. He hails from Toronto, Canada. His educational qualifications include a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His sublime articles have quenched the thirst of millions of knowledge seekers.