How does VoIP Work?

In examining how VOIP works, we must first define what VoIP means. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol which is a method for taking some analog audio signals and converting them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.

The uses of VoIP are that it can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to place free phone calls. Another interesting fact about VoIP is that there is not just a single way to place a call. There are three common services used today:

  • ATA – the simplest and most common way is through the use of a device called ATA or the analog telephone adaptor. This device will allow you to connect a standard phone into an analog to digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into a digital data for transmission.
  • IP Phones – specialized phones that look exactly like any normal phone with a handset, cradle and buttons. But, instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connectors, it has a RJ-45 Ethernet connector. These IP phones connect directly to your router and possess all necessary hardware and software to handle IP calls.
  • Computer to Computer – This is the simplest way to use VoIP. All you need is software, a microphone, speakers, a soundcard, and a fast and secure Internet connection.

Now that we are acquainted with VoIP, we shall try to answer how it works. As stated before, VoIP is some sort of software or hardware that allows you to make calls via the internet. Many people have used a computer and a microphone to record a voice or other sounds.

This process involves sampling that recorder sound that is heard by the computer at a very high rate and storing the samples into a memory or as a file in the computer.

Voice over Internet protocol works on the same concept with the difference that the audio samples are not stored locally but instead they are sent over the IP network and passed through another computer where it is played.

To understand it deeper, let us take a look into the model of the internet connection of your home. The internet connection of your home passes a set of languages that can be shared over and can be understood by the computer in your office unit which is your Internet Protocol. That very Internet connection is shared to multiple computers or devices through a router or a combined modem router.

If you’ve used Skype before then you’ll know that you can use software on your computer with a Bluetooth VoIP headset or with your computers microphone and make calls around the world. Another way that the Voice over Internet Protocol can work is with the use of a hardware. This hardware is called ATA, as mentioned above, or a VoIP phone adapter.

This voice box connects to your router like any computer and is basically added as a device to your network. Then you take a normal phone and plug it into the voice box and it is then converted into a VoIP business solution. Your VoIP provider would then talk to your phone through the voice box allowing you to make and receive calls over the internet with an internet phone.

Business Hosted VoIP allows your business to be more productive and avoid hassles and expenses of buying and managing your own phone system. As manufacturers or providers of VoIP are the ones responsible in handling the operation and expense of your communication service and bundle all the services are provided into a single monthly bill.

In review, VoIP works like this:

  • With VoIP, analog voice calls are converted into packets of data. The packets travel like any other type of data, such as e-mail, over the public Internet and/or any private Internet Protocol (IP) network.
  • Using a VoIP service, you can call landline or cell phones. You can also call computer-to-computer, with both parties speaking into a computer microphone and listening through computer speakers or headsets.
  • When evaluating, it’s worth noting that you can make or receive calls using landline telephones. All you need is an analog telephone adapter connected to your network. Also, to ensure the best voice quality and security, consider using your VoIP or other communications system on a private IP network.