How VoIP / Internet Voice Works
VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless "hot spots" in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is required. Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. If you use your computer, you will need some software and an inexpensive microphone. Special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate largely like a traditional telephone. If you use a telephone with a VoIP adapter, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone.
VOIP Calling can be accomplished in 3 different ways:
1. ATA / Analog Telephone Adaptor - The most common method for VoIP, it allows to users to connect an ordinary telephone to computer or Internet connection, using an Ethernet jack, and an RJ-11 phone jack.
2. IP Phones - Enterprise IP phones are desktop phones that supply abundantly featured, low-cost telephony services by leveraging a data networking infrastructure (LAN).
3. Computer-to-computer – A phone that works through your computer. In order to use one, special software, a microphone, speakers and a sound card are required.
Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wire line telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
How does VoIP work?
VOIP converts the voice signal from the telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. This digital signal again gets converted to voice signal at the other end.
Advantages of VOIP
It is digital and offers features not available with a traditional phone.
Savings from not needing a traditional phone line.
Costs are typically much less, for local and long distance calls.
Call center agents using VoIP phones can easily work from home, on the road, or elsewhere as long as a strong internet connection is present
Disadvantages of VOIP
VOIP services can be susceptible to power outages.
The call center’s phone system will be dependant on PCs, meaning, it may be impacted by slow processor speeds.
VOIP and the computers they operate on are vulnerable to viruses and hackers
Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see www.VoIP911.gov.
VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
What are VoIP Predictive Dialers?
A VoIP predictive dialer solution provides clients with enhanced call center efficiency. Predictive Dialers use modern technology, the latest call center software, and computer telephony integration. Predictive dialing automates the outbound dialing process to successfully manage calls with little or no manual intervention.
Benefits of the VoIP predictive dialer include:
Auto-dialing to customers
Auto-Scanning Voice Mail system
Numerous campaigns can be run at the same time.
Auto-Transfer calls between agents
Call Logging, recording and management
