How to make Cheap or Free VoIP international phone calls? You may have heard what VoIP is; it stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP phone call sounds and feels the same as traditional PSTN phone call. It is now possible to make cheap or even free local and long distance VoIP calls.
How VoIP calls works?
When you place a VoIP call your voice is converted into data packets which are routed through network of routers, switches and computers, when data packet stream reaches the destination it is then again converted into plain voice. That is how you a VoIP call is transmitted over IP networks.
How to place a Free VoIP call?
There are several methods to place a free VoIP call using certain technologies. Such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), SIP protocol is widely used by VoIP providers. You can use a computer or a simple VoIP device or an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) to place a free VoIP call. You will need to register your VoIP device with a SIP service provider, there are number of freely available sip proxy in the market.
What features are available by using VoIP service?
All the features which are normally available on normal PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Network) line including advance features can be utilized in VoIP technology. Following is a standard list of features available.
Call waiting Three-way calling Call forwarding 69 (find out who last called you) 67 (block your number from caller ID) Repeat dialing (keeps trying a busy number) Call Recording Call Conference Video Call Conference
Can I use VoIP on Dialup internet connection?
The answer is yes, standard dialup connection is capable of providing 56kbps of data throughput, you can use G.723 codec which only utilizes 6 Kbps of bandwidth for crystal clear VoIP call, otherwise you can use G.729a/b/c codec which only utilizes 8 Kbps of bandwidth for crystal clear VoIP call. However Dialup internet connection for VoIP use is not recommended. Please be aware if you using any other wide band codec such as G.711a/u, Speex or GSM, the VoIP call quality will be degraded and highly not recommended.
Can I use VoIP on Wireless internet connection?
For a good quality VoIP call a minimum of 400 Milliseconds round trip latency is required, some wireless internet service providers latency is more than 600 milliseconds. If your wireless internet service provider’s network latency is less than 400ms then certainly you can use VoIP on wireless internet connection. But it is highly recommended that you use stable fixed line internet connection for high quality VoIP call.
Can I use FAX over VoIP?
The answer is yes you can attach your fax machine with VoIP ATA, but make sure that your service provider support T.38 / T.39 FAX protocols over SIP or IAX technologies.
Can I use VoIP line with Dialup Modem?
If you are using G.711 or any other wideband VoIP codec with less than 200ms latency then you can use VoIP line with Dialup Modem.
Can I send SMS through VoIP?
The answer is no, you cannot send Short Text Message (SMS) by using VoIP. However, there are quite a few companies online which lets you send SMS message by using internet.
Can I transfer my existing telephone number to VoIP line?
It depends where you are located, most companies in Europe and US will let you port your number to any service provider.
Can I use both PSTN and VoIP lines in single device?
Yes you can use both PSTN and VoIP lines in a single device, there are quite a few VoIP devices available in the market which lets you use both technologies.
Can I use my mobile phone to place VoIP calls?
Mobile phones are minimum computers and they contain same infrastructure as computers do, some mobile phones are equipped with SIP dialer or VoIP SIP clients which can be used to place mobile VoIP phone calls.
Can I call someone who does not have VoIP?
Yes you can call any number in the world, almost all VoIP providers will let you place a PSTN call for little charge.
Can I place 911 calls using VoIP?
Although 911 calls made via VoIP are unreliable. Also, emergency services will not be able to track your location, as when you are using a regular phone. If you decide to replace your phone line with VoIP, consider using your cellular phone instead of your VoIP to call 911.
Do I have use a computer to place VoIP phone call?
It is not necessary to use a computer to place a VoIP call. Consider buying a VoIP device rather than using a computer to make and receive VoIP calls.
Why should I switch to VoIP?
VoIP technology is considerably costs less than traditional PSTN technologies, you can make and receive free phone calls and it definitely provides hundreds of more features than a traditional PSTN line.
Imran Khan is author related to following websites and he writes passionately on various telecommunication topcis.
http://www.voipbazar.com
http://www.voipbazar.com/shop/index.php
http://www.voipbazar.com/shop/index.php/mobile
http://www.voipbazar.com/forum
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