Types of VoIP Systems

What are the different types of VoIP systems?
There are two major types of VoIP systems. A "soft phone" is merely a piece of software that runs on your PC. You communicate through a microphone attached to your computer, and listen through headphones or computer speakers. The other type of VoIP is more like what you're used to when you make a call. You can use a standard telephone, or a special phone called an IP phone. Either one is hooked up to your broadband connection. You don't even have to have a computer to take advantage of this service.

There are several different soft phones available, many of which are offered as freeware. In general, the freeware versions allow you to talk only with other people who have the same software on their computers. Instead of connecting through a regular phone number, you select who you want to talk to from a drop-down list on your computer screen, or enter in the IP number of their computer. You will still need a broadband connection, even if you choose to only use a freeware soft phone. Although it is possible to talk using a dial-up connection, the voice connection will be very poor quality, with a choppy tone and significant distortion. Some soft phones offer the ability to call other recipients on their regular phones, although this is a fee-based system and you pay by the minute. If you are using a softphone with your computer, you will get better call quality by using a special VoIP headset instead of relying on your computer's speakers and microphone.

The PC-based softphone is quite easy to use, and installation is much simpler since you don't need to add any extra hardware. The interface is quite simple, and in most cases, looks just like a telephone keypad on your computer screen.

In a corporate environment, you can have a VoIP system for your entire office. Many VoIP carriers are targeting small offices with plans that offer multiple extensions; larger offices may easily deploy an IP PBX. Some carriers offer hosted IP PBX solutions with some excellent features that even the biggest companies deploying conventional PBXs can't match.

Part of the IP PBX solution is the ability to connect multiple phones, combining telecommuters or branch offices into a single virtual office, each one having an extension of a primary phone number, regardless of their geographic location. Packet8 offers this type of service under its "Virtual Attendant" brand. With more companies working in "virtual" mode, the ability to have multiple sites in different locations all connected with extensions is a tremendous advantage indeed.

Another advantage for business users is the ability to select an area code from any location. You could, for example, have a local San Francisco phone number, even if your office is in Chicago, allowing all of your San Francisco customers to call you using a local number. Most VoIP carriers also offer toll-free lines.

There is, of course, the do-it-yourself option, which requires you to deploy your own VoIP server--not usually recommended for small installations.

VOIP :: Voice Over IP Information

Your Guide to VOIP Telephone Technology and Services