Voip Software Equipment

VoIP equipment converts voice (analog signal) to data (digital signal) and vice-versa. Your service provider determines the types of calls you can make. It can be to VoIP users only or to VoIP users and regular telephone users as well. The cost for providing these may differ. Equipment for VoIP can be either hardware based or totally software based.

Hardware based VoIP Equipment

In case you want to use your old telephone, you require a converter box called the ATA-Analog Telephone Adaptor. This connects your phone to a broadband modem or router. The advantage with this is your computer does not have to be turned on to make or receive calls.
IP Phone is a phone which incorporates all features required for VoIP. It is a combination of your normal phone and the ATA box.

Software based VoIP Equipment

Software can work only with a computer. VoIP software requires a microphone, speaker and the ability of the computer to process sound (sound card). The disadvantage of this is the computer has to be on to receive calls

VoIP Software

The difference between hardware and software is that the other person should have the same software installed on their computer for it to work. For example Microsoft Net meeting or Skype. Skype is free VoIP software that can be downloaded and is rapidly gaining more users and is able to provide quality in voice. Cashing in on the popularity of Skype many providers are incorporating the specification and protocols so that Skype is using to make PC phone handsets.

The basic hardware required is microphone and headset. Special Pc phones are also available for VoIP services. Software VoIP have a major advantage as the software can be downloaded any where in the world and are not restricted by VoIP service providers equipment. The problem is the quality of voice and connection. Common software in linux based systems is Asterix.

VoIP Hardware

VoIP hardware is actually broader when you look at different enhancements and attachments. It encompasses the following.

Analog Telephone Adaptor

Analog telephone Adaptor is an analog to digital converter. It is included in packages of VoIP providers. You can either buy it or rent it depending on the service provider. In most of the cases the adapter will be locked or password protected to correspond to only one service provider. Therefore you will not be able to use the equipment with other service providers.

PC Telephones

These are handsets as well as headsets. Most are USB plug-and-play technology and do not require a PC sound card. The ringer is built into the handset with Echo cancellation, audio compression and other features. These are marketed along with the USB drivers for the PC phone. These are devices to give you the feel of the regular telephone. It can be used along with MSN, Skype or any other soft phone based voip. Headsets are the usual headphones and microphone combination that can be connected to the sound card. USB based devices are also available for faster processing of audio signals. Some are wireless headset offering you mobility in the office or home.

VoIP Telephones

These phones include the ATA inside the set. They directly are connected to an Ethernet port. They provide additional features that are available to internet mail and message software. Voice mail box feature is one such feature. These can be either single line or multiple lines with voip conference software. Thus audio conferences are possible.

Continue to : Voip Equipment for your Network

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