Internet phones use VoIP technology to send voice over the internet instead of traditional telephone lines. They require broadband internet and a telephony adapter from a VoIP service provider. While they offer cheaper calls, they are dependent on electricity and may have issues with 911 dialing.
An Internet phone looks and acts like a regular phone. However, it does not provide communications over traditional telephone lines. Instead, it connects to the Internet, sending your voice over the World Wide Web. Internet phones work through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, allowing callers to leave traditional landline phones. Instead of requiring standard phone jacks and traditional phone cords, Internet phones require broadband Internet service and a cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem.
Traditional telephones work over the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The PSTN is a private network that provides a telephone connection through standard telephone jacks. For years, this network has been used to get landline service through local phone companies. Today, however, callers have another option. They can bypass both the PSTN and local telephone companies, opting to make calls entirely over the Internet.
To use a VoIP phone, callers must secure services from a VoIP service provider. The VoIP company usually supplies the customer with a telephony adapter. This adapter is a small device used to connect a broadband modem. The purpose of a telephony adapter is to transform electrical telephone pulses into Internet Protocol (IP) packets. IP packets travel across the Internet, allowing callers to participate in regular telephone conversations.
With an Internet phone, using the phone is no different than using a landline; only the network is different. Users can make and receive phone calls normally. VoIP service providers claim that there are no noticeable differences in sound quality. However, you may occasionally experience unstable voice quality, similar to a poor cell phone connection. Usually, this occurs when there is heavy traffic on the network and is only temporary.
One downside to using an internet phone is its dependence on electricity. VoIP phones connect via broadband modems. When the power fails and the modem fails, these phones are unavailable. This can be a major concern in emergency situations. Fortunately, this problem can be eliminated by using a universal power supply (UPS), which allows the phone connection to stay up and running when the power goes out.
Another problem with VoIP phone service is the availability of 911 dialing. Typically, VoIP service companies provide support for 911 calls. However, some services route 911 calls differently than when they are sent via landlines. Also, with some services, the caller’s name and address are not displayed at the 911 call center.
Despite its differences from landline phone technology, many people find VoIP phone a viable and even preferable option. Internet phone service is generally cheaper than landline phone service. The cost is lower for local, long distance and international calls. Internet phone users can even save on taxes. Also, calls to other VoIP phone users, within the same network as the VoIP service, are often made and received free of charge.
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