Tech Tips - Internet Voice Technology (VoIP)

Tech Tips - Internet Voice Technology (VoIP): "A Look at Internet Voice Technology (VoIP) for Residential
Looking Back
Remember back about 10 years ago when the Video Phone and Internet Phone were introduced to the commercial market? Perhaps you were one of those who tried it and found yourself disappointed. The audio seemed only to work well when set to simplex, which is like a 2-way radio where only one person can speak at a time, instead of full-duplex, which is more like a regular phone.
Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, was a little ahead of its time with limits to the capabilities. For instance, not only could you talk only to people who had the same software, but they also had to be logged in or connected to the internet in order to call them.
Today's Technology
Over the years, the technology has made remarkable progress. Telephony�s improved data compression rate, better sound quality, and the availability of residential broadband has given consumers more affordable solutions with even more features than you might have currently. Today, there are a number of available service providers with most offering the equipment for free along with pricing packages that can reduce your phone bills by up to 50% or more.
How It Works
Internet Voice, commonly known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), uses your broadband Internet connection to make and receive phone calls instead of your regular phone line. It works by converting your phone calls to data packets and sends the information over your Internet connection, like email, and is received on the other end just like a regular phone call.

Source: Vonage.com
What's the advantage? Using your Internet connection instead of your phone line is less expensive. You can call anywhere, anytime for less and still get features like Call "