VoIP requirements list
VoIP requirements list What do I need in order to use VoIP.
It’s really easy to make a VoIP call either to another VoIP user or to a normal phone.
You need:
An account with a VSP (VoIP Service Provider)
A VoIP client or ATA. This is either a VoIP software client on your computer or a hardware device called an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor).
An Internet connection. Sometimes dial-up is OK, broadband is better.
A headset (earpiece + microphone) connected to the PC or a standard telephone connected to the ATA.
Let’s explain these one by one:
VSP account There are many VSP’s (VoIP Service Providers). We are reviewing some of the top VSP’s on this blog. The account with the VSP gives you access to their server, which is used to set up calls to other VoIP users on the same VSP. With most VSP’s, VoIP calls to other users of the same VSP are free. Most VSP accounts also allow you to make calls to regular telephones on the public network. These calls are not free, but are usually much cheaper than standard telephone calls.
VoIP Client – software or ATA The VoIP client may be software running on your computer. It contacts the server to set up calls. During a call it does the analogue/digital conversion from the speaker’s voice to digital packets and then sends the digital packets through the internet to the receiver of the call. The VoIP Software is obtained from the VSP. Using software on your computer you need a headset connected to the computer, or a microphone and headphone. The software is usually preconfigured for connection to the VSP’s server An ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor) is a hardware device. ATA’s are often sold pre-configured for a particular VSP, ready to connect to their server. These VoIP Adapters connect to the Internet and to a regular phone and enable you to keep using the same old phone, you got at home, for making your calls on the net.
Internet Account To make a VoIP call across the Internet you obviously need an Internet account. If it’s VoIP to VoIP, the recipient also needs an Internet connection. Dial-up accounts are OK for many software VoIP clients.
Headset or Phone If you use Voip software on your computer, then the only hardware you need is a headset with microphone and earpiece. You can also buy a VoIP phone that connects via the USB port to the computer. The benefit of an headset or a USB phone is that you plus it in and are ready to make your calls. The downside of it is that your calls would be directed through your computer and ve effected by other software running on the computer. If you have an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor) you will use a standard telephone handset. The keypad is then used to dial VoIP calls, while you talk (and listen) in the usual way. These calls can be made even when you shut off your computer or even if you do not own one and all you got is an Internet account.
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