Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – technology that enables one to make and receive phone calls through the Internet instead of using the traditional analog PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) lines.

The primary main advantage of VoIP over PSTN lines is cost (it’s cheaper!) Other advantages of VoIP are as follows: digital features not commonly available on PSTN lines such as voicemail, caller ID, conference, music-on-hold, etc.

The following equipment and services are required for VoIP deployment: High-Speed Broadband connection, IP Phones (Softphones will require PC) or Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs) and VoIP Service Provider (terminate calls).

Dial-up can be used for VoIP when necessary or if it’s the only type of connection available. However, we recommend using broadband since certain VoIP codecs (e.g. G.711) require higher bandwidth.

The answer depends on whether or not you will be using a softphone with your VoIP integration. VoIP does not require any computer to make/receive phone calls (only ATA devices or IP phones). If softphones are used instead of physical phones or ATA devices, then computers are needed.

Yes, VoIP allows web surfing while making and receiving VoIP calls simultaneously. It shares the bandwidth connection with other LAN computers and prioritizes voice.

Making and receiving free VoIP calls can be made possible by signing up with VoIP Service Providers such as Free World Dialup (FWD) that allow unlimited VoIP calling. These providers will sometimes allow making/receiving free VoIP to PSTN calls (and vice versa). In addition, VoIP end user devices such as ATAs and IP phones can be set up to make point-to-point VoIP calls between one another. 

Absolutely! VoIP users can definitely make and receive calls to/from PSTN lines. Any type of calls (e.g. local, long distance, international, etc) are allowed. This requires an account with VoIP Service Providers that provide termination.

Most VoIP Service Providers will allow you to keep your existing PSTN phone number for VoIP. However, you will need to check with the provider since not all of them offer this service. A signed “Letter of Authorization” will be required by the provider when keeping your number. 

It depends on your preference and budget. An ATA will allow you to use analog phones for VoIP. While this might save money, they do not have one touch feature keys (e.g. transfer, hold, etc.). On the other hand, using IP phones will provide more features that are similar to digital phones.

Definitely, VoIP can replace every single phone in your residence. Both ATA devices and IP phones can be used instead of regular analog phones. This setup requires an account with a VoIP provide

VoIP Service Providers (VSPs) are the next generation telcos that provide interconnection between VoIP and PSTN networks. They allow call origination and termination between these two networks.

VoIP Service Providers can be selected based on the services and call plans that they provide. The features they offer can greatly differ based on the price of the calling plan that you choose. Rates vary between providers and their pricing ranges from per minute charges to flat monthly bills. Choosing the right calling plan should be based on your monthly telephony usage and company budget

 IP PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges) are complete phone systems that provide advanced telephony features and services between VoIP and PSTN networks. Common features and services include: call transfer, conference, voicemail, music-on-hold, auto-attendant, and auto call routing.