What is VOIP?
VOIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a revolutionary technology that allows you to make calls using your internet broadband connection instead of your regular phone line. It is generally used to make international calls.

Benefits
Cheap International rates: VOIP calls are known to be much cheaper than equivalent services offered by traditional phone companies. A single broadband network is used to carry both voice and data. This substantial cost saving occurs because the technology allows the network to carry several calls in the same amount of space that normally carries a single call in a traditional phone network. Also, the data is compressed allowing more space and thus, lower rates.

Convenience: It is easy to operate using one of two options:
Using a computer to make calls or,
Using a special broadband phone to make calls rather than a computer

Receive Calls anywhere: You can also receive incoming calls on your VOIP phone if you take it along on a trip. All you have to do is to plug it into the network.

Call centre on the move: Call centre agents can work easily from anywhere as long as they have a good Internet connection.

Features
Features of VoIP include:

• Caller ID
• Call Waiting
• Call Transfer
• Call Block
• Call Hold/Music on Hold
• Call Return
• Do not Disturb

There are also advanced call-service options available from some carriers. These features use caller ID information to allow you to make a choice about how calls from a particular number are handled.Advanced features include:

• Call Forward
• Three-way calling
• Find me Follow me
• CUG
• Call Baring
• DID
• Hunting
• Call Pickup

The above mentioned services can either be free as a part of your billing plan or it can even be chargeable as you subscribe to them so it is always better to check with the provider before you subscribe.

Technology
Traditional phone networks use circuit switching to connect calls. When you speak, the circuit is continuously open whether you are talking or not. This wastes a lot of network space and time. When you disconnect, the circuit closes. Nowadays, the system has been digitized so that fibre-optic cables are used (for most of the connection, not all the way) which carry several calls at the same time. Calls are transmitted at a fixed rate per second.

VOIP uses packet switching technology to connect calls. Unlike circuit switching, this network does not waste any space. If you are talking it means that the other person is listening. This is not a full connection. It can be likened to using only half the connection at a given time. Also, dead air time, when nobody is speaking, is not used in the connection. Removing all this from the connection brings down the space used. So signals are sent only when it is needed, that is, when the connection is being used at a given point of time. Hence there is no wastage. Since the data is chopped up into packets, it is called packet-switching.

The voice is converted to data on sending which goes like an email. The packets contain information on where they are to go. Several routers along the way receive and send the packets along until the final one reassembles the packets according to the instructions in it and converts it back to voice.

Limitations
Since VOIP is essentially internet based, it needs a stable source of power. Frequent power cuts will disconnect your internet line.

You may not be able to emergency and dial toll-free services such as 1 800 numbers or other free services.

The Internet connection must be of a reasonable quality and speed for a clear and smooth connection. VOIP being dependant on the broadband line is susceptible to all the limitations of the Internet.

It is also susceptible to computer issues such as processor specifications. Also, the quality of a call may be affected if you are using the computer for an intensive application while on a VOIP call.

System requirements
For Soft Fone you need:
Pentium 500 MHz PC or higher (not available with Macintosh)
Minimum 64 Mb RAM
Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP
Windows-compatible full duplex sound card
Microphone and speakers or head/handset
Internet TCP/IP connection (28.8 bps, SLIP or PPP minimum)
Soft Fone Dialer (click to download - for XP & for Vista)

Dialing options –
ATA - The simplest and most common way is through the use of a device called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). The ATA allows you to use a standard phone to make VoIP calls. The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data for transmission over the Internet. You simply crack the ATA out of the box, plug the cable from your phone (that would normally go in the wall socket) into the ATA, and you're ready to make VoIP calls. Some ATAs may include additional software that is loaded onto the host computer to configure it.

IP Phones - These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a handset, cradle and buttons. But instead of having the standard RJ-11 phone connectors, IP phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. IP phones connect directly to your router/modem and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the VoIP call. Wi-Fi phones allow subscribing callers to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot.

Computer-to-computer - This is certainly the easiest way to use VoIP. All you need is the software, microphone, speakers, a sound card and an Internet connection; preferably a fast one like you would get through a cable or DSL modem.
If you are interested in trying VoIP, then you should check out the free VoIP calling available on our website http://www.youbroadband.in. You should subscribe to the broadband account of YOU Broadband to avail of the free VoIP calling. Once you register for free VoIP calling on http://www.youbroadband.in, you will be able to place free VoIP calls worth Rs. 50/- to any number in the world (Calls destinated outside India).