Voice over internet protocol (VoIP), also called IP technology, is a technology that helps convert sounds into digital signals, making it possible for calls to be made directly from computers, VoIP phones, and other devices that use data. VoIP was started around 1995 to save on the charges used on long-distance and international calls. It was developed by Vocal Tec company, which created the first data-driven phones for the masses. Through these phones, a person could successfully call another one by the use of the same software.
A VoIP works by first taking in the analog voice, converting it into a digital signal, and then sending it as data through a person’s broadband line. This indicates that depending on the setup used, a person may not pay for the phone calls based on the distance between them and the receiver, the country they are calling to or from, or how much time they have spent on the phone call (Safoine et al., 2018). The VoIP system could be a phone with a VoIP adapter, a computer, or a smartphone. When using VoIP, different types of equipment are required depending on the method of VoIP available. The most important thing that is necessary is a broadband connection such as fiber optics. An individual can talk as much as they want by utilizing unlimited fiber optics.
The main advantage of using VoIP is that it is cheaper than other landlines; this is especially when calling overseas (Safoine et al., 2018). It also provides clear sounds when connected to a high-speed fiber-optic line. The main letdown of the VoIP is that they are of low-quality calls when connected to slow internet. VoIP does not provide some features, which are always available in other landline phones, such as voicemail and call waiting.
Reference
Safoine, R., Mounir, S., & Farchi, A. (2018). Comparative study on DOS attacks detection techniques in SIP-based VOIP networks. 2018 6th International Conference on Multimedia Computing and Systems (ICMCS). IEEE.