What You Need To Know About Your VOIP Number
Voice over Internet Protocol (VIP) is simply the modernized version of the older and more familiar ordinary telephone service. With the same digits as conventional telephone numbers, a VoIP address can also be utilized just like any other regular number. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and enables voice communication to take place over the Internet, rather than through the public phone networks. The VoIP numbers follow the usual format of an extension number followed by a series of digits. The most common VoIP numbers are numbers that begin with zero.
As described, VoIP works exactly like a conventional telephone system. The VoIP call is placed through the same telephone number that is being used. Rather than having the call answered by a human being, the VoIP system allows the user to speak into an attached microphone or speaker and then have the sound converted back into data that can be sent over the internet protocol. In a basic setting, this system offers three services: video and voice. Many businesses will provide extra features with their VoIP phone system in order to enhance business communications. For example, a video conference might be offered as a feature.
With a normal telephone network, there is generally only one path that calls can take from a caller to a destination and back. However, an IP phone system can incorporate two or more connections. One connection can go directly from the internet to the IP phone. The other connection can be a regular telephone line that goes from the IP phone to a regular telephone. These are the two types of connections available for voip phones.
Because an IP phone system can incorporate so many connections, it provides greater location flexibility. Many VOIP services offer locations across the country, and can route calls based on the users’ location. This allows users to reach people who may not be physically in the office but can access the VOIP system through their laptops, cellular phones, and other portable devices. This feature is particularly useful for employees whose locations might vary from day to day. It also makes it easier for callers to reach someone at any time, rather than having to wait for a regular phone number, and get the location.
Another way that VOIP technology improves location flexibility is with call quality. One way that this is achieved is through what is known as Local Area Network (LAN). A Local Area Network (LAN) links two or more computers via a private network. Rather than having multiple connections to the public internet, there are only two connections necessary to make phone calls. This has significant benefits in terms of call quality, as well as greatly improving the likelihood of being able to receive and make quality calls even when in a location that does not have adequate broadband internet or a wired telephone line.
One aspect of VOIP that is often overlooked is the effect it has on the way that traditional telephone systems are used. In short most VOIP phones do not utilize the same telephone line that is connected to a traditional phone line. Instead, the VOIP system uses a unique number called an IP number. This number is internally represented by a unique number within the VOIP system and is then attached to the characteristics of the microphone, speakers, or headphones that are being used with the VOIP system.
This brings us to one of the largest disadvantages of the VOIP system: the fact that it uses a distinct number for each characteristic. If a business has a large number of employees that use the same phone system, and all of those employees use VOIP phones, then the number they use will conflict with each other. In the worst case scenario, if the network goes down, the communication between the different devices will stop. In addition, businesses may be hesitant to use a VOIP network if their phones are not already set up with the necessary numbers. For instance, if an employee’s smartphone does not support VOIP, the business may find it difficult to send emails to employees, place voice calls, or even conduct interviews over VOIP.
While there are a number of reasons that companies may choose to go with VOIP instead of traditional phone service (or even cable TV), one of the major disadvantages of VOIP is that it works only in a specific area code or region. When an Internet user tries to make a call from an area code other than the one he or she dials, the call will automatically be directed to the wrong party (which can result in a long hold or busy signal). Additionally, when an Internet user tries to make a call from an area code that is outside the area that the phone company has selected, then the call will be directed to the ‘bell’ area code – this means the call will be answered but no one will be able to answer the call due to the IP number that is used for the call. Therefore, while the VOIP network may look like it is available everywhere, it may not be widely available anywhere.
