Voip Comparison

When the internet was first dreamt up it was only ever used by nerds, however in recent years there has been an invasion of normal people using the internet! People are actually starting to find good uses for the internet! The internet has made communicating with one another much easier, this is especially true with international communication. Although this has been possible for over a hundred years with the telephone the internet makes it much cheaper!

In order to make phone calls over your internet connection you need a few things:

-          HighSpeed Broadband internet

-          VOIP Provider

-          Microphone and speakers or

o        Headset, or

o        Phone

The most common option is just to opt for a USB headset to use with your internet phone service, however you could consider buying a VoIP phone. There are a few different types of VOIP phones which are available, you will find phones that simply plug into your computers USB port, and much more sophisticated standalone wireless phones. USB phones are the most common, however they are pretty restrictive.

USB Phones

These are fairly cheap, much cheaper than headsets and the standalone phones. The cheaper models plug directly into your computer which does mean that you have to sit right in front of your computer in order to use it. You could also buy a wireless USB phone, these work by plugging a receiver into the USB port of your computer, then you are free to locate the actual phone wherever you like.

Wireless Phones

There are also standalone phones which function in exactly the same way as your home phone. Instead of plugging into your phone line these will connect to your router either using a network cable or more commonly your wireless network.. If you are using a USB phone then your computer needs to be on in order to use the phone. This is no huge problem, especially if you are only using the phone for outgoing calls. However if you want to receive calls then a standalone phone may be the way to go.

As these phones connect directly to the router you do not need a computer to use them. You don’t even need to think about how to use them. Pick the phone up and make a call as normal, instead of being routed over your phone lines it will be routed through the internet. If somebody phones you the phone will ring, there’s nothing you have to remember to switch on.

Why bother with a phone when I get a free soft phone?

Yes it’s true that many VOIP providers offer a free piece of software to use your computer as a phone, so you don’t actually need to buy a separate phone, however there are some good reasons why you might want to.

Everybody can use a phone it’s in no way difficult. Using a computer can be extremely complicated and unreliable. These VOIP phones work in the same way as your home phone, plus they always work. They do have slightly different features however that doesn’t mean that it’s difficult to work it out. If you can use a phone then you can certainly use a VOIP phone.

VOIP phones make using the internet to communicate so much easier, just because you’re using the internet it doesn’t mean you want to switch your computer on. When deciding upon the type of phone to purchase you should consider your personal circumstances.