There are several configurations for VoIP , and all require you to have an account with a VoIP Service Provider. Computer to compute:. If you only want to make calls from your PC to another PC (including international destinations) then you can download free software to do this from several providers . Add a telephone headset and/or speakers and a microphone and you are ready to talk to the other person. For computer to computer VoIP we recommend Skype.

While evaluating your service, we will determine the correct bandwidth required for your number of employees and locations. The system will be provisioned and installed to ensure voice quality and the number of users and/or data being transmitted won't have an effect on voice quality. VoIP calls require 90Kb for the first and 64Kb (up and down) for each additional concurrent call. Most ordinary small office routers are capable of handling 5 simultaneous calls.

You must have a high-speed internet connection in order to get VoIP service. For optimal quality, we recommend that you have Cable or DSL service with a minimum 128 Kb up/down speed. Satellite broadband or any service that has significant latency or packet loss is not recommended as it will likely cause jitter and other quality problems. If you are not sure your connection is VoIP capable, there are a number of resources on the internet for testing the quality of your internet connection (e.g.

Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time.

Some VoIP services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. You may also be able to avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.

If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences: Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see www.voip911.gov.

Instead of using traditional land lines to make voice calls, you use a broadband connection to the Internet and thereby by-pass telephone company services AND charges. More about regular phone service versus VOIP. Another big advantage to VOIP is that you receive incoming calls to your VOIP phone no matter where you are in the world. The caller always dials the same number, but you could be in Paris, Montreal, or Timbuktu.