There are numerous VoIP devices available so that you can make PC to phone calls using something other than a headset and/or a microphone. There are a range of options obtainable such as USB phones, analog telephone adapters (ATA), and internet protocol (IP) phones.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make cheaper than what you pay for your phone service from your provider. First of all, VoIP uses the internet to make calls so there is no need to pay your phone provider to maintain a telephone line or for phone and line rental. Not only that, but the traditional phone services also charge higher rates for long distance calls, different rates for different parts of the world. In the case of VoIP, calls can be free if the person that you are talking to is using the same VoIP service, and VoIP to phone calls cost considerably less. This gives VoIP a considerable advantage over landlines.
The USB VoIP device is gaining popularity among PC to phone users due to its low cost and ease of use. USB phones mainly consist of an integrated speaker, microphone and keypad and connect to the computer through a USB port. They usually resemble conventional telephone handsets and function nearly the same way making them easy to use. One of the drawbacks is that it is not supported by all PC to phone service providers. Before buying one, check whether a USB phone will be supported. Prices vary according to model and manufacturer but USB phones typically start at around $25.
ATA, or analog telephone adapter, lets you connect your home telephone to your PC and use it for VoIP service. This is done with the device converting analog sound bits into digital data. The main advantage is that you can use your existing telephone sets to make cheap VoIP calls. There are two types of VoIP ATA devices – for dial-up and broadband connections. The broadband analog telephone adapters are for high speed internet users. The dial-up VoIP ATA device has a 56 Kpbs modem built into the design. Broadband ATA can be found for about $65.
Internet Protocol (IP) phones resemble conventional phones and work in a similar way. They are different from conventional analog telephones as the former converts your voice directly into digital data instead of the analog signals produced converting your voice to digital data. Majority of these phones are for high speed internet users as they come with an interface to plug into the modem or router, but there are dial-up IP phones also available. Dial-up IP phones, similar to dial up ATA, come with a 56 Kpbs modem directly into the phone. There are also dual broadband/ dial-up IP phones available which are convenient due to their twofold compatibility.
Comments on this entry are closed.