INTERNET TELEPHONY

What is it?

Internet Telephony has a variety of other names which refer to the same type of thing:

• VoIP
• IP Telephony
• Broadband telephony
• Broadband Phone
• Voice Over Broadband

The following diagrams outline:

1. An overview of how VoIP works - for source follow this link: link to source

Advantages

1. automatic routing of incoming calls to Internet phone
2. can receive calls anywhere within the network (i.e. take your Internet phone on a trip and still receive calls)
3. 'free phone numbers for use with VoIP are available in the USA, UK and other countries from organizations such as VoIP User.'
4. 'rather than use PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) the VoIP mechanism allows you to 'talk all the time with every person you want (the needed is that other person is also connected to Internet at the same time), as far as you want (money independent) and, in addition, you can talk with many people at the same time.'

Disadvantages

1. 'some VoIP services do not work during power outages (and service provider may not provide back-up)'
2. 'not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services 9-1-1'
3. 'VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings'