VOIP Demystified

- VoIP- Voice over Internet Protocol.

- TCP / IP- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

- POTS- Plain Old Telephone Service.

- Peer to Peer Applications- programs that create a direct link between two computers.

- VoIP has actully been around since the mid-90's, but the network wasn't able to support it back then.

- Skype:
Simple VoIP software that is installed on your system.
A form of peer to peer software.
Headset microphone required - Logitech Premium USB Headset 350
Free when calling someone else using Skype. There is a charge when dialing a regular telephone line.
Skype offers SkypeOut for calls TO land lines, and SkypeIn for RECEIVING calls for land lines.

- Vonage:
Paid monthly service.
A high-speed internet connection [cable or DSL] is required for any VoIP service, free or paid.
Vonage connection box - Vtech IP8100
- RTX America DuelPhone USB Cordless: allows the use of your traditional land line and VoIP via a single headset.
- Internet Phone Wizard: converts your traditional land line to a VoIP service.

Free when calling someone else using Skype. There is a charge when dialing a regular telephone line.

Skype offers SkypeOut for calls TO land lines, and SkypeIn for RECEIVING calls for land lines.

- With DSL, you're often paying for a phone line too, which means two phone bills when you have VoIP.

- Andy's Famous Food Demo - using Eggs to describe the workings of VoIP.