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VoIP uses the Internet for sending and retrieving VoIP data. This makes it vulnerable to hackers. For individuals who use VoIP this may not be a problem, but businesses don’t want their information to leak. For this reason VoIP services are dedicated to making their service as secure as possible.

Hackers may ty to tap your call and retrieve all sorts of information. They can retrieve conversations, but also VoIP phone numbers or user identities. When they retrieve this information, they can use your VoIP to make calls themselves. Some hackers may even record your call and use your voice to make calls.

There are a few ways to avoid these security problems. The first is encryption. Encryption works in the same way as when sending credit card information. The data is sent over a safe connection. Another way of averting security issues is by separating VoIP data and other Internet data by using a so-called VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). The call quality may suffer under these measures. But both methods are an option if calls are to be kept secret.

Viruses sent with VoIP data could also be a risk factor, although this threat hasn’t been seen yet. Viruses don’t only overload the network, but they also reduce the quality of calls.

Another issue is SPIT – Spam over Internet Telephony. Instead of receiving e-mails you receive calls from companies that try to sell you their services and products.

How secure is my VoIP? Certain services maintain security through encryption or the use of a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). There are certain things consumers can do themselves.

A firewall will protect your computer from malicious attacks.
All downloads should also be checked for viruses or other threats.

: Image via Wikipedia

VoIP hardware on the other hand can be unstabilized or shut down if it receives certain types of data.
Certain Internet phones are sensitive to data piracy. For individuals these security issues may not be of importance. But businesses have sensitive conversations over the Internet. They have their own gateways and equipment, which makes them an easy prey for DOS attacks (Denial of Service) and other assailments.

: Image via Wikipedia

VoIP stands out because of its convenience, quality, but also because of its low cost. Not only is the monthly fee lower than PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) but VoIP also offers features without charging for them.

Despite the fact that VoIP is a great service, there are still a few loose bolts. When switching to VoIP from a traditional phone service it may not be possible t o keep your old phone number. The service offers local phone numbers in some areas. Check with VoIP and your current phone company if this service is available in your area.

Certain VoIP services will redirect your 911 calls to emergency call centers close by, if you have registered your address with them in case you need 911. But, once connected to the emergency center the operator will not be able to determine your location if you can’t speak. Especially for elderly people it is advised to either stick to the traditional phone line or to always have a cell phone nearby.

In case of a blackout VoIP comes with a battery backup. Only during long blackouts the batteries will go empty. For these types of situations it is also advised to keep a traditional line or a cell phone.

If you consider these to be minor flaws and you wish to switch over to VoIP, the first thing you need to do is choose a VoIP service provider.

The difference between the many providers out there is their rate for long-distance and overseas calls. So pick a provider that suits your type of calling most. You can also choose to have multiple phone numbers. If you were to have local numbers in different cities, people who call you in those cities will only pay the local tariff. Pick a VoIP service that will keep your costs at a minimum, and ask for a local number.

To use VoIP you need a broadband cable or DSL modem, a router and perhaps an IP phone. You can also get a modem and router in one. To set VoIP up you need to follow two easy steps: Plug the router into the modem and the IP phone into the router. No fuss, no muss.

: Image via Wikipedia

VoIP is an acronym for ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’, which is an ingenious internet protocol which allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet with any individual in the world who also has a VoIP-enabled system. Because of its ease of usage, low cost, and many other benefits, VoIP has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years with businesses and individuals all over the world.

Created in 1995, VoIP was the first computer-to-computer voice connection. This technology was later advanced into Internet Phone Software. It was now possible to talk to other computer users, and all you needed was basic computer hardware and a modem.
The software converted sound into digital data and, in data packets, sent the signal over the Internet. The quality however was inferior to normal telephone lines. But in 1998 phone-to-phone connections through Internet were developed. Using a computer to commence the phonecall, people were able to use a standard phone once the connection was established.

Some of the many VoIP services that are available for personal and business use still rely on computer-to-computer connections. However, they may also offer computer-to- phone and phone-to-phone connections. Internet phones can be plugged into a sound card, USB port, or directly to a broadband DSL or cable modem. Made to resemble traditional phones, some internet telephones even have a number pad.

VoIP: Providing the Voice in Web Conferencing (nmpnetwork.com)

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