INSIGHTS:
- In 1974, the first VoIP was launched for the first time by making use of ARPANET, which is a research network used by the US military
- Initially, it was used for promoting products/services but gradually with the growth of VoIP technology, communicating via calls became free and inexpensive.
- The speed of the first VoIP was 16kb/s and was between the PC of “ Information Sciences Institute” and “the Lincoln Lab” in the US.
- There is a 90% reduction in International calls due to the use of VoIP which encourages businesses to trade globally
- A user doesn’t need to have a mobile phone to access VoIP but one just needs a computer, internet, and audio device to access the same.
Definition of VoIP
The voice-over-internet protocol or VoIP is also called IP Telephony. It is a group and method of technologies used for delivering multimedia sessions and voice communications over the internet or other IP / Internet protocol network.
It allows users to make calls using WebRTC-enabled browsers, VoIP phones, smartphones, or computers. This cloud-based technology is useful for both businesses and consumers. Call recording, voice mail to email, custom caller ID, etc are some features available in VoIP which are not even there in smartphones. Instead of using the wiring of telephone companies, it uses the internet.
All communication technologies are consolidated by VoIP into one unified system, i.e it allows for a number of text, audio, or video-based communication methods. Software and hardware-based are the two types of VoIP equipment.
History of VoIP
In earlier times, VoIP was all about connecting PBX (Private Branch exchanges) using Internet protocols but today, it is the IP Telephony that is used interchangeably. The packet network designs, early development were something that Paul Baran along with other researchers worked in. In 1973, a packet voice form was demonstrated for the first time by Danny Cohen. It was in 1974, the first real-time conversation was successful over ARPANET. For carrying the real-time traffic, UDP was added in 1977.
The 1990’s
- Speak Freely, which was released in the year 1991 was the first application for VoIP.
- Communique, a product for desktop conferencing was launched in 1992
- The credit for the commercial VoIP first generation service in the United States is often given to Insoft
- A VoIP providers requirement was placed by FCC in 1994 to comply with the “Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994”. The VoIP Providers now had to make a contribution to the “Universal Service Fund”
- Radvision, Microsoft, and Intel started standardizing the VoIP system in 1995. A year later H.323 standards for signaling and transmitting voices over the Internet Protocol network were developed by ITU-T.
The 2000’s
- The VoIP providers were imposed by FCC in 2005 for providing the ability of the 911 emergency call. This opened up the VoIP abilities to receive and make calls using the traditional phone network.
- In 2006, the G.729.1 protocol was revealed. The very next year the manufacturers of VoIP devices started their expansion in Asia.
- In 2009, SILK codec was founded which was used in Skype, for voice calls.
- LD-MDCT-based AAC-LD codec was introduced by Apple in 2010 which was employed in FaceTime
Merits of VoIP
VoIP is preferred because of the following advantages:
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Lower Cost
A company despite its size finds a way to save money and cut down on costs. The use of cheap VoIP service is something that can help firms to save a lot and the bill is lower than the regular mobile bills
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Increased accessibility
One of the greatest benefits of using this cloud-based software is that one can make calls globally, despite the location. A decent IP connection is all that is needed for businesses to make calls.
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Complete Portability
A virtual number or a VoIP number can be ported completely,i.e the same number can be used despite the location.
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Higher Scalability
Every entrepreneur wants a phone system that would grow in steps along with their business. By higher scalability, it means one does not have to purchase dedicated lines and expensive hardware, every time their business grows. Instead, VoIP allows the preference to be toggled without the need of buying hardware and dedicated lines.
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Better Voice Quality
The voice is very clear while making calls through VoIP, provided one should have a stable internet connection.
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Supports Multi-tasking
Not only one can make calls through VoIP, but this software allows one to send images, videos, and documents simultaneously while on call.
Demerits of VoIP
Despite the above advantages, here are a few demerits that one must be aware of.
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Call Quality
For making calls through VoIP, one needs a good and reliable Internet Connection. If there is a disruption in the connection, the voice is not clear. So before opting for this, one needs to make sure that the bandwidth of the internet connection is not low.
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Security
One of the major concerns when it comes to using VoIP is security. Similar to other technologies that are internet dependant, there are possible threats with VoIP as well that includes call tampering, spamming, malware and virus attack, etc.
The Functional Process of VoIP
The VoIP converts the user’s voice to a digital signal which travels over the internet. While making a normal call, before reaching the destination, the voice is converted to that of the telephone signal. In other words, this service converts the audio signal of the user’s voice to digital data. Here, the data is sent to one particular user or a group over WiFi or Ethernet with the help of codecs. Codecs are software or hardware-based method that compress and decompress VoIP data in large amounts. The bandwidth requirement is reduced due to the compression but at the same time, it affects the quality of voice.
The process of sending data in VoIP includes breaking the voice into small data packets that are further transmitted to an IP network. The packets are then unencapsulated into audio at the end of the other user’s connection.
To make sure that the voice quality is accepted and prioritize voice traffic, VoIP uses “quality of service/ QoS”. It also uses IP PBX for managing users’ devices, telephone numbers, clients, and features; connection network gateways and provide local survivability or failover in case of a network outage and “session border controllers” for providing network connection, management of call policy, and security.
VoIP Standards & Protocols
Specifically developed codecs or International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standard codecs are typically used by VoIP endpoints.
Cheapest VoIP Business Phone Service
There is much cheap business phone line that is available but some of the best and the cheapest VoIP include the following:
1. Grasshopper
This cheap VoIP service starts at USD 29 per month and has various payment plans available. It is famous for being responsive and having a fast set-up process. It doesn’t charge per user but instead, an extension can be given to the employees. It easily transmits voicemail to email as well as the user does not have to be an expert in technology for using this app.
Despite being one of the cheapest VoIP, it assists customers 24/7 through Twitter, chat, email, or phone. It is available for both computers as well as mobile phones.
2. Phone.com
Phine.com is preferred by many because it is the cheapest VoIP and the price drops further when a payment is made annually. It starts at USD 7.20 per user when subscribing to it for 25 users annually. According to the plan, it has a feature that allows one to connect via video to 10-100 employees. If one is not satisfied, they have an option to get the money back within the initial 30 days.
3. DialPad
DialPad is not just a cheap VoIP service but is also scalable that provides integration with every plan. It allows the user to connect and sync contacts with Microsoft 265 and google workplace. It has a 14-day free trial plan as well. The initial price per use is USD 20/ month but if someone has more than 100 users to subscribe they can contact the team directly to get the best quotation.
4. 8×8
Despite the company size, this software is suitable for all as it offers various plans and there are plans specifically for call centers as well. It allows receiving and making calls from 120 countries. It allows conducting customized video conferencing as well. Its X-series plan allows one to make unlimited calls globally and one can save 25 percent on it by opting for the annual plan.
5. Google Voice
Solopreneurs can opt for google Voice as it’s free of cost for them. Most of the companies use products featured by Google these days, so adding a call facility through Google Voice is most convenient for them. All the plans by this software have voicemail transcription with the plans starting at USD 10/per user/per month.
6. Ring Central
This cheap VoIP service is perfect for any firm that has a large number of employees. The standard plan starts at USD 24.99/ per month and there is no limit to the number of users. It is costly if considering for a small number/individuals but definitely a must choose the option for larger firms.
