VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.
VoIP is an acronym in the English language that refers to the expression Voice over Internet Protocol . If we translate the concept into Spanish, we can say that VoIP refers to the voice that is transmitted through the use of the Internet Protocol (generally known as IP for the aforementioned in the English language).
To understand how VoIP works, it is important to know that IP is a standard used on the Internet for data transmission over a packet-switched network. Voice is then converted into a digital signal that is sent and received using an IP network .
Using VoIP technology
VoIP, in short, is a technology that enables voice communications over a digital network. Its most common application is in computers connected to the Internet.
However, we cannot overlook the fact that today VoIP technology can also be used on mobile phones with absolute ease and achieving excellent results.
A person uses VoIP technology when, with a microphone and speakers connected to his or her PC and specific software , he or she can call another person who has similar technological equipment and engage in a conversation over the Internet. The voice of these individuals is encoded and packaged to circulate over the network. In this communication process, the input of information occurs through the microphone connected to the computer , while the output of information is through the speakers or headphones.
Skype is one of the most used programs to take advantage of VoIP technology.
The importance of Skype
There are currently many programs and applications that make use of VoIP technology to enable remote communication between two people. However, perhaps one of the most relevant is Skype , a software that was launched in 2003.
It was created by the Dane Janus Friis and the Swede Niklas Zennström in Estonia and has become a reference point. So much so that many individuals and even companies now use it to communicate with friends, partners, coworkers, family, clients… It is mostly free and that is precisely why it has become so popular.
Advantages and disadvantages of VoIP
The quality of VoIP communications depends on the connection speed and available bandwidth. In some cases, voice may be difficult to hear.
In any case, the advantages that stand out from the technology in question are numerous:
- It represents a significant saving of money compared to other proposals that perform the same function.
- It allows not only two people but many more to participate in a communication. Group "meetings" can be held.
- VoIP devices can be used anywhere in the world.
Among the disadvantages that also stand out in this proposal are:
- There may be failures at some point during communication and this results in interruptions.
- It may happen that communication does not reach one of the two parties well.