Difference Between VoIP Digital Phone Service and Traditional Telephone Service

Difference Between VoIP Digital Phone Service and Traditional Telephone Service

Traditional telephones consist of a phone that is connected to a land line. This form of communication is vulnerable to interference and delivery is much slower. Fortunately, advancements in technology have revolutionized they way we now communicate. The arrival of the Internet changed the way we converse. An important advancement in the communication industry is the development of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Digital Phone Service.

In Digital VoIP, sound is changed to digital information and sent through the internet, and then changed back to its original form by way of digital reproduction. This means that you can make a call using your digital service through the internet. The high speed data transmission is the most advanced form of communication and is provided by Digital VoIP providers.

How VoIP / Internet Voice Works

VoIP services transform your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. VoIP allows people to make a call from a computer, a VoIP phone, or a traditional phone linked to a VoIP adapter. As well, wireless set ups in areas like a coffee shop or business establishment, permit users to link to the Internet and use a VoIP wireless service.

Advantages of VoIP over Traditional Phone Services

Digital VoIP phone services deliver clearer and faster voice quality than traditional phone services because there will not be any sound interference. As well, VoIP companies provide additional services that cannot be provided by traditional phone services. This can include: video and audio conferencing, 3 way calling, call waiting, caller ID and other services. As well, the cost of a VoIP phone services are much cheaper than traditional phone services, particularly long distance calls. For businesses, services can include web and video conferencing, calls directed to an Automated Attendant, screening where calls are directed, block certain phone numbers, or place them on virtual ring. As well, employees have the capability of holding virtual conferences.

When it comes to the price of International phone calls, traditional phone services are much higher than VoIP. Traditional long distance phone charges are usually taxed. Because VoIP is carried over the internet, taxes are very low. The cost of having a traditional phone line is much higher than having a VoIP phone line.

VoIP Phone Service Requirements

VoIP Digital Phone Service requires a high speed Internet service. A cable modem or high speed system such as DSL or a local area network can be used. You will also need a computer, adaptor, a phone suitable for VoIP, and VoIP phone plugs. Some providers can accommodate a traditional phone attached to a VoIP adapter. Special software and a microphone are required when using a computer.

Advancements in phone technology seem to be making traditional phone services much less relevant in today’s high speed world. Keeping up with technological advancements can seem like a difficult task. Customers are always pleased to learn how easy it is to switch to a VoIP phone service. When choosing a VoIP service, it is important to shop around so you can get the most services at the best price. Resources such as VoipReview.org are a great way to compare both business and residential VoIP phone services.

Question by Vincent: How to make fax machine work after switched from hardline phone to a VOIP phone service?
After I switched from AT&T hardline phone (PSTN) to iTalkBB Internet phone (VOIP) service, my same voice phone works just fine while my same fax machine does not. My Internet Service Provider (ISP) is Road Runner – a Time Warner Cable division. They give me a Motorola cable modem with one Ethernet port (RJ45) which I used for my D-Link router. All my two computers and two VOIP boxes, one for phone and one for fax with different phone number, are behind the router.

According to my VOIP provider’s advice, I’ve tried to slow down transmission speed (on fax machine) from the default 33.6 (mbps) to 9600 baud and turned off ECM. So far I can send out faxes to some numbers but not all numbers, and could not receive any fax including the very fax machine that received my fax.

My VOIP provider then suggested me to hook up the VOIP box directly to the cable modem so it has its own internet connection. I tried that by taking off the router from the cable modem and just plug in the fax VOIP box to the cable modem. It dose not work – did not even get the dial tong – either with regular patch cable or a crossover cable. Time Warner Cable told me that they do have two port cable modem but only give to me when I subscript to their digital phone (VOIP). However, their price is 8 times higher than iTalkBB ($ 40 vs $ 5 per month). I tried to find a cable modem with more than one Ethernet port. I could not find any in three major electronic stores as Best Buy, Circuit City, and Micro Center.

I am now thinking to roll back my fax line to AT&T for a basic plan cost $ 15+tax=$ 20 per month. That way I will be sure it works – it’s a hardline.

Somebody on Iinternet advised me to wait for the undergoing Fax Over Internet Protocol (FOIP). But I don’t know where this baby is – if any. On the other side of the story, somebody on Internet stated that he switched to VOIP, and his fax machine works flawlessly ever since for a year so far. My line condition is no comparison to his, but I did make some improvement – half way so far.

Is there anybody has a clue or suggestions please help me out. Many thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Jason B
Sometimes it has to do with the codec being used by your VOIP provider. G711 is the standard used by Hardlines and most VOIP over lan. G729, which some providers use, is a different algorithm and has a different capture rate so that it can use less bandwidth over WAN connections and so it captures less information..thus some fax data may be lost. You may check with your VOIP provider to see what codec you are using and if this is configurable.

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