Advantages & Disadvantages Of Voip

VOIP is the advancement in computer technology that has the greatest potential to alter the way communications are conducted in the world. This is because VOIP has the potential to do what no other technological innovation has the potential to do: it may effectively replace the telephone. Such a notion is nothing less than stunning because the traditional telephone has been part of the communications landscape for well over 100 years. However, VOIP technology is definitely creeping up on the supremacy of the telephone. Of course, VOIP systems are not there just yet and that is why it is helpful to look at the advantages disadvantages of VOIP.

Prior to exploring the advantages disadvantages of VOIP, one needs to understand exactly what the term refers to. VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. This is system of voice transmission that transmits over the internet or an internal packet-switched network. (Packet switched networks are works within a shared and exclusive network) The telephone is merely a communications device that sends voice transmissions through telephone lines. VOIP simply replaces the telephone lines with the aforementioned internet and/or network transmissions.

Costs

One of the best advantages of VOIP is cost. In many instances, VOIP is completely free. VOIP is integrated into various free instant messenger services. All one needs to do is download such a system and plug in a headset and microphone. From this, it is completely free to call other people on instant messenger.

If there was a disadvantage here it would be that one would need to pay for calling telephone numbers connected to cell or landline phones. Also, if one wished to receive incoming calls from a landline or cell phone, it would be necessary to purchase a phone line. There is an advantage within this and it is the fact that making long distance calls would be SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than what long distance phone companies would charge.

Possible the greatest disadvantage of using IM based VOIP is the fact that there is no immediate customer or IT support service available if the system collapses. Ultimately, when a system is free or next to free, it is not going to offer A-Level customer or technical support. After all, it cannot afford to!

Using a Viable System

Those concerned about the advantages disadvantages of VOIP and would truly wish to purchase a viable system, it is recommended to look into the highly advanced systems offered by cable television providers. These systems are highly advanced, reliable, have much better sound than traditional phones, and come with complete IT and customer support functions. So, why would anyone want to use a phone system other can cable VOIP? Well, it would be because the disadvantages are somewhat pronounced as well.

Namely, you cannot rely on the system to remain functional 24 hours a day. Cable outages do happen and they can happen at inconvenient times. This is really not the case with traditional phones. And, keep in mind this could present enormous problems when one needs to call emergency services such as police and fire.

Ultimately, the system is quite beneficial to those that wish to use it. Of course, there are advantages disadvantages of VOIP services that need to be weighed. In time, however, the bugs will be worked out and advantages will eventually exceed disadvantages.