Read the text 'How VoIP works' . Tick the true sentances.
If you’ve never heard of VoIP, get ready to change the way you think about long-distance phone calls. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a method for taking analogue audio signals, like the kind you hear when you talk on the phone, and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.
How is this useful? VoIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to place free phone calls. The main idea is that by using some of the free VoIP software that is available to make Internet phone calls, you’re bypassing the phone company (and its charges) entirely.
VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely rework the world’s phone systems. VoIP providers like Vonage* have already been around for a while and are growing steadily. Major carriers like AT&T* are already setting up VoIP calling plans in several markets around the United States, and the FCC* is looking seriously at the potential consequences of VoIP service.
Above all else, VoIP is basically a clever ‘reinvention of the wheel’. In this article, we’ll explore the principles behind VoIP, its applications and the potential of this emerging technology, which is more than likely to replace the traditional phone system entirely.
The interesting thing about VoIP is that there is not just one way to make a call. There are three different kinds of VoIP service in common use today:
1) ATA – the simplest and most common way is through the use of a device called and ATA (analogue telephone adapter). The ATA allows you to connect a standard phone to your computer or your Internet connection for use with VoIP. The ATA is an analogue-to-digital converter. It takes the analogue signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data for transmission over the Internet. Providers like Vonage* and AT&T Call Vantage are bundling (=комплектовать, объединять) ATAsfree with their service. You simply takethe ATA out of the box, plug the cable from your phone that would normally go in the wall socket into the ATA, and you’re ready to make VoIP calls. Some ATAs may ship with additional software that is loaded onto the host computer to configure it; but in any case, it’s a very straightforward (=simple and easy) setup.
2) IP phones – These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a handset, cradle (= телефонный рычаг) and buttons. But instead of having the standard RJ-11 phone connectors, IP phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. IP phones connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the IP call. Wi-Fi phones allow subscribing callers to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot.
3) Computer-to-computer – this is certainly the easiest way to use VoIP. You don’t even have to pay for long-distance calls. There are several companies offering free or very low-cost software that you can use for this type of VoIP. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an Internet connection; preferably a fast one like you would get through a cable or DSL modem. Except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is usually no charge for computer-to-computer calls, no matter the distance.