25 Killer VoIP Gadgets for the VoIP Fanatic

Are you a VoIP user? Are you a gadget hound as well? If so, then we’ve got the list for you. The following twenty-five VoIP gadgets for the VoIP fanatic cover the realm of phones, headsets, Web cams and more. But, they’re not your ordinary phones, headsets and Web cams. Oh, no — they’re designed for someone like you, because they’re one-of-a-kind accessories that will heighten all your VoIP experiences.

All but one of the gadgets listed below were introduced during 2007-2008, and a few won’t hit the market until the end of this year. We read all the reviews as well, so you won’t find any questionable products here. And, surprisingly, many products are within an average budget. Since you’re going to save money with a VoIP service anyway, it’s about time to treat yourself.

# A4Tech Internet Phone Keyboard: Make free phone calls with this Internet phone attached to the right side of a 19.6″ x 8.2″ x .6″ high keyboard that weighs all total a mere 1.906 pounds. Experience simple plug-and-play (USB or PS/2) for any Windows user, but you may need to download the driver from the site. Enjoy a patented ergo A-shape layout that prevents Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) from your wrists and arms. Center “A-Type” keys match the ways your fingers naturally move and provide maximum comfort while typing. The slim style reduces typing noise, so your mom won’t pick up that you’re doing something else while you’re talking with her on the VoIP line.

ARIO Q-bean: The LTB ARIO Q-bean system creates a wireless link to personal computers. The built in microphone enables a user to take advantage of VoIP, speech recognition and speech-to-text features. The dedicated wireless technology uses a unique adaptive frequency system that virtually avoids conflicts with cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, WiFi routers and even Microwave ovens. The ARIO wireless technology is similar to Bluetooth in that it uses a secure pairing synchronization to secure the connection. From that point the Bluetooth similarities are over. The ARIO technology provides a robust digital non-compressed signal that has a range of up to 100 feet and can provide zero latency voice communication, some things Bluetooth has failed to do.

Credible upholstery – the finest seating goods!

Furnishing large areas and properties like resorts, restaurants and other hospitality markets can be a tension but not when you are known to one of the finest and most trusted soft seating goods manufacturers, the credible upholstery. They have succeeded in winning the hearts of many companies by their quality and their determination. They believe in using the finest quality and they make sure that no matter how big their project is they complete it by the given deadline. That is why, in very little time they have become a very well known and very trusted company. Some of the goods that credible upholstery manufactures are:

1. Booths and Banquettes
2. Sofas and Sleepers
3. Dining Chairs and Tables
4. Bar stools
5. Ottomans and Benches
6. Lounge Chairs
7. Headboards
8. Case goods
9. Any other good similar to the above mentioned

They have a wide range of products that have a variety of designs. Old, Contemporary, Modern, Classics they have it all and they do not repeat any of their designs. They are known to have worked with very well known and renounced designers for some of their projects.

So what are you waiting for? If you are looking to furnish your home or office or any other area you know where to go. A company that does not believe in compromising when it comes to the quality of their goods. They might be a little expensive but that is only because the goods they manufacture are worth it!

Skype and Nimbuzz in VoIP Feud

Skype is due to to cut off Nimbuzz support by October 31, 2010. Nimbuzz is an app which provides free communications over the internet in various forms.

That means that users of the VoIP service will no longer be able to make use of Nimbuzz features such as Instant Messaging and chatting.

They will however be able to IM and call contacts on other VoIP and SIP providers. Similarly Nimbuzz can still be used through social media and search engines such as Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, Facebook, Yahoo, AIM, MySpace and Twitter.

Reasons as to why Skype is withdrawing Nimbuzz support are varied. It could be because Skype wants a clean slate before it completes its Initial Public Offering (IPO) which is similar to floating on the stock market.

It is more likely that an ongoing feud has taken its toll as Skype says Nimbuzz refused to communicate over issues with the End User Licence Agreement and the API terms of use.

The episode is very reminiscent of the recent fraction between Skype and Fring when Skype took legal action over what it called 'misuse of software'.

Either way Fring and Nimbuzz were essentially competitors to Skype's VoIP service which allows free or low cost calls between computers and from PCs to landlines and mobiles.

Mobile VoIP Provider

Mobile VoIP providers offer one of the newest and most exciting applications of VoIP technology: Mobile VoIP. With the recent explosion in Wireless Internet (better known as Wi-Fi) and powerful smartphones that use 3G connections, mobile use of VoIP phones has become much easier to come by. Mobile VoIP providers offer two basic types of service, based on how the VoIP service is run: software-based mobile VoIP (which can allow you to connect via cellular phone to a VoIP provider's network) or hardware-based mobile VoIP.
Software-based Mobile VoIP: Softswitch

Software-based Mobile VoIP providers use softswitch software to route VoIP calls. "Softswitch" refers to the software that the phone companies and VoIP providers both use to route the calls. With the mobile VoIP software that VoIP providers offer for download, you get a more compact version of that software. The software redirects you to the other person, if they're on the same software network. Otherwise, the software redirects you to the mobile VoIP provider's own softswitch, which sends the call off to the public network – that is, to the caller.

Software-based Mobile VoIP providers rarely, if ever, charge for calls within their network. Usually, they have a debit-based system: you deposit a certain amount of money to your account and they charge that account for the off-network calls you make. Remember, calls within the network are free.

Since software-based mobile VoIP providers can be downloaded, they run on computers around the world and smartphones. As 3G coverage improves, 4G connections bring faster connection speeds, and Wi-Fi hotspots increase, mobile VoIP software will become more and more widely-used. TerraSip is one of the best of these software-based mobile VoIP providers, but trust us, there will be more in the future.
Hardware-based Mobile VoIP: Bring your own phone.

We're far enough down the page. We can let you in on a secret (well, sort of):

Most IP phones "work" as mobile VoIP devices. Since they are frequently provided and programmed to work with the VoIP provider managing your system, you can unplug them and take them anywhere. The number will still be the same (since it is registered to your phone). Literally, you can just take your phone with you. It's one of the reasons why virtual numbers are so valuable.

Voice Operator Panel

Voice Operator Panel (VOP) is a professional SIP softphone for operators and receptionists with Outlook/LDAP/MSN/CRM integration, built-in web browser and e-mailer.
VOP can be used as a standalone softphone or combined with any analog or VoIP slave phone to handle calls.
VOP offers a fully customizable workspace with the same skins than the Microsoft Office Suite.
VOP provides full extension status monitoring (ringing, busy, available) with calls details and call interception.
VOP is ideal for IP Centrex operators and IP PBX installers who want to offer to their customers an advanced software switchboard and attendant console.

VOP is 100% SIP compliant, it has been fully validated with Cirpack, Communigate, Enswitch, PBXnSIP, 3CX, Asterisk, sipXecs, OpenSIPS and will work with any softswitch, IP PBX or SIP proxy.
VOP is also available in a Lite edition for small companies receptionists and for call centers agents, and in a compact Micro edition for desktop computers.

VoIP - PSTN Services

When we started building the foundations of what became VoIP User at the end of 2002 there was nothing available to the developer and early adopter that enabled experimentation with PSTN gateways. Of course with the majority of telephone users on the PSTN, only being able to call another VoIP User in a test environment was too restrictive - some form of free access gateway was required.

In order to fill this need we setup a service system provisioning a PSTN/VoIP gateway for public access at no charge. In order to make this possible we created a unique financial model whereby calls outbound from the gateway are financed by calls inbound to the gateway. Every member signing up for access obtains an inbound PSTN number, on which revenue is generated and VoIP User receives a share. It's that share of revenue that funds the outbound calls.

All inbound funds are credited to a central "pot" which is made available to those members who are making reasonable use of the facility. Excessive use is dealt with by member and number restrictions. We aim to run this in as fair and reasonable a manner as we possibly can but the over-riding principle is it is offered for experimentational use. We are not a VoIP provider. If you require long term telephony services, you will need to look elsewhere. If you're looking to test a new piece of SIP or Asterisk equipment, you're in the right place.

Packet8 Forum

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony is a technology that is shrinking the world. In fact, VoIP is emerging almost as fast as the original telephone did over 100 years ago. Many business and home users are switching to VoIP telephony to save money on long distance charges. However, unlike the original telephone, VoIP is being developed and offered by several different companies, and this has lead to a variety of different hardware and software being used. Like any new technology, there are a few hurdles to be cleared along the way - but as more and more of these issues are resolved, it seems clear that VoIP is poised to become the dominant telephone technology of the twenty-first century.

One of the leading providers of home VoIP is [url=www.packet8.com]Packet8[/url], which offers free calling throughout the US and Canada, as well as extremely low long distance rates to other countries around the world. Packet8 also offers innovative features like videophones and fax services, all at rates much lower than comparable public telephone (PSTN) service. VoIP also offers increased bandwidth, meaning that phone calls can also include data streams for multimedia presentations.

For home users, the chief advantage lies in maximizing the broadband Internet connection that they already have to pay for - the cost of a broadband connection and VoIP phone service combined are usually lower than the cost of a broadband connection and a PSTN line. However, how do you know if Packet8 VoIP is the right choice for you? One great way to find out about Packet8 is to investigate the discussion at a Packet8 forum.

A [url=www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=packet8+forum]Packet8 forum[/url] will include comments from past and current subscribers, as well as responses from Packet8 executives and/or technical support representatives. By reading a Packet8 forum, you can gain some insight into the technical difficulties some customers have faced when using Packet8 VoIP. The Packet8 forum will also include questions and answers about installing Packet8 hardware, as well as testimonials from customers who are pleased with Packet8's VoIP service. There are a wide variety of technical discussion groups on the Web, and a number of them have Packet8 forums. By reading a few of these forums, you can increase your own personal "data base" of information about Packet8 before you sign up for service.

If you know about some of the experiences that other customers of Packet8 have undergone, you will be better prepared to ask questions about installing and getting Packet8 VoIP service up and running. A Packet8 forum can be a tremendous source of information, and will help you to understand the myriad of issues arising from VoIP technology in general and Packet8 service in particular

Phone systems In General

Phone systems are an integral part of any modern business, from the largest corporation to the smallest small business. The evolution of phone systems means that businesses are increasing in efficiency while enjoying cost savings. The days of the electronic switchboard and individual telephone operators are long gone. Millions of businesses have turned from these archaic traditional PBX systems and to IP phones, VoIP PBX's, and VoIP phone systems.

Traditional phone services (also known as "Plain Old Telephone Service"; a pejorative) used to use a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) system. That meant that all phone calls had to go through each individual phone company's aging copper-wired telephone network. That's one of the reasons why those telephone companies could charge you an arm and a leg for calling two area codes away. VoIP phone systems, on the other hand, use IP telephony. That means VoIP phone systems use your Internet connection.

Not only is the Internet a much faster network than those old phone networks, it's also a much cheaper network. It's brand-new, high-tech, and high-volume. That means that because VoIP phones use the Internet, phone call costs are lower. In addition, many more advanced functions are available with VoIP phones. IP phone systems can also consolidate most of a company's communications. With a business VoIP phone system, or a VoIP-based unified communications solution (that's phone calls, Internet, faxing, messaging, and web conferencing, all in one place), that's all your needed communications services bundled together.

There are many different VoIP phone systems to choose between offered by hundreds of VoIP providers. IP PBX phone systems, for example, use either a hosted VoIP PBX or an on-premise IP PBX (those are different types of the virtual switchboards that VoIP companies can use and offer). A unified communications solution is best for larger companies, as they may need the increased functionality (and they may be able to stomach the increased cost) that a robust business phone system can bring

VOIP Voicemail Forwarding

CIT is offering a service in which voicemail left on the VOIP phone system will be forwarded to an @buffalo.edu email address. This provides the user the ability to listen to their voicemail as an attachment in an email message instead of listening to their voicemail through the VOIP phone. The attachment is a standard wav file which can be played by any media playback software package, such as Windows Media Player.

By enabling this feature, voice mail messages will be forwarded only. No voicemail messages will be left on the VOIP messaging system. Therefore the message indicator light will not be lit on the VOIP telephone handset.

Request to Enable Feature

If a user would like this feature enabled on their VOIP phone they should contact their departmental IT administrator who will email a formal request to http://eis.buffalo.edu. The email should contain four pieces of information (ubit name, full name, phone number and forwarding email address) in order to expedite the VOIP forwarding request.

All forwarding requests will be completed in one business day from the time the request is received.

Support

If any problems arise with the forwarding of VOIP messages to your email, please report them by contacting your departmental IT support or requests can be sent to http://eis.buffalo.edu . Problem tickets are resolved as soon as possible, usually within one business day

Home Phone Service

The phone, the great-grandfather of VoIP, has come a long way since the days of Alexander Graham Bell. The electric device designed to transmit speech — that is, the telephone — came about from Bell's desire to improve the telegraph. In the mid-1870's, the first phone was born when Bell proved that different tones could vary the strength of a current in a phone wire. To create the telephone, Bell invented a working transmitter with a casing capable of receiving various electronic currents and a receiver which reproduced the variations in frequency. That telephone is VoIP's direct predecessor.

In the late 1870's, Bell patented the electromagnetic phone, which used magnets and a call bell. Ensuing developments included the end of the bell box and "battery" use in the 1930's. Each subscribing party (think phone customer) was assigned a line which was controlled in a central location instead of by local batteries. In the 1960’s, phones were further modernized by the touch-tone phone.

The next major modernization is digital telephony, also known as VoIP. VoIP has greatly increased the scope and quality of phone service, especially with providers such as ITP and Nextiva. Analog phone networks were modernized over time, first in the early 60’s by improving networks with lower-tech T1 systems. As digitizing technology improved, T1 systems were replaced with synchronous optical networking and fiber optic networks. Because of these improvements, data could be transmitted more quickly and much cheaper. In fact, many "analog" carriers use digital signals. They just don't tell you.

VoIP or IP telephony calls use a broadband connection to transmit signals as data packets. IP telephony offer low cost connections, even for mobile phones, via WiFi hotspots. VoIP can also be used within a private network to make calls within a business

Making VoIP a little bit easier

Korean vendor HelloDial is viewing off the world’s initial (VoIP) adaptor for landline telephones, the machine removes the requirement of an internet link to utilize the service.

• The adaptor has been mainly intended to plug directly into the phone opening in the wall.


• Once linked, the machine can operate as a VoIP PBX, which allows anybody who is with a landline or mobile phone to use their machine as a VoIP porch.

The corporation has also urbanized a resolution for mobile users wishing to attach VoIP services.

HelloDial’s mobile PBX solution has been planned for effortless association at residence or in the workplace, and allows contact to the VoIP access even missing from the machine, allowing admission to despicable limited and worldwide calls.

Phone Power acquires VOIP.com

Phone Power, a contributor of telecommunications services, has obtained the VOIP.com, a supplier of VoIP services. The achievement is predictable to raise the base over 25%.The VOIP.com product will co-exist autonomously with the Phone Power brand. Phone Power strategy to supervise the VOIP.com brand by enduring to spend in promotion, transportation and client support.

Ari Ramezani, CEO of Phone Power, said: "VOIP.com is an outstanding robust for Phone authority as we keep on raise. We are very delighted to greet VOIP.com customers into the Phone Power folks. We look advance to utilizing our joint synergies to offer all of our customers. The VOIP.com brand will supply drastically to the company's untreated development latent.

Line2 App Transforms iPod Touch and iPad into a Mobile Phone

Toktumi, Inc. unconfined its latest version of its Line2 application, Version 3.0, allows your iPod Touch or iPad to be bowed into an entirely handy mobile phone with all the facial appearance of a conventional cell phone.

Line2, Version 3.0 is a massive penetrates for iPod Touch and iPad users. Because, there is no other calling app accessible on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

Line2, iPod Touch and iPad users can make unrestricted Wi-Fi calls and send unlimited SMS text messages. Using the latest iPod Touch, we can make easier to use an iPod or iPad as a cell phone. Using Line2 on a new iPod Touch or iPad is essentially just like using an iPhone.

According to the corporation personal news, Line2 joins VoIP calling capabilities and carrier-grade texting in one app, so that members can use one number for both types of communiqué.

Peter Sisson, founder and CEO of Toktumi said that “We trust that Line2 Version 3.0 will be tremendously admired with consumers. We further added limitless SMS and detached trade facial appearance that consumers didn’t need, allowing us to lower the price to just $9.95 per month and broaden Line2’s appeal,”

VoIP subscribers:

• Provide your accurate physical address to your VoIP service provider to ensure that emergency services can quickly be dispatched to your location. Be familiar with your VoIP service provider's procedures for updating your address and promptly update address information in the event of a change.


• Verify that you can access 9-1-1 with your phone by checking your VoIP provider's Web site. DO NOT dial 9-1-1 to test your access to the emergency response network.


• Be sure to activate the emergency calling feature of your service plan, if applicable.


• Have a clear understanding of any limitations of your 9-1-1 service.


• Inform children, babysitters, and visitors about your VoIP service and relevant limitations.


• Consider keeping a land line phone to access 9-1-1 emergency services

The Ultimate Guide to VoIP on a Mac

VoIP use is estimated to grow to 32.6 million users by 2010, an estimate that proves VoIP’s growing popularity. Despite the VoIP growth, there seems to be a real PC bias to the technology and programs that make the most of VoIP – that is, until the past few years. It seems VoIP providers are finally starting to realize the untapped market in ever tech-hungry Mac users. Software and hardware is out there for VoIP on the Mac if you know where to look, and some VoIP has even become unabashedly Mac specific. Unsure where to begin? Here are some tips and advice on getting VoIP for your Mac.

Macs have a reputation for being more secure than Windows online when it comes to outside threats, and that may be true; but that’s no reason to get sloppy about securing your VoIP and taking additional steps to make sure you’re not vulnerable. As VoIP becomes ever more popular, the amount of predators who see it as an easy way to take advantage of unsuspecting users will increase. VoIP can be vulnerable to a number of threats, some allowing your calls to be eavesdropped on and some, like SPIT attacks, that can clog up your VoIP connection much like spam can clog up your inbox..

While there’s no such thing as bulletproof VoIP, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself. Since VoIP calls travel over an Internet connection, sensitive calls, much like sensitive e-mails should be encrypted. Perhaps the simplest way of encrypting your information – one that requires no advanced technical knowledge – is to use a program called Zfone. Zfone is a free program that encrypts and decrypts your VoIP calls on the fly, ensuring that your confidential information will stay confidential. Mac users will be pleased by the program’s design, which features the sleek and simple silver design found in other Mac applications.

Aside from encryption, you’ll also want to protect your VoIP from SPIT attacks. Though these attacks exist only in theory thus far, the thought of getting flooded with hundreds of calls from telemarketers should drive you to prevent them in advance. Most SPIT can be filtered out through the use of a VoIP firewall like the one offered by Borderware or by using a program like VoIPSEAL. Some VoIP clients like Vonage and Skype have built in systems that can filter out a majority of the SPIT before it ever reaches your phone.

Internet Phone Service ("VOIP"): Will You Be Able To Reach 9-1-1 In An Emergency?

The Attorney General provides Consumer Alerts to inform the public of unfair, misleading, or deceptive business practices, and to provide information and guidance on other issues of concern.

A new kind of phone service heavily advertised in Michigan offers inexpensive "Voice Over the Internet" telephone calling, also known as "VoIP." VoIP technology allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line. While VoIP may offer less expensive calling, consumers need to educate themselves before replacing their traditional telephone service with VoIP. There are many important differences between VoIP and traditional telephone services, including some that are less than obvious.

One of the most important differences relates to emergency 9-1-1 service. Some VoIP service providers may have limitations to their 9-1-1 service. For example, when a person calls 9-1-1 from a wireline telephone, emergency service providers automatically know the caller's location and can direct the correct emergency personnel to that location even if the caller is not able to provide an address. This is not always true for 9-1-1 calls placed from an Internet-based phone. Because VoIP services can be used wherever you travel, as long as a broadband Internet connection is available, the location of the caller cannot automatically be determined. Routing of 9-1-1 calls is based on the address the customer registers with the VoIP provider, rather than the address from which the call is actually made, if they are different.

In addition, VoIP service may not work during a power outage, or when the Internet connection fails or becomes overloaded.

In May 2005, the Federal Communication Commission adopted rules requiring providers of interconnected VoIP services to supply 9-1-1 emergency calling capabilities to their customers as a mandatory feature of the service by November 28, 2005. "Interconnected" VoIP services are VoIP services that allow a user to receive and make calls to the traditional telephone network. Under the FCC rules, interconnected VoIP providers must:

• Deliver all 9-1-1 calls to the local emergency call center;


• Deliver the customer's call back number and location information where the emergency call center is capable of receiving it;


• Inform their customers of the capabilities and limitations of their VoIP 9-1-1 service.

Canon Australia set to offer fax VoIP services

Printer specialists Canon Australia has decided to offer its customers the opening to send and receive faxes over a VoIP service network.

The rigid has incorporated the message skill urbanized by MESSAGE manager Solutions into its choice of multi-functional printers.

Mr.Luke Maddison, senior product manager of business solutions at Canon Australia, claimed many professions still rely a great deal on fax as a officially required outline of message.

He said: "Businesses are converting to IP Fax software at an escalating rate to take advantage of the related cost reserves and efficiencies.

"MESSAGE manager provides businesses with a national endeavorfax solution which is naturally managed at a secluded site, ensuing in lower service costs and amplified efficiencies."

According to a statement by market research firm Davidson Consulting, companies are more and more adopting fax over-internet-protocol solutions (FOIP).

The study shows that universal sales of FOIP have full-fledged by 69 per cent in excess of the last 12 months.

Mobile VoIP

Mobile VoIP is a new application of VoIP technology that allows you to connect to your VoIP network via your mobile/cellular handsets. Mobile VoIP is carried through a third party service provider over a 3G or WiFi network, using your mobile phone. Although there may be some software download in which is required to gain access to your VoIP service provider using your cellular phone, it still proves to be a cost-effective solution for those enormous cell phone bills.

Why go through the trouble? Simply because of portability. Imagine you are in Tokyo while your office in New York and you are expecting a very important call. If you have your cellphone on, you don't have to worry about missing that call. Problem is, your cell phone carrier will charge you an arm and a leg on roaming fees. Mobile voip to the rescue! You can enjoy all the advance features like you do in your office and of course with voip rate.

Mobile voip is an essential service for globetrotter who needs to be in touch with his business or family whenever and where ever they are in WiFi hotspot. These days, most smart phones like Iphone and blackberry are equipped with WiFi capability and Mobile VoIP ready. Iphone users can, in fact, enjoy this mobile voip functionality by downloading free applications like fring, skype, truphone, rebtel,etc. However, some of cellphone carriers are still blocking the usage of these softphones over their 3G network.

Traveling with your VOIP Phone

Magic Jack is a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone service that you can take with you when you travel. According to the Magic Jack web site, you need to purchase an additional Magic Jack device for traveling. All you will need is a computer and a broadband or DSL connection. In addition, if you travel outside of the United States, then you may call anywhere in the United States for free if the person you are calling also has a Magic Jack. Perfect for calling home and the cost of the second Magic Jack you’ll need to purchase will be paid back within a couple of calls.

Is your child traveling to Europe this summer? Send a Magic Jack with him/her and save on those expensive international cell phone calls. You won’t have to worry so much, your kid can call home every day (or even more often) because the calls are free.

Do you travel a lot for business? Your boss will appreciate not having to pay for expensive international calls. Since Magic Jack costs only 40 bucks for the first year (because you are also purchasing the device to plug into your computer) and 20 bucks for each year after that, the company will probably reimburse you for the cost of your Magic Jack…truly free long distance calling for you! Make sure you also have a Magic Jack at home, and you can keep in touch as often as you like by using your Magic Jack phone number to call free.

Some hotels may block your access for using Magic Jack. You may want to give them a call (free from your Magic Jack at home, of course!) and find this out before you make your reservations.

Get your Magic Jack today, it’s really easy to order from the Magic Jack web site and within a few days, you’ll be making free long distance calls. This is a product that traditional phone companies need to fear.

Overview of VOIP Data Handling

"Before any voice can be sent, a call must be placed. In an ordinary phone system, this process involves dialing the digits of the called number, which are then processed by the telephone company's system to ring the called number. With VOIP, the user must enter the dialed number, but after that a complex series of packet exchanges must occur. The problem is that computer systems are addressed using their IP address, but the user enters an ordinary telephone number to place the call. The telephone number must be linked with an IP address to reach the called party, much as an alphabetic web address, such as www.nist.gov must be linked to the IP address of the NIST web server. A number of protocols are involved in determining the IP address that corresponds to the called party's telephone number.

"Once the called party answers, voice must be transmitted by converting the voice into digitized form, then segmenting the voice signal into a stream of packets. The first step in this process is converting analog voice signals to digital, using an analog-digital converter. Since digitized voice requires a large number of bits, a compression algorithm must be used to reduce the volume of data to be transmitted. Next, voice packets are inserted into data packets to be carried on the Internet. The protocol for the voice packets is typically the Real Time Protocol, RTP. RTP packets have special data fields that hold data needed to correctly re-assemble the packets into a voice signal on the other end. But voice packets will be carried as payload by UDP protocols that are also used for ordinary data transmission. In other words, the RTP packets are carried as data by the UDP packets, which can then be processed by ordinary network nodes throughout the Internet. At the other end, the process is reversed: the packets are disassembled and put into the proper order, digitized voice data extracted from the packets and uncompressed, then the digitized voice is processed by an digital-to-analog converter to render it into analog signals for the called party's handset speaker."