VoiceHost VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number.

VoIP can be implemented in several ways, from a software program on your computer used with a headset and microphone to adaptors used with regular analogue home phones or you can use dedicated VoIP phones which look and act like regular phones but have specially designed chips to improve call quality.

What is it?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a way to make phone calls using the internet as the transmission method, rather than a landline. You can make and receive calls from other VoIP users, mobile users, and people with ordinary landlines. The integration between any ordinary line and VoIP is complete and undetectable to callers.

How does it work?
Just like a modem converts digital signals from the PC into analogue (voice) traffic for transmission over a phone line, a VoIP-enabled phone or VoIP adaptor converts your voice into digital packets (using the special SIP protocol) for transmission over the internet. If you make a call to another VoIP phone, the opposite process occurs at the other end, and your voice emerges intact from the ether. If you make a call to a mobile or landline, your VoIP providers gateway decodes the call and sends it on as an ordinary voice call to the telephone exchange (PSTN).

Calling another VoIP line
The VoIP adaptor/phone connects to the VoiceHost server, which looks up the destination and sets up the call. Thereafter, the voice traffic passes directly over the internet between the two telephones.

Calling a non-VoIP (standard: landline or mobile) line
When a VoiceHost user calls a standard PSTN landline or mobile, the VoIP adaptor/phone connects to VoiceHost as before. The VoiceHost server looks up the destination and finds it is a PSTN (standard) number. The call is routed via the PSTN gateway into the PSTN network as a normal call. Thereafter, traffic passes directly via the gateway.

Why use it and who benefits?
Small to medium-sized businesses with several employees, especially those with distributed offices and teleworkers, are likely to get the maximum benefit from VoIP. It cuts your business telephony cost; all calls to other VoiceHost users/peered providers are free and other calls are competitively priced.

You can configure your system to give whatever impression you want to customers. For example, if you have associates or employees in other areas of the UK or even abroad, you can give them all extensions on the same number, or their own numbers with the same area code as your head office. No-one need know whether you have city centre offices, or a virtual office!

What will you need?
1. A VoIP enabled telephone: This can be an all-in-one handset, or a normal handset plugged into an adaptor, or a softphone: a computer program that uses a microphone and headphones attached to your computer to emulate a real handset.

A good solution is an adaptor, which allows you to connect one or two handsets, and has the advantage that you can connect other analogue devices like fax machines. It also has a number of useful inbuilt functions, including call waiting, caller ID, and call back if busy.

2. An internet connection: A leased line or ADSL/cable broadband is ideal; dial-up (ISDN or ordinary telephone line) or a satellite internet connection will likely cause a reduction in sound quality. A standard 256Kb ADSL connection can accommodate 2-3 simultaneous calls; if you expect to need more frequently, you may wish to upgrade to a higher-bandwidth package.

3. An account with a VoiceHost: This gives you a VoIP external number which is what other people dial to call you.

What will it cost?
To start saving with VoiceHost, all you need to do i register a new account, download the free softphone and start making calls. You recieve a free 0844 number to start recieving incomming calls. If you and your friend anywhere in the world register a VoiceHost account your calls to each other are free. For further information of features, see 'VoiceHost Features'.