If you've never heard of VoIP, be prepared to change your thinking of long distance phone calls. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol is a method for taking analog 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 practical consequence of this is that using a portion of free VoIP software that is available to make Internet phone calls, you are bypassing the phone company (and its charges) entirely.

VoIP is a revolutionary technology that offers the opportunity to completely rework the telephone systems in the world. VoIP providers like Vonage have already been around for a while and are growing steadily. Major carriers like AT & T are already setting up of VoIP calling plans in several markets across the United States, and the FCC is looking seriously at the potential ramifications of VoIP service.

Above all else, VoIP is basically a clever "reinvention of the wheel." In this article we explore the principles behind VoIP, its applications and potential of this emerging technology, which will more than likely one day replace the system traditional phone entirely.

The interesting thing about VoIP is that there is no one way to place a call. There are three different "flavors" VoIP service in common use today:
ATA - The simplest way and most widespread is the use of a device known as ATA (analog 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 analog-digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data for transmission over the Internet. Providers like Vonage and AT & T CallVantage are grouped ATAs free with their service. You simply crack the ATA box, plug the cable from your phone that would normally be on the wall socket into the ATA, and you're ready to make VoIP calls. Some ATAs May come with additional software that is loaded on the host computer to configure it, but in any case, it is a very simple installation.

IP Phones - These specialized phones resembling normal phones with a handset, cradle and buttons. But instead of having the standard RJ-11 phone connectors, IP phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet. IP phones connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the IP call. The Wi-Fi phones allow callers to subscribe to VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot.

Computer to computer - This is certainly the easiest way to use VoIP. You do not even have to pay for long distance calls. There are several companies offering free or very low cost that you can use for this type of VoIP. You only need the software, a microphone, speakers, a soundcard and an Internet connection, preferably a fast one like you would pass through a cable modem or DSL. Except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is usually no charge for computer to computer calls, no matter the distance.