• AT&T DSL Internet
• Verizon DSL Internet
• Comcast Internet
• Time Warner Internet
• Cox Cable Internet
• Charter Cable Internet
• NetZero HiSpeed

Satellite Internet

• DIRECTV Satellite
• Dish Network Satellite
• HughesNet Satellite
• Wildblue Satellite
• Skyway USA Satellite
• Starband Satellite

Wireless Internet

• AT&T Wireless Internet
• Verizon 3G Wireless

Fiber Optic Internet

• AT&T U-Verse Review
• Verizon FiOS Review

High Speed Topics

• ISP Comparison
• Internet Speed Test
• DSL vs Cable
• Free Internet Service

Home > Articles > How Does VoIP Work?

How Does VoIP Work?

VoIP phones actually work just like your regular home phone. Many modern phones will already be compatible with VoIP technology, but they will still need to be plugged into a special adapter. In some cases, you will have to buy a special VoIP phone in order to use the service, but this will depend upon the provider. Although Voice Over IP phones function the same on the user end, some additional equipment will always be required.

Setting up a VoIP phone is quite easy since they are designed to fit into your existing phone and Internet setup. When you signup with a VoIP provider, they will send you a telephone adapter that works specifically with their service. You simply plug your phone and computer into this adapter and then plug the adapter into your broadband router. You will also have to install some software on your computer to make use of all the extra VoIP features. Once the setup is complete, you'll make and receive calls just like you normally would.

The way VoIP works from a technical standpoint is that it takes the standard analog audio signals you use for making normal phone calls and converts them into digital data which can be transmitted over the Internet. Once a VoIP call is received at the other end, those digital data packets are converted back into the appropriate format for voice communication (which depends upon the type of equipment being used on the receiving end of the call). This is all done automatically through your VoIP provider.

For assistance in choosing a high speed Internet provider, check our home page and compare offers from various Internet Service Providers.