Strictly speaking VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol.

The majority of traffic on the internet is achieved by breaking up data (emails, pictures, web pages etc) into small packets, according to TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), and IP (Internet Protocol) rules, hence the acronym TCP/IP.

Voice can also be broken into packets for the transmission of conversations in a similar way, hence the acronym VOIP.

No! Major corporations are already using VOIP to communicate between their offices.

There is also a good chance that the next phone call you make interstate will be actually carried as data "packets", i.e. VOIP by once of the major carriers.

What IS new is the option for residential and small business to cut their phone costs by using the same technology via a broadband Cable or ADSL connection.

For a sumary of the current situation, refer to "The Internet telephone: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)" - Reasearch Notes from the Australian Parliamentary Library (2004-2005)

Occasional degrading of Voice Quality

Current common Cable and ADSL connections to the internet provide quite high Download speeds but a much smaller Upload speed. This provides users with rapid display of web pages, reception of emails and downloading music etc.

Sending stuff TO the internet, i.e. "uploading", usually only happens when we click the SEND button or click on a LINK, where speed is not as important.

VOIP "packets" have to share the same line as other packets of data and occasionally voice quality suffers a little bit

If this does occur occasionally it is still considered well worth it, for the savings in phone costs that can be realized.

Many modern Routers (refer below) now including something called "QOS" (Quality of Service) which allows for the automatic prioritizing of VOIP data over less critical internet traffic. Keeping voice packets together is more important than other traffic. if you are considering purchasing a new router to share internet access and/or set up a wireless environment.

The following list highlights the simple requirements to start making and receiving calls with your friends and associates on the public telephone system using your internet connection.

(a) A Broadband (Cable or ADSL) Internet Connection
(b) A Router (How do I tell if I have one?)
(c) A Normal Telephone handset
(d) Purchasing a connection device and service from companies such as ENGIN

If you already have multiple computers sharing the internet connection via a network then you most likely will already have a network.

Still unsure?

if you have a broadband connection, you will have a cable or ADSL modem between your phone line and your computer.

Some of these modems have a built-in Router, which is typically indicated by multiple RJ45 Sockets on the back panel. If this is the case then you do not need an extra router.

	Modem Back Panel
If you have an extra box between your modem and your computer it is most likely a router and should also have multiple RJ45 sockets on the back panel.
These devices are connected by (typically blue) network cables.

If you do not have a modem/router combination or a separate modem, then cannot use an ENGIN Voicebox to save you money on your phone calls!

You can purchase a Linksys WRT54G Wirless Router, which does have the QOS feature mentioend above, from Harris Technology for just over $100 Price Inc GST $119.00 (as of Feb 2005) Check http://www.ht.com.au/scripts/xworks.exe?PART:H9739 for details and up to date pricing

Voice traffic on your internet connection will increase the amount of data
you download each month.

If you have a monthly quota and this sometimes comes close to being reached, then this should be carefully considered. Going over your monthly limit will either cost you quite a bit more or will cause your throughput speed to be "shaped" i.e. cut.

if you have plenty of capacity or an unlimited plan then there should not be a problem.

Theer are many good sites around which cover this informatoin.

One of the good Australian one is www.ozcableguy.com/ which has a wealth of informatoin on

• FAQs in various categories
• Router Reviews
• Guides,
• articles etc