Still confused on how you can make a phone call with VoIP? Dont fret though, as with all new technology, not many people are aware of the many different ways they can make VoIP calls. With VoIP, there are actually three ways to make a call.

Analog Telephone Adaptor or ATA

The ATA is one of the most common methods for VoIP right now. With the ATA, you just need to hook up your regular telephone to your Internet connection or your computer. The ATA will convert your analog signals from your telephone into digital data, which will then be transmitted over the Internet.

This is the method that Vonage employs, and AT&Ts CallVantage will be using. The ATA is provided at no cost with their services. Its easy to use and anyone can do it. All you have to do is to take the cable from your phone and plug it into the ATA instead of the usual wall socket and youre ready to go. You might have to install the software into your computer, but this depends on your computer, where you live and the type of Internet connection that you have.

IP Telephones

IP phones look just like your regular phones. However, these IP phones use an RJ-45 Ethernet connection instead of the usual RJ-11 phone connectors. This means that they are connected directly to your router and the necessary software and hardware are all in place for you to handle your IP calls. Keep a look out for all the Wi-Fi IP phones that will be introduced soon, which will enable you to make calls from any of the many Wi-Fi spots. This also means that you can take your IP phone with you whenever you travel, go to any Wi-Fi stop in any Internet caf, hotel or other location, and you can call home, wherever that may be.

PC To PC

This is the easiest way to use VoIP. Not only are the long distance calls free, many companies are offering software for you to utilize VoIP technology at no charge or at very minimal costs. All you would need for VoIP are the software, a microphone, speakers, a soundcard and a broadband or cable DSL Internet connection and ta-daa, your relatives sound like theyre in the next room. And the best part is, with the exception of your regular monthly ISP fee, the computer-to-computer calls are free of charge, no matter where you call!

And you know what? Youve probably even used VoIP while making a long distance call recently without even realizing it. Today, many of the telephone companies are already utilizing VoIP technology to ease their own bandwidth. Its really all a simple matter of routing all the calls through a circuit switch into an IP gateway. Once the calls are received on the other side of the gateway, they are decompressed, reassembled and rerouted to a local circuit switch.