Do I Need a Computer to Use VoIP?

The simple answer to this is – No, you no longer need a computer to use VoIP. You may however, want to use one in order to take advantage of some of VoIP’s features. Read on for a discussion of currently available VoIP technology and what is required to use it.


In the early days of VoIP technology, a computer was required to place telephone calls over the Internet. VoIP technology relied on a device called a softphone to do this. This is a software application that turns your PC into an Internet phone. Another requirement was that both parties to the call had to be running the same softphone software. Broadband or high speed access was also not widely available. While this allowed low-cost long-distance calls to be made over the Internet, these restrictions kept most people from taking advantage of VoIP.


Quite recently, VoIP providers and hardware manufactures began offering a number of different options for accessing VoIP. This includes analog telephone adapters (or ATAs), which allow you to use your regular analog telephones to access your VoIP service. These devices also connect to your high speed Internet modem or router. ATAs eliminate the need for a computer altogether. They contain all of the hardware and software necessary to access your VoIP services. Another fairly recent device is the USB softphone. This is typically in the form of a telephone-style handset or headset that plugs into the USB port on your PC. These devices do require software to be running on the PC to complete the connection to your VoIP services.


Another new device that is available from some providers is an analog telephone system that has the ATA incorporated into it. This type of device typically consists of a base station and ATA combined, and 1 or more cordless handsets. So you can provide VoIP service to your entire home with one of these devices and the proper number of cordless handsets. This device also connects directly to your high speed Internet modem or router.


One other available equipment option is a high speed DSL or cable modem with the ATA incorporated into it. These are currently available from some providers, but be sure to check that the modem is compatible with your ISP – not all cable or DSL modems are the same. With this type of device, the modem is connected to your high speed connection and you plug your analog telephone(s) into the modem.


Finally, the softphone is still an available option from most VoIP providers. You will certainly want to take advantage of a softphone if you plan to use your VoIP service when you travel. And you may find that you prefer using this softphone when you are not traveling. Many people who are online or working at their computer a lot like the efficiency of having everything, including their phone service running on their PC.


As you can see, VoIP has recently become a viable alternative to regular analog telephone service. If you do not use a PC often, but still want to take advantage of the cost savings of VoIP, then you probably will be happiest using an ATA to connect your existing analog telephones to your VoIP service. Your telephones will operate exactly the same as they always have using this method. However, if you are working at your PC or online often, you may find that one of the other options, such as a USB softphone suits your needs best.


One thing is certain, with its advanced features, options and cost savings, VoIP is a technology that deserves serious consideration. Now would be a good time to use the features available at this site to help you evaluate and choose a VoIP service provider