Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP (Packet Switched) uses a data network to send small “voice packets” based on the destination address in each packet. Additional equipment is needed to take advantage of VoIP service (offered by Comcast, Verizon and other internet-based telephone providers such as Vonage).

VoIP service can be offered by (or through) providers in two ways:

VoIP that uses the Provider’s own (Broadband) network (e.g., Comcast Digital Voice)

If a provider uses VoIP on its own network to send the voice packets, the quality of the call is uni-formly maintained because it allows the provider to prioritize voice packets so that they arrive on time. Otherwise, data on the network could delay the voice packets and result in poor call quality.

VoIP that uses the public Internet (e.g.., Verizon VoiceWing, Vonage, Skype, etc.)

If VoIP uses the public Internet, the quality of the call may not always be uniformly maintained because the provider has less control of the voice packets competing with data packets.

 

• Traditional Voice (Circuit Switched)
• Advantages of New Voice Technologies over Traditional Voice Technologies
• Disadvantages of New Technologies over Traditional Voice
• Power Issues
• 911 and E911 Issues
• Summary of Services Provided and Conditions That May be Encountered

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