History of Telecommunication PDF

The History of Telecommunication The history of telecommunication is a fascinating journey that began with simple methods like smoke signals and drums, and has evolved into the complex and interconnected world of modern communication systems. This presentation explores the key milest...

The History of Telecommunication The history of telecommunication is a fascinating journey that began with simple methods like smoke signals and drums, and has evolved into the complex and interconnected world of modern communication systems. This presentation explores the key milestones and individuals who have shaped the way we communicate today. Ancient Systems and Optical Telegraphy Smoke Signals Smoke signals were used in North America and China for communication. These signals were often used for more than just announcing the presence of a military camp. Talking Drums Talking drums were used by natives in Africa to communicate. These drums were used to send messages over long distances. Semaphore Systems Semaphore systems, which used visual signals, were first used in Europe in the 1790s. These systems were limited in the range of messages they could convey and could only be used during good visibility conditions. Beacon Chains Beacon chains were used during the Middle Ages to relay signals. These chains suffered the drawback that they could only pass a single bit of information, so the meaning of the message had to be agreed upon in advance. Claude Chappe and Visual Telegraphy Chappe's System French engineer Claude Chappe began working on visual telegraphy in 1790, using pairs of "clocks" whose hands pointed at different symbols. He later revised his model to use two sets of jointed wooden beams. Edelcrantz's System In 1794, Swedish engineer Abraham Edelcrantz built a different system from Stockholm to Drottningholm. As opposed to Chappe's system, Edelcrantz's system relied only upon shutters and was therefore faster. Limitations of Semaphore Semaphore as a communication system suffered from the need for skilled operators and expensive towers, often at intervals of only ten to thirty kilometers. As a result, the last commercial line was abandoned in 1880. The Electrical Telegraph Early Experiments Experiments on communication with electricity started in about 1726. Scientists including Laplace, Ampère, and Gauss were involved. Samuel Thomas von Sömmerring's Telegraph The German physician, anatomist, and inventor Samuel Thomas von Sömmerring created an 'electrochemical' telegraph in 1809, based on an earlier design by Spanish polymath Francisco Salva Campillo. Francis Ronalds' Telegraph The first working telegraph was built by Francis Ronalds in 1816 and used static electricity. Charles Wheatstone and William Fothergill Cooke's Telegraph Charles Wheatstone and William Fothergill Cooke patented a five-needle, six-wire system, which entered commercial use in 1838. Samuel Morse and the Morse Code Morse's Telegraph On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Samuel Morse developed a version of the electrical telegraph which he demonstrated on 2 September 1837. Alfred Vail's Contribution Alfred Vail saw Morse's demonstration and joined him to develop the register—a telegraph terminal that integrated a logging device for recording messages to paper tape. Morse Code Morse's most important technical contribution to this telegraph was the simple and highly efficient Morse Code, co-developed with Vail, which was an important advance over Wheatstone's more complicated and expensive system. Success of Morse's Telegraph The patented invention proved lucrative and by 1851 telegraph lines in the United States spanned over 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers). The Telephone Invention of the Telephone The electric telephone was invented in the 1870s, based on earlier work with harmonic (multi-signal) telegraphs. The first commercial telephone services were set up in 1878 and 1879 on both sides of the Atlantic. Alexander Graham Bell's Patent Alexander Graham Bell held the master patent for the telephone that was needed for such services in both countries. All other patents for electric telephone devices and features flowed from this master patent. Growth of Telephone Technology Telephone technology grew quickly after the first commercial services emerged, with inter-city lines being built and telephone exchanges in every major city of the United States by the mid-1880s. Transatlantic Telephone Calls The First transcontinental telephone call occurred on January 25, 1915. Transatlantic voice communication remained impossible for customers until January 7, 1927, when a connection was established using radio. Radio and Television Radio Over several years starting in 1894, the Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi worked on adapting the newly discovered phenomenon of radio waves to telecommunication, building the first wireless telegraphy system using them. Television In 1924, Japanese engineer Kenjiro Takayanagi began a research program on electronic television. In 1925, he demonstrated a CRT television with thermal electron emission. John Logie Baird's Mechanical Television On March 25, 1925, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird publicly demonstrated the transmission of moving silhouette pictures at the London department store Selfridge's. Philo Farnsworth's Electronic Television For most of the twentieth century televisions used the cathode ray tube (CRT) invented by Karl Braun. Such a television was produced by Philo Farnsworth, who demonstrated crude silhouette images to his family in Idaho on September 7, 1927. Videotelephony Early Concepts The concept of videotelephony was first popularized in the late 1870s in both the United States and Europe, although the basic sciences to permit its very earliest trials would take nearly a half century to be discovered. Development of Video Technology The development of the crucial video technology first started in the latter half of the 1920s in the United Kingdom and the United States, spurred notably by John Logie Baird and AT&T's Bell Labs. Videotelephony's Rise Videotelephony developed in parallel with conventional voice telephone systems from the mid-to-late 20th century. Only in the late 20th century with the advent of powerful video codecs and high-speed broadband did it become a practical technology for regular use.  Satellite Communication Project SCORE The first U.S. satellite to relay communications was Project SCORE in 1958, which used a tape recorder to store and forward voice messages. Echo Satellite In 1960 NASA launched an Echo satellite; the 100-foot (30 m) aluminized PET film balloon served as a passive reflector for radio communications. Telstar Telstar was the first active, direct relay commercial communications satellite. Belonging to AT&T as part of a multi-national agreement, it was launched by NASA from Cape Canaveral on July 10, 1962. Computer Networks and the Internet Early Computer Networks On September 11, 1940, George Stibitz was able to transmit problems using teletype to his Complex Number Calculator in New York City and receive the computed results back at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Packet Switching It was not until the 1960s that researchers started to investigate packet switching, a technology that would allow chunks of data to be sent to different computers without first passing through a centralized mainframe. ARPANET A four-node network emerged on December 5, 1969, between the University of California, Los Angeles, the Stanford Research Institute, the University of Utah and the University of California, Santa Barbara. This network would become ARPANET. The Internet ARPANET's development centered on the Request for Comment process and on April 7, 1969, RFC 1 was published. This process is important because ARPANET would eventually merge with other networks to form the Internet. Digital Telephone Technology MOS technology eventually became practical for telephone applications with the MOS mixed-signal integrated circuit, which combines analog and digital signal processing on a single chip that led to the push button telephone and speech coding. Wireless Revolution The wireless revolution began in the 1990s, with the advent of digital wireless networks leading to a social revolution, and a paradigm shift from wired to wireless technology, including the proliferation of commercial wireless technologies such as cell phones, mobile telephony, pagers, wireless computer networks, cellular networks, the wireless Internet, and laptop and handheld computers with wireless connections. The wireless revolution has been driven by advances in radio frequency (RF) and microwave engineering, and the transition from analog to digital RF technology and speech coding.  Basic Structure of a Communication System Introduction Communication Systems Communication systems are crucial for transmitting information between individuals or devices. They consist of essential components that enable the successful exchange of data. Essential Components Understanding these components is fundamental to improving communication efficiency and reliability. Sender Initiates Communication The sender initiates the communication process by encoding the information into a suitable format. This can include spoken words, written text, or digital data. Conveying the Message The sender's goal is to convey the intended message clearly and accurately. Channel Transmission Medium The channel is the medium through which the information is transmitted. It can be a physical medium like cables or wireless signals. Reliability and Efficiency Ensuring a reliable and efficient channel is essential for minimizing data loss and distortion during transmission. Receiver Decoding and Interpreting The receiver is responsible for decoding and interpreting the received information. Understanding the Message It plays a crucial role in ensuring the message is correctly understood. The receiver must be attentive and receptive to effectively decode the transmitted data. Noise Definition Noise refers to any unwanted interference that affects the quality of the transmitted information. Causes It can be caused by external factors such as electromagnetic interference or internal factors like signal distortion. Importance Minimizing noise is vital for maintaining communication clarity.  Encoding Conversion Process Encoding is the process of converting the information into a suitable format for transmission. Coding Schemes and Modulation Techniques It involves using coding schemes or modulation techniques to represent data as signals that can be transmitted through the channel. Decoding Reverse Process After transmission, the decoding process takes place at the receiver's end. Converting Signals It involves converting the received signals back into the original form of the information. Understanding the Message Accurate decoding ensures that the intended message is understood correctly. Feedback Crucial Role Feedback plays a crucial role in communication systems. Delivery and Comprehension It allows the sender to receive information about the successful delivery and comprehension of the message. Forms of Feedback Feedback can be in the form of verbal or non-verbal cues. Protocol Rules and Guidelines A protocol is a set of rules and guidelines that govern the communication process. Format, Timing, and Sequence It defines the format, timing, and sequence of data transmission. Standardized Communication Following a protocol ensures smooth and standardized communication between sender and receiver. Objective of Communication To receive the information correctly and clearly. INFORMATION - is that which is conveyed (bits/dits). MESSAGE The physical manifestation of information as produced by the source (whatever form of the message takes, the goal of communication system is to reproduce at the destination an acceptable replica of the source message). Forms of Message Signal Analog - a physical quantity that varies with time, usually in a smooth and continuous fashion. (ex: human voice) Digital - is an ordered sequence of symbols selected from a finite set of discrete elements. (ex: keyboard) -Codes -Letters/Numbers  Modes of Transmission Simplex – one way communication. Duplex – two-way communications. ·Half-duplex - Transmission can occur in both directions, but not at the same time. ·Full-duplex - Transmission can occur in both direction at the same time. ·Full-Full Duplex - possible to transmit and receive simultaneously, but not necessary between the same two location. Electronic Communication Systems - It is the totality of the mechanism that provides the transfer of information. - It includes the components, equipment that is being utilized to execute the communication process. 1. Transmitter A collection of electronic components and circuits designed to convert the information into a signal suitable for transmission over a given communications medium. (ex. Microphone, microwave communication radio transmitter). Components of a Transmitter: Audio amplifiers – amplify the audio signal for modulation process Oscillator – generates carrier signal Modulating amplifier – provides modulation process and amplifies the modulated signal for transmission Transmitting Antenna – radiates electromagnetic energy in space 2. Communications Channel The medium by which the electronic signal is sent from one place to another. 2 General Categories Wired Medium - The signal is confined within the proximity of the channel or medium. - Coaxial cable - Fiber optics - Twisted pair of wire 2 General Categories Wireless Medium - The signal is not subjected to limits, boundaries, or channel restrictions. Noise - random, undesirable electric energy that enters the communications system via the communicating medium and interferes with the transmitted message. Distortion - a waveform perturbation caused by imperfect response of the system to the desired signal itself. Interference - contamination by extraneous signals from human sources – other transmitters, power lines, machine switching circuits. Attenuation - the reduction of signal amplitude as it passed over the transmission medium. 3. Receiver Is another collection of electronic components and circuits that accept the transmitted message from the channel and convert it back into a form understandable by humans (earphone, electronic receiver). Components of a Receiver Receiving Antenna – captures the electromagnetic energy. Demodulator – extracts the message from the carrier waves. Audio amplifiers – amplify the audio signal for modulation process. Oscillator – incorporates the internal tuning circuit. Forms of Communication 1. Radio Telephony 2. Broadcasting 3. Point-to-point 4. Mobile Communication 5. Computer Communication 6. Radar 7. Radio Telemetry 8. Radio Aids and Navigation An Insight into Analog and Digital Modulation: An Exploration of Techniques and Multiplexing Introduction This discussion provides an insight into analog and digital modulation techniques and multiplexing. It explores the fundamentals of modulation, highlighting the differences between analog and digital signals. Various modulation techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), and phase modulation (PM) will be discussed. Additionally, the concept of multiplexing and its applications will be covered. MODULATION It is the process of altering the characteristics of the carrier signal (amplitude, frequency and phase) in accordance with the instantaneous change of the modulating or information signal. It is the process of combining the carrier wave with the information signal. It is the process of converting low frequency signal to a higher frequency. REASONS FOR MODULATION - Difficulty in radiating low-frequency signals from an antenna in the form of electromagnetic energy. - Reduce noise and interference. - For frequency assignment. LIMITATIONS Noise Bandwidth – is that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum occupied by a signal - It is also the frequency range over which an information signal is transmitted over which a receiver or other electronic circuit operates. - USF - LSF - or the equipment operation range  Radio Frequency Bands & Major Services ELF – Extremely Low Frequency (30-300Hz) Submarine Applications VF – Voice Frequency (300Hz - 3kHz) Human Voice VLF – Very Low Frequency (3 – 30kHz) Radio Navigation Maritime Mobile Communications Aeronautical Communications LF – Low Frequency (30kHz – 300kHz) Radio Navigation Maritime Mobile Communications Aeronautical Communications MF – Medium Frequency (300kHz – 3MHz) AM Broadcasting Amateur Communications Fixed and Mobile Communications Maritime and Aeronautical Aids and Communications Analog modulation is the process of imposing analog information onto a carrier signal. It involves techniques like amplitude modulation (AM), where the amplitude of the carrier signal is varied in proportion to the modulating signal. Other analog modulation techniques include frequency modulation (FM) and phase modulation (PM), which respectively vary the frequency and phase of the carrier signal. Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a process by which the wave signal is transmitted by modulating the amplitude of the signal. It is often called AM and is commonly used in transmitting a piece of information through a radio carrier wave. Frequency Modulation (FM) is the encoding of information in a carrier wave by changing the instantaneous frequency of the wave. FM technology is widely used in the fields of computing, telecommunications, and signal processing. Phase Modulation (PM) is defined as the process of varying the phase of the carrier signal linearly with the instantaneous value of the message signal. Digital modulation involves converting digital information into analog signals for transmission. Techniques like phase shift keying (PSK), frequency shift keying (FSK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) are commonly used. PSK modulates the phase of the carrier signal, FSK changes the frequency, and QAM combines both amplitude and phase modulation. These techniques enable reliable transmission and reception of digital data. Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) is a type of Digital Modulation which represents the binary data in the form of variations in the amplitude of a signal. Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) is the digital modulation technique in which the frequency of the carrier signal varies according to the digital signal changes. Phase Shift Keying (PSK) is the digital modulation technique in which the phase of the carrier signal is changed by varying the sine and cosine inputs at a particular time. PSK technique is widely used for wireless LANs, bio-metric, contactless operations, along with RFID and Bluetooth communications. Comparison of Analog and Digital Modulation Analog modulation allows for continuous variation of the signal, providing a smooth representation of the original information. On the other hand, digital modulation offers better noise immunity and higher data rates due to its discrete nature. While analog modulation is susceptible to noise and interference, digital modulation techniques can employ error correction coding to ensure reliable data transmission. Modulation and multiplexing Modulation and multiplexing are electronic techniques for transmitting information efficiently from one place to another. - Modulation makes the information signal more compatible with the medium. - Multiplexing allows more than one signal to be transmitted concurrently over a single medium. Baseband Transmission Baseband information can be sent directly and unmodified over the medium or can be used to modulate a carrier for transmission over the medium. - In telephone or intercom systems, the voice is placed on the wires and transmitted. - In some computer networks, the digital signals are applied directly to coaxial or twisted-pair cables for transmission. Broadband Transmission - A carrier is a high frequency signal that is modulated by audio, video, or data. - A radio-frequency (RF) wave is an electromagnetic signal that is able to travel long distances through space. Gain, Attenuation, & Decibels - Gain means amplification. It is the ratio of a circuit’s output to its input. - Attenuation refers to a loss introduced by a circuit or component. If the output signal is lower in amplitude than the input, the circuit has loss or attenuation. - Decibel (dB) measurement is based on the comparison of 2 power levels Multiplexing Multiplexing is the technique of combining multiple signals into a single transmission medium. It allows for efficient utilization of available bandwidth. Two common multiplexing techniques are frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM). FDM divides the frequency spectrum into multiple channels, while TDM allocates time slots to different signals. Both techniques enable simultaneous transmission of multiple signals.  Multiplexing Techniques Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) is a technique for sending two or more signals over the same phone line, radio channel, or other medium. Each signal is transmitted as a unique range of frequencies within the bandwidth of the channel, enabling several signals to be transmitted simultaneously. Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) is a method of putting multiple data streams in a single signal by separating the signal into many segments, each having a very short duration. Each signal is sent as a series of pulses or packets, which are interleaved with those of the other signal or signals and transmitted as a continuous stream. Applications of Multiplexing Multiplexing finds applications in various fields. In telecommunications, multiplexing enables simultaneous transmission of voice, data, and video signals over a single network. In broadcasting, it allows multiple TV or radio channels to share the same frequency spectrum. Additionally, multiplexing is used in fiber-optic communications, satellite communications, and digital subscriber lines (DSL) to achieve efficient data transmission. Advantages of analog modulation Analog modulation offers several advantages. It provides a smooth representation of the original information, making it suitable for applications such as audio transmission. Analog signals are also less susceptible to quantization errors compared to digital signals. Moreover, analog modulation techniques are relatively simple and cost-effective to implement, making them suitable for certain communication systems. Advantages of Digital Modulation Digital modulation has numerous advantages over analog modulation. It offers better noise immunity and error correction capabilities, ensuring reliable data transmission. Digital signals can be easily processed, manipulated, and compressed, making them suitable for data communication and digital broadcasting. Furthermore, digital modulation allows for higher data rates and efficient utilization of bandwidth. Challenges and Future Trends While analog modulation continues to be relevant in certain applications, the increasing demand for higher data rates and improved spectral efficiency drives the adoption of digital modulation. However, challenges such as interference, channel fading, and complexity of digital modulation techniques need to be addressed. Future trends include the development of advanced modulation schemes and adaptive modulation techniques to overcome these challenges. Conclusion Analog and digital modulation techniques play vital roles in modern communication systems. Analog modulation offers a smooth representation of information, while digital modulation provides better noise immunity and higher data rates. Multiplexing techniques enable efficient utilization of available bandwidth. Understanding the differences and applications of these techniques is crucial for designing robust and efficient communication systems.  Voice Over Internet Protocol VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol and is a technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls and video calls over the internet instead of landlines. Most people consider VoIP the alternative to the local telephone company. If you have an internet connection, you can call anyone without the need for traditional, local phone service or physical copper wires. All you need is high-speed internet and a VoIP service provider to handle the calls. VoIP converts your phone calls into data that is sent over the internet. You can use the Ethernet cables or skip them if you have a strong Wi-Fi signal. It does so at a much lower cost than older telephone systems. Voice over IP has many advantages over traditional phone service. What is the difference between VoIP and landline phones? The main difference between VoIP phones and landline phones is that a landline phone is hardwired into a physical location using copper wires. A VoIP phone, on the other hand, makes and receives calls over the internet and is not bound to a specific location. Traditional telephones use analog lines to carry voice signals. If you want to make calls, you have to have extra wiring installed. How does VoIP work? Voice over IP converts your voice to a digital file, compresses it, and sends it over the internet. The VoIP service provider (much like your internet service provider) sets up the call. Many people choose VoIP over traditional landlines because there is less startup cost involved and they can make calls using the internet, which saves them money on long-distance charges. Voice over IP uses Internet Protocol, an essential building block of the internet. IP telephony is a massive innovation from the century-old telecommunications system. For phone calls, the conversation is exchanged using small data packets. The internet can send these data packets around the world in less than a second. For internet telephony, these packets travel between your phone and a VoIP provider. A VoIP phone system facilitates calls between other phones or over to another telephone company. It also provides other useful functions like voicemail, call forwarding, call recording, and more. In four steps, here’s how VoIP works. 1. Your phone connects to your switch or router in your Local Area Network (LAN). 2. When you dial a telephone number, your IP phone tells your VoIP service provider to call the other party. 3. Your VoIP service establishes the call and exchanges data packets from your IP phone. 4. Your VoIP phone converts these digital signals back into the sound you can hear. Benefits of VoIP - Easy Install - Virtual Phone Numbers - Use existed Internet - Link Phone Numbers - Simple Integration - Advance Voicemail - High Audio Quality - Power over Ethernet  1. Lower cost - Many consumers and businesses alike have realized substantial cost savings and lowered their phone bills by over 60%. 2. High-quality sound - There’s a noticeable difference in the call quality, so the audio isn’t muffled or fuzzy. 3. Advanced features - Leverage premium features to run your company such as auto attendants, call recording, and call queues. They’re often included with business phone service plans. 4. Call anyone worldwide - International long distance rates are as low as $0.04 per minute to call Mexico or $0.01 to reach the United Kingdom. 5. Business phone numbers for a remote work team - Use your phone service wherever you work. No technical setup is necessary if you work from home. The good news is that VoIP desk phones aren’t expensive, and you can even get them for free from your VoIP service provider. Plus, providers include a mobile app that you can use on your desktop or mobile device to make calls instead of using a traditional handset. Top VOIP phone system features 1) Auto attendant Project a professional image with a phone menu that greets incoming calls. If you’ve called a company and had to press 1 for sales, 2 for support, you’ve used an auto attendant. An auto attendant helps you direct callers to the right person or department. You can forward calls to your voicemail or elsewhere outside of business hours. 2) Mobile and desktop apps With cloud communications, you won’t miss calls because you’re not in the office. Several VoIP service providers now offer an app for your computer and mobile device. It’s more important than ever to equip your team with a VoIP solution to work from home. These apps let you make phone calls, join conference calls, exchange text messages, and more. You can use these telecommunications apps with or without a separate desk phone. It’s your choice. 3) HD call quality There’s almost nothing worse than asking callers to repeat themselves. HD Voice increases the sound quality in your phone calls. This VoIP technology makes phone calls sound twice as clear as a standard phone call. For even fuller sound, many VoIP headsets and phones provide noise-canceling capabilities. This high-definition sound quality is noticeable even for long-distance calls. 4) Unified Communications VoIP elevates your team’s workflow through a concept known as Unified Communications (UC). Instead of using several disparate apps, your company’s communications platform is fully integrated. It’s now even easier for employees to connect with each other and with customers. You can even flip calls between mobile devices, too. Your team gets work done faster by meeting over video and screen sharing. UC makes real-time communication intuitive and well-organized. Here are some of the key functions within a UC platform: - Instant messaging - Team chats - Video meetings - Screen sharing - Conference calling - Mobile and desktop apps 5) Call encryption and VoIP security VoIP security is top of mind for business owners. Telephone calls carry confidential information like credit card numbers and HR conversations. You must protect these assets, or it could cost you. VoIP is safe and secure even as data packets travel through the internet. IP phone systems have built-in security to stop bad actors from tapping your calls. Ask your VoIP service provider about call encryption. VoIP technologies like TLS and SRTP scramble call data making eavesdropping near impossible. You should consider whether a VoIP provider is accredited and meets industry standards. It’s handy to have a requirements checklist when selecting a business phone service. Useful questions to ask include: - Are they accredited in PCI, SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001? - How many data centers do they have? - What is the uptime of their VoIP service? - Do they provide HIPAA compliant IP telephony? - Can you access real-time call logs? 6) Call recording Leverage your phone system to record phone calls between customers and your staff. Is your team handling calls with care and precision? Recording calls through your phone system reveals areas for your team to improve. Plus, it’s secure, so only authorized personnel can access it. The advantage of VoIP call recording is that it’s undetectable to all parties. It also requires no extra hardware, unlike landline PBX systems. Goodbye, cassette recorders! How much does VoIP cost? VoIP is surprisingly inexpensive when you consider all its capabilities. The short answer is that you can expect to pay approximately $35 per user per month for VoIP. The cost savings are quite dramatic compared to a traditional phone system or on-premises PBX. To give you an idea, here’s how much VoIP typically costs: Initial costs: $0-$50 per line Monthly costs: $19-$45 per line Device costs: $80-$600 per IP phone International calls: $0.01+ per minute Taxes and fees: Varies based on your city, county, and state. Traditional phone systems have hidden costs you might not expect: Installation fees: $50-100 per drop Deposit: $100-$500 Maintenance contact: $1000+ annually International calls: $1.00+ per minute Hard pull credit check All this is to say that we strongly recommend you obtain a free quote to confirm the exact VoIP pricing.  What VoIP equipment do I need? When you switch to VoIP phones, you have two options for VoIP equipment – hard phones or softphones. A hard-ware based VoIP phone looks just like the traditional “desk phone” you’re used to, but it connects to your internet modem in order to make a call. A VoIP softphone is a software-based phone that is installed on your computer. You will use your computer software to make and receive calls, just like you would on any phone, except the keypad is operated through the software. You can use the software-based VoIP phone through your computer speakers and microphone, or you can get headset equipment that is designed to work efficiently with VoIP. Some people find that headset equipment allows for better sound quality while still allowing you to be hands-free on your computer. Most VoIP providers will give you a few choices for the VoIP equipment you need. For example, Nextiva allows you to BYOD (bring your own device), rent a desktop phone or conference phone from us, or use the included app that you can use to make calls from a computer or mobile phone. Qualities to look for when choosing a VoIP phone service provider: - Proven reliability with minimal downtime - Compatible with your network - Live support available 24/7 - Multiple, redundant data centers - No-pressure sales experience - Optional professional services - Examples of clients in a similar industry When you’re in discussion with a VoIP provider, ask about the available specials. You could be eligible for a free business VoIP phone or a hefty discount, depending on your commitment. For most people, VoIP is the clear winner over analog landlines. VoIP offers the best value, cost savings, and the most useful features. When you switch to VoIP, you won’t even think about your old phone service. You could save up to 65% off your business phone bill. History of VoIP VoIP was developed in 1995 by a company called VocalTech. The first VoIP calls were made using computer software only, no hard desk phones. A few years later, VocalTech released digital voicemail applications and functionality for computer-to-telephone calls and phone-to-phone calling. By 1999, more companies entered the market, and a company named Asterisk created the first IP-PBX that became popular because it was an open-source program. Today’s VoIP is heavily used in business communication to help power everything from large call centers to individual business phone numbers so employees can take calls from anywhere. VoIP has become a critical, cost-effective way to help remote staff and outside sales staff to take business calls from anywhere using a VoIP app for their smartphone. Added bonus? They can keep their personal phone number and business phone number separate, but still use the same device.