IP telephony via fiber
IP telephony through fiber is when you call directly via the data network instead of the telephone network. Today there are various alternatives when trying to find a solution for landline telephony. It works perfectly fine to have a phone via broadband connection but the safest and newest alternative is through the fiber network, so called IP telephony.
Broadband telephony means that the call is divided into small data packages that are sent through a data network instead of a telephone network. It’s called IP telephony and stands for Internet Protocol which is an internet language. It’s a broad term and there are countless of different variations of IP telephony or broadband telephony.
The biggest differences between IP telephony and traditional telephony are; traditional telephony utilises intended equipment for the purpose, while IP telephony utilises internet. You can connect IP telephony between computers instead of telephony. Traditional telephony has a certain capacity while IP telephony uses all of the available capacity.
- IP telephony calls can be connected between two or more computers and smartphones.
- You can use special IP phones or regular phones to connect via IP.
- If you’re already connected to internet, IP telephony is practically free.
- The monthly connection is normally lower than other connections.
- You can terminate your old subscription and only call with IP telephony.
- You can bring your IP subscription while traveling.
- You can connect to add-on services such as speech, images and text.
The history of fiber optics
Alexander Graham Bell and his assistant Charles Sumner Tainter were the first creators of the early fiber communication, the so called photone. This device was groundbreaking in it’s ability of transmission of sound on a light beam. The first test was conducted between two buildings roughly 200 meters apart. It was however not as successful as hoped since it used an atmospheric transmission medium. It did however become practical in military communication systems years later. In the late 1990s, researchers and industry promoters suspected a vastly increased use of internet. Companies like Verizon and AT&T took advantage of the prediction and delivered fiber-optic communication and broadband services to consumer’s homes.
To keep in mind when changing
Remember to compare the overall costs for IP telephony with the subscription you use. With international calls it’s often better to choose. But there are oftentimes a subscription cost that you need to be cautions of. What does the termination process look like for the subscription you already have?
You can usually bring your old phone number to your new carrier. Be sure of your choice because it may cost you if you change your mind. Think about if you need a number presentation, block features, or add-on services. Check to see how they work if you change.
Also ask if they can guarantee the call quality. IP telephony is dependent of power supply, so if there’s a power failure you can’t call. Check what you’re supposed to do it happens, a mobile phone with 3G or 4G can be a replacement, which most smartphones today have.
Other special functions
Sound quality varies between carries. Make sure that you have as much information as possible before changing. It may be better, same or worse than normal telephony. It’s especially important if you have hearing aid or a disruptive environment when calling.
If you currently have a secret number, don’t forget to ask for it with the company you’re changing to. Check if the new company offers it before you switch if it’s important to you so you can have the function delivered in the future.
Don’t forget to read through the agreement carefully before signing. Check the curing period and if you want to sign up before the curing period is over. It’s good to know what rules apply if the service isn’t working as promised and what service and support is included.