How it works
If you've never heard of VoIP, get ready to change the way you think about long-distance phone calls,
local calls and mobile calls. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a method for taking analog
audio signals, like the kind we hear when we talk on the phone, and turning them into digital data
that can be transmitted over the Internet.
The interesting thing about VoIP is that there is not just one way to place a call. Codatel offers
three different "flavours" of VoIP service in common use today:
ATA - IP phone - Computer to computer
VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely rework the world's phone
systems. Above all else, VoIP is basically a clever "reinvention of the wheel."
Click a topic below to learn more about VoIP.
What does a VoIP connection look like?
What are the advantages of using VoIP?
So, is there some sort of catch?
How does VoIP voice quality compare to traditional phones?
Why are VoIP calls cheaper than traditional calls?
How it works - Three different flavours
- ATA - The simplest and most common way is through the use of a device called
an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). The ATA allows you to connect a standard phone
to your computer or your Internet connection for use with VoIP. The ATA is an
analog-to-digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional
phone and converts it into digital data for transmission over the Internet.
- IP Phones - These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a handset,
cradle and buttons. But instead of having the standard RJ-11 phone connectors,
IP phones have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. IP phones connect directly to your router
and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the IP call.
- Computer-to-computer - This is certainly the easiest way to use VoIP. You don't
even have to pay for long-distance calls. There are several companies offering free
or very low-cost software that you can use for this type of VoIP. All you need is
the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an Internet connection.
How it works - Whats does a VoIP connection look like?
If you've got a high-speed Internet connection, VoIP or PC to Phone is a service you can use
to make calls over the Internet at significant savings over analog calling.
Here's how it works:
1. VoIP sends your calls across the Internet.
2. Your calls go through your Cable/DSL modem or IP router.
3. A VoIP phone adaptor/ATA splits your high-speed broadband phone connection.
4. Your Internet connection will work as it did before you installed the phone adaptor/ATA
- sending emails and other web data to your personal computer.
5. Your phone calls are sent through your VoIP phone adaptor/ATA to your regular or
cordless telephone.
How it works - What are the advatages of using VoIP?
VoIP has some major advantages over traditional landline phone. First, typically you can
call any landline phone in Australia for as low as 9c untimed. Included services with our
residential & business plans are: call waiting, call forwarding, online enabled voice mail,
caller ID, and much more. Conventional phone companies charge you individually for each of
these services, Codatel gives them to you for one flat rate.
How it works - So, is there some sort of catch?
Using the internet to make a phone call uses up your downloads. Customers should be
aware of their download limit to avoid a costly internet bill.
Contact you ISP to discuss the most suitable plan for you.
For further information on VoIP and your downloads please contact us
on 1300 CODATEL.
How it works - How does VoIP voice quality compare to traditional phones?
Some broadband connections may have less than desirable quality. Where IP packets are lost or delayed at
any point in the network between VoIP users, there will be a momentary drop-out of voice. This is more
noticeable in highly congested networks and/or where there are long distances and/or interworking
between end points. Technology has improved the reliability and voice quality over time and will
continue to improve VoIP performance as time goes on.
Codatel has the latest equipment and most expert technicians to insure you recieve the best
service possible!
How it works - Why are VoIp calls cheaper than traditional calls?
By using the internet to carry your call VoIP technology bypasses the traditional
public switched telephone network (PSTN) in whole or part. When a call is made from
a VoIP handset the call is carried from your handset to the Codatel's network without
paying to use PSTN infrastructure. This means that the first leg of a VoIP call avoids
the charges of the traditional telephone company.
It is possible to avoid the use of the PSTN network altogether by when a call is placed
from a VoIP handset to another VoIP handset. These calls are called 'on-network' calls
and are free of charge other than data download charges that your Internet Service
Provider may impose if any. As more people use VoIP rather than traditional telephony
the number of 'paid' calls we all make will reduce.
This is one of the reasons why Codatel is introducing you to VoIP.
