Do I need to have a computer to use VoIP?

There are many ways to use VoIP, or voice over Internet protocol to communicate with others. You do not need to have a computer. You can use a computer with a headset and soft phone, or an IP phone, or you can use your regular analog phone with an analog transmitter adapter.

Even though you do not need a computer to set up VoIP, you do need an Internet connection. Ideally, you need a high-speed Internet connection. This is so that the packets of information can be sent to the receiver of the call. This is similar to sending the analog signal through the traditional fiber optic cables.
There are many different types of broadband connection. These make it possible for you to connect with a VoIP service. The more common of these connection types are:

Cable- this Internet connection uses the local cable television cable lines to transport Internet.
DSL- this is digital telecommunications protocols designed to allow high-speed data communication over the existing copper telephone lines between end-users and telephone companies.

T1-is a dedicated point-to-point, high capacity digital service. This allows for a high amount of data to be transferred. This is through the telephone company.

Fractional T1-It is typically provided by a carrier in lieu of a full T-1 connection and is a point-to-point arrangement. This is through the telephone company.

T3-this is a digital channel which communicates at 45 Mbps, or 28 T1 lines. This is through the telephone company.

The possibilities of VoIP have transformed from the very limited computer-to-computer communications back in 1955, to the world wide computer-to-computer, telephone-to-telephone, and computer to telephone services of today.

You can have VoIP or voice over Internet protocol calls anywhere there is an Internet connection. There is not any reason that you have to have a computer specifically unless you want to go with computer to computer, or computer to phone. The phone-to-phone use is just fine and long as you have an Internet connection.

Here is a brief explanation of the different types of calls I have been referring:

• Computer to computer calls
  Here you have what is usually free calls using free downloadable software on each computer. You do need a microphone and speakers and have a live Internet connection.


• Computer to telephone calls
  With this type of connection; the call you make is routed over the Internet to the recipient's local telephone network. The Internet part of the call is usually free but there is a charge for the local call at the other end. You will need to subscribe to a service provider, be using your computer and have a live Internet connection. Prices and services vary between providers.


• Telephone to telephone calls
  Where these calls are concerned you are using a special VoIP telephone handset or with your normal telephone and an adapter. You will need to subscribe to a service provider for this type of call. You will not usually need to have a computer switched on however this can vary with different service providers.

Therefore, the only reason you would need a computer to use the technology of VoIP is if you do not have a VoIP phone or a regular analog phone with the VoIP adapter. Then you would need to use your computer to download and communicate using the VoIP software.