| If you're new to computer phone calling, you | | | | an internet connection and your IP Phone will |
| can get a more detailed explanation of | | | | work. |
| computer to phone service described on the | | | | |
| page "Computer Phone Calls". | | | | 2(a). WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) IP Phone or |
| | | | WLAN Phones are handsets used for making |
| Essentially, you have three choices when | | | | wireless 'voice over internet protocol' |
| deciding to utilize this type of service: | | | | (voip) computer calls. They have a built in |
| | | | WiFi transceiver instead of an port. All that |
| 1. Calling computer to computer is currently | | | | is required to make a call is access to the |
| a very common, and in almost all cases, a | | | | internet via a wireless hookup. Some Cell |
| free way to use a computer phone service. | | | | phone companies are designing their phones |
| With this type of computer phone service, the | | | | with WiFi usage. This means you can either |
| person you're calling must have be signed up | | | | use the standard cell network or make an |
| with the same computer phone service | | | | internet call using the WiFi network |
| provider. You use your mouse and keyboard to | | | | (commonly referred to as a WiFi hotspot). |
| make and receive these calls. However you can | | | | |
| get something called a "softphone" or "USB | | | | 3. An Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) is |
| phone" which allows you to use a regular | | | | another version of computer phone services. |
| handset instead of your mouse and keyboard. | | | | With this Adapter you can hook-up a standard |
| One of the most popular companies being used | | | | phone to your computer or internet |
| today is Skype. For a fee, you can also | | | | connection. Some phone companies are |
| acquire a phone number to call out or receive | | | | including ATA's with their normal service |
| calls in, just like a regular phone. | | | | packages. |
| | | | |
| 2. IP (Internet Protocol) Phones are | | | | Depending on the method of calling you |
| Internet phones and operate like a regular | | | | choose, you may need to download software as |
| phone. Rather than a phone jack into the | | | | well. |
| wall, they have a connecter that connects | | | | |
| directly to your router. With an internet | | | | For more information on companies offering |
| phone, you don't need to physically use the | | | | computer phone services see "Computer Phone |
| computer to to talk, or dial. All you need is | | | | Calls". |