Voice over Internet Protocol facts for kids
Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) is a way to make phone calls using the internet. Instead of using old-fashioned phone lines, VoIP turns your voice into digital information. This information then travels over the same internet connection you use for browsing websites or playing games.
Before VoIP, phones needed a special, dedicated line just for calls. This was called the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Using VoIP can help save money because you don't need that separate phone line anymore. Your internet connection does all the work for both your computer and your phone calls!
How VoIP Works
VoIP takes your voice and breaks it into tiny digital pieces, like small data packets. These packets travel across the internet to the person you are calling. When they arrive, the packets are put back together to re-create your voice. It's a bit like sending a puzzle piece by piece and then assembling it at the other end.
Why Use VoIP?
One of the biggest reasons people use VoIP is to save money. Since it uses your existing internet connection, you might not need a separate phone line. This can lower your monthly bills. Many businesses and families now use VoIP for their calls because it's often cheaper, especially for long-distance or international calls.
Things to Know About VoIP
While VoIP is super useful, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Clear Calls: For your calls to sound clear and not cut out, your internet connection needs to be fast and stable. If the internet is slow or has hiccups, your voice might sound choppy or break up.
- Power Outages: Old phone lines could often work even if the power went out in your home. This was important for emergency calls. Most VoIP systems need electricity and an active internet connection to work. So, if your power goes out, your VoIP phone might not work.
- Internet Connection: Your internet network is used for everything now – browsing, gaming, and phone calls. If there's a problem with your internet, it could affect your VoIP calls too. It's like having all your eggs in one basket!
Images for kids
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Example of a home network using VoIP
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A special computer system (PBX) for small business VoIP calls
See also
In Spanish: Voz sobre protocolo de internet para niños
