VoIP - What is the Problem?

In the beginning, when the Internet Protocol was first designed, no one was thinking about the possibilities of sending audio and video. Real time communication was not an issue.

Perhaps the greatest single problem is that the Internet Protocol (the IP part of VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol) wasn't designed to ensure that the packets are delivered in the correct order. When information is transmitted using IP, the data is broken up into information packets, each of which is sent separately. The correct sequence of packets is part of the information in each packet, but nothing specifically exists to make sure that the packets are delivered, and, therefore, received in the proper order.

Now this isn't usually a significant issue for web pages, email, etc. Why? Because these aren't real-time applications. Audio and video however, especially live audio and live video are definitely real-time applications. For a real time conversation to work, the packets have to arrive - pretty much in order and also within certain time limits.

The first, and one of the major challenges then, is to restructure incoming packets into the correct order and to somehow cope with lost and/or trashed packets. Face it, the internet does not provide a quality of service guarantee. If enough packets are lost, an audio or video stream rapidly turns into a useless mess. While packets can be resent - the standard way lost/trashed packets are dealt with - real time communication means that you just can't wait around forever. After a certain time, it's simply too late to maintain a coherent stream.

What we've seen over the last few years is a gradual and now nearly explosive growth in the use of VoIP, and streaming audio and video. The reason is decline of dial-up and the growth of ISDN, DSL, ADSL, cable and other high speed, high bandwidth access modes. Bandwidth is the answer to most of the problems posed by IP. End-to-end high speed links can ensure high quality sound. The sole remaining problem is latency.

For most this is not an issue when they have high speed internet access, however, it can become a problem with satellite links or any other system where unusually long distances and many hops are involved.

On private networks, there is rarely a problem using VoIP and many companies with internal networks (such as telcos and power companies) use VoIP to communicate within their organizational network structure.

However, when the available end-to-end bandwidth is less than 256 Kbps, a good VoIP system will require mechanisms to overcome fragmentation of the data stream.

Security is an issue everywhere on the internet and what this means is that VoIP also needs to deal with firewalls and NATs (Network Address Translation). While some systems can do NAT and firewall traversal on their own, others require the use of SBCs (Session Border Controllers) to manage the traversal.

One major, though non-technical, challenge to VoIP, comes from traditional telephone service providers who are being by-passed by consumers who love the extremely low (or zero) long-distance charges they can get by using VoIP. Exactly how this works out over the long run will be fascinating to watch. In the meantime, VoIP services are continually being improved and extended. Enjoy them.

For more information on VoIP, conference calling, web conferencing and related subjects visit Alta Global Telecom. Find more on wireless and cellular subjects at Alta Global Wireless. For networking and security check Alta Global Net.

---

Why VoIP is not Going to Fail

VoIP is an almost constant topic in our daily dose... Read More

The Dangers of Peer-to-Peer Systems

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems do not operate on secure lines, thus... Read More

Use your Computer to make Cheap Long-Distance Telephone Calls

What is 'VoIP'?Simply put, VoIP refers to the carriage of... Read More

World On IP Community versus Telecoms Monopoly

World on IP community versus the TELECOMS' monopoly or a... Read More

Voice over Internet Protocal VoIP for Business

VoIP consists of 2 major technologies....Making Calls Over the Internet--ResidentialThis... Read More

Finally Voip Worth a Look!

Everyone can Benefit from this Technology! Voip will be next... Read More

VoIP in the Home

VoIP is set to revolutionise home communications. With VoIP you... Read More

Voice over IP Offers Your Business an Inexpensive Alternative To Toll Free Numbers

New businesses can now let their customers contact them for... Read More

VoIP 101: Voice over IP for Beginners

For those who have never heard about the potential of... Read More

What Is VoIP and How Does It Work

IntroductionThe way we make phone calls is changing. In fact... Read More

Outstanding VoIP Voicemail Features Makes Getting VoIP Voicemail Extremely Convenient

There are many types of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)... Read More

Consumer Review on CallWave Call Alert Service

Missing phone calls while you are online?Are you thinking of... Read More

VoIP and 911 Warning

Be leery of your VoIP phone system in case of... Read More

VOIP Questions and Answers

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in popularity... Read More

The Single Most Important Thing to Know About Computer Phones (VoIP)

Over 90% of computer phones (VoIP) are not secure because... Read More

Take Advantage of Internet Phone Calls (VOIP)

Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a relatively new technology. Voice... Read More

Bluetooth Computer Headsets - Enjoy Wireless Freedom

Wireless Computer HeadsetsTill recently, few options were available to people... Read More

The Future of Communications - Voice Over Internet

When was the last time that you were able to... Read More

How Much Bandwidth is Required for VoIP Phones?

A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)... Read More

Text To Speech - Its Simple

Looking for a natural voice speech engine? Curious about what... Read More

Do You Text Chat (IM) Online?

IM (Instant Messaging) - man, we thought we had it... Read More

VoIP - What is the Problem?

In the beginning, when the Internet Protocol was first designed,... Read More

Google Joins the Internet Phone Revolution

Its not so long ago that the idea of free... Read More

The Lowdown on VoIP

It seems like technology is headed for a massive telephone... Read More

Things You Should Consider When Selecting a VoIP Provider

The following are very important factors to consider when you... Read More

Benefits of VoIP

You may not have considered it but there are many... Read More

The Calling Card Alternative

For a few years now, the calling cards business is... Read More

VoIP - A Laymans Look - Should You Or Shouldnt You?

"As business people we manufacture shin pads, or we distribute... Read More

Lower Videophone Prices Allow Individuals Accessibility

VoIP service providers are now offering videophone at the lowest... Read More

Will VoIP be a Mass Market Product?

A common thinking among "Marketing people " is that for... Read More

Needless HIGH RISK Exposure For Business Using Computer Phones

The Facts? Computer phones (VoIP) offer the most optimal means... Read More

Broadband Phone Technology - Top 5 Reasons You Should Take Notice

For the uninitiated, the term broadband phone is loosely used... Read More

Is VoIP Good For The Home?

There is no doubt that you have heard about VoIP... Read More