What Is a VoIP Caller? [Everything You Need to Know]

The technological advancements of the 21st century have turned all of us into VoIP callers. 

Let me guess - you have no idea what a VoIP caller is? 

Relax, it is nothing scary or illegal. It’s just talking over the internet.

Let me explain:

What Is a VoIP Caller?

It is a person who uses VoIP (voice over IP) technology for communication. IP stands for internet protocol. 

In simple terms, this refers to how devices connected to the internet recognize and share data with each other. 

Thus, VoIP can be explained as transporting your voice from one device to another using the internet.

What Is a VoIP System?

The VoIP technology allows you to make calls online but how does that happen? 

Here’s the short version.

You have a gadget connected to the internet. Your voice is turned into an electrical signal which is sent from the device to your network router.

From the router the signal travels through the internet, looking for its intended receiver. At some point, it enters the receiver’s device and they can hear you through their speakers.

For this process to be smooth and uninterrupted, you must have a high-speed connection. The receiver’s device should also be compatible. 

In case you want to communicate with a landline phone, you’ll need a voice over internet protocol.

Who Is Using VoIP Technology

VoIP technology is used by anyone who wants to make an online phone call, or any company which provides an internet phone service. 

Among the most popular options are: 

• Skype 
• Google Talk 
• Microsoft Teams 
• Discord 

Companies such as Ooma, Axvoice, and Voipo offer VoIP home phone services.

VoIP solutions can 

• handle phone calls, 
• manage conference calling 
• message management
• help with remote work

Besides that, 22% of businesses that offer a toll-free number are part of a VoIP network. The technology also allows for business calls to be handled anywhere, which improves productivity by 20%.

Still, it is not all fun and games. About 46% of illegal calls were made using a VoIP network. 38% of businesses have no established practices for dealing with cybersecurity threats. This is a big problem, since about 80% of hacking-related data breaches are aimed at compromising login credentials.

Why Use VoIP?

There are many benefits to using VoIP for both companies and private communication. Here are a few of them:

• Cut Costs – Most voice call services support both domestic and international communication. The fee, if present, is either a flat one for a specified length of time or for a number of minutes.
  
• Portability – As long as you have an Internet connection available, you can make a voice call.
• Video Calling – Being able to see the people you are talking with significantly enhances the communicative experience.
• Real-Time Call Queue – People who are trying to contact your business may receive real-time data on the queue. Limiting frustration and improving client satisfaction.
• Conference Calling – The ability to have the same conversation with several people at the same time saves time and money.

Negatives of VoIP

But of course, nothing is perfect. VoIP has it’s issues, too:

• Connection Availability – There is no way to ensure that you can receive VoIP services during an outage. It all depends on your provider and their policies.
  
• Connection Quality – If it is not good enough, there will be high latency, tearing, or even a complete drop of the connection during VoIP calling.
• Privacy –  With the introduction of server-based VoIP architectures, all of the communication is processed by the owner-company servers. The extent to which your privacy is protected depends on the company’s policies.

VoIP vs Regular Calls

Okay, now to answer the question you’re all thinking about.

What’s the difference between VoIP and regular calls?

How to Identify?

You have two options:

• Check your phone bill – No matter the service you use, the bill should hold details on when and where the call originated.
  
• Contact your service provider – The company should be able to identify if its a VoIP number.
  

How to Block?

Say you don’t wanna receive such calls.

Here’s what you can use:

• Specialized Applications – There are countless app for smartphones and tablets which can be used to restrict certain numbers from contacting you.
• Service Provider – There are high chances your VoIP or landline service provider offer the possibility of blacklisting numbers.
• Use of AI – At the moment, VoIP service providers are developing AI targeted at limiting unwanted calls.
  

Will the World Completely Migrate to VoIP?

Now that we know what a VoIP caller is, what future does this technology have? 

VoIP systems allow the world to be connected like never before. They offer cheap, accessible, location-independent communication. Conference calls and video calls make them even more alluring.

The world is slowly moving away from landline communication but the process is not irreversible. If connection stability cannot be completely ensured, or companies’ access to clients’ private communication becomes compromised, people may decide to return to landline communication.

But still, getting familiar with VoIP is a good idea. Hopefully, our guide helped.