There are three methods of connecting to a VoIP network:
- Using a VoIP telephone
- Using a "normal" telephone with a VoIP adapter
- Using a computer with speakers and a microphone
Unlike standard analogue phone lines, VoIP relies on the IP network, and it requires a continual IP connection between the two communicators with around 100Kb to 300Kb of bandwidth in each direction to give reliable, high quality transfer of sound.
If you imagine a typical Internet connection, the actual bandwidth for VoIP is always the lowest bandwidth at any point of the virtual connection between the VoIP users.
Realistically, Internet based VoIP requires a minimum of an ADSL or Cable Broadband connection.
