Voice over IP - fundaments, trends and impacts
Arto Karila (CV)
Voice over IP (VoIP) is currently the fastest spreading application of
Internet technology. Practically all large organizations already are
deploying VoIP or have plans to adopt it. On the consumer side, Skype
already has over 35 million registered users and is continuing its
exponential growth. VoIP means running voice over an IP network (Internet,
intranet or extranet) as one the many applications of the network. The main
driver of VoIP is savings in the cost of telephone calls. However, in the
long run savings in operations and the benefits of media integration are
more significant. VoIP is also coming to wireless devices and is currently
the main reason for corporations to build WLAN coverage. Seamless roaming
between various network technologies, especially WLAN and WWAN (such as
GSM/GPRS) leads into 4G mobile services that can take full advantage of
heterogeneous access networks. VoIP is eroding the revenue base of telcos at
a very fast pace.
This presentation introduces the underlying technologies
of VoIP, discusses some current main trends, and analyzes the impacts of
VoIP to people, companies, societies and telcos. It is not a scientific
study but rather an oral overview with accompanying presentation slides of
this major phenomenon.