Web Teleconferencing
Web teleconferencing is also known as VoIP (Voice-Over-Internet Protocol) or internet voice. Unlike PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) in which you will only need a regular phone to hold a conference, a web conference call requires a computer with broadband internet access. It's possible to make a web conference call using a regular phone with special adapater.
When you make a call over the Internet, your voice will be converted into digital signal first. This is very convenient because you can have conference in any places that have internet connection. Wireless hot spots locations such as cafes and airports are also possible places you can have web teleconferencing.
System Requirements For Web Teleconferencing
For most web teleconferencing softwares, a computer with a DSL modem for a broadband connection, a microphone and a web cam for video conferencing are required. You can also use a specialized phone to do online web conference. These phones are plugged into a broadband connection and generally works like a normal phone.
Certain web teleconferencing providers will only allow you to make internet conference call with subscribers to their service while other web conference services allow you contact anyone who has a regular phone. You can save up to 50 percent of your phone bill as the rate for conferences via the web is very affordable and low.
Disadvantages Of Web Teleconferencing
Technically, you can simply plug in your voip internet phone adapter into a broadband connection and use it to make phone calls. There are however some countries (China and India) that restrict voip because they want to protect their own service providers. Regardless, web teleconferencing is definitely a cool technology that allow you to make really cheap call to all your international friends and business partners.