Ventrilo Dedicated Server

Ventrilo is a VoIP program. VoIP stand for “Voice over IP,” which is to say it is a voice exchange application that works on top of Internet Protocol. The software works, essentially, by allowing the users of distinct IP addresses to connect to a server which puts them in direct voice contact with other users. Anyone can host a Ventrilo server on their home computer, but there are certain advantages to having a Ventrilo dedicated server.

Voice over IP applications are becoming more and more common. It is, for example, now possible to integrate VoIP programs into regular telecommunications networks. Skype was one on of the first services that popularized the medium. The interface looks much like any of the many other instant messaging applications that are commonly used on the Internet like ICQ, MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger. In fact, many of these applications now also allow you to create voice or even video connection so you can keep in touch with your friend over the Internet. The innovation of Skype is that the service allows user to dial regular telephone numbers. Now, VoIP services can be installed in a home that works independently of any home computers and effectively replaces regular telephone services. Ventrilo dedicated servers use the same technology to fulfill a different communication niche.

Whereas VoIP phone accounts and Skype-like systems act more like personal and private communications interfaces, Ventrilo is a platform for geared toward public communication networks. The client interface, for example, is reminiscent of IRC (Internet Relay Chat). You can create channels on a voice server that can be accessed by multiple users at once. The effect is much like a conference call, but anyone can drop in or out of the channel at will. Passwords can be setup to limit users, or channels can be left open to public access.

One of the major uses of Ventrilo, or “vent” as it is often known, is for people to communicate collectively while playing online games. Many games have integrated VoIP functionality, but Ventrilo allows you to easily setup teams prior to joining servers and maintain communications regardless of what happens in game. The program boasts very minimal bandwidth and CPU usage while offering good-quality sound reproduction, making it particularly well suited to complementing in-game communication while not interfering with the computer’s processing power which is required by the game.

For the purpose of a team that plays in a regular, pre-arrange window of time, it is perfectly possible to run the server software needed to operate Ventrilo on a home computer. However, having a host maintain a Ventrilo dedicated server means that all your settings will stay the same each time you need to log in: the same server name, the same target IP address. Further, the communication network doesn’t depend on any one user maintaining the server. Any member of the group can login anytime and find the channel waiting for them, making it easier to arrange impromptu games. Naturally, Ventrilo systems aren’t only useful to gamers. Anyone wanting to enable a remotely accessible, cheap and public forum that allows for voice communication will find the software useful.

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