Voice over Internet Protocol, better known as VoIP, allows anyone with an internet connection to make and receive phone calls. It replaces traditional analog technology with cloud-based services. VoIP offers more capabilities than a standard phone system and for almost half the cost. It provides call recording, voicemail to email, voice-enabled auto attendants, chat/SMS, video conferencing, remote and web-based browser access, and so much more. These services allow a user to take calls from anywhere, creating a more flexible work environment.
How does it work, you might ask? There are several methods for implementing a VoIP system:
Overall, VoIP will save you more money than a traditional phone landline. You can improve your business’s efficiency and have a team that is more organized and flexible. Below are several reasons why companies of all sizes and IT professionals invest in VoIP services:
PBX, Codec, LAN...what’s it all mean? There can be confusing jargon and terminology associated with this new technology, but fear not! Listed below are some of the common terms and abbreviations associated with VoIP phone systems.
ATA is hardware that converts audio, data, and video signals into Internet Protocol (IP) packets sent over the internet. It is usually used to connect traditional telephones, fax machines, or on-premises devices into digital systems or VoIPs.
Usually associated with your internet connectivity, bandwidth refers to how much data can be transferred during a particular time. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), while analog bandwidth is measured in Hertz (Hz).
A codec both encodes and decodes a digital data stream or signal. It converts data of software or hardware devices to be delivered, received, used, stored, or encrypted.
A gateway in VoIP systems converts calls and communications traffic into packets of data for transmission over the internet.
LAN’s group together computers to connect for locations like an office, school, or home use. A LAN can operate via ethernet to transmit data within a private network. LAN’s usually offer very rapid communication speeds.
A modem is a device that converts analog signals into digital signals or digital into analog. They are used to send data signals over the telephone network. Essentially it’s a box that connects your home network to the broader internet.
In networking, a packet refers to a small segment of a larger data message. Data sent over the internet is divided into packets. After the computer or device receives the packet, it merges the packets back together. Routers in the network will store and forward packets based on network delays, errors, and re-transmittal requests from the receiving end.
Usually, a PBX is used for a business phone system. It calls landline phones, VoIP lines, and dialed extensions for a business. Below are the different kinds of PBX’s:
A softphone is actually software that allows a laptop, desktop, or tablet to have telephone functionality. It receives inputs from a microphone and outputs through headphones or the computer’s speakers. These voice communications are then sent and received as data packets over the internet.
UM integrates multiple electronic messaging and communications media into a unified interface. This can include SMS, email, video messaging, fax, voicemail, and more. You can access it from a variety of different devices.
Another phone number is assigned to an existing telephone line to save money from long-distance calling fees. A virtual number will appear to be in the same area code so the caller does not have to pay long-distance fees and believes the user is communicating locally with them.
Wherever a wireless signal is available, a WiFi phone works over the internet. It has both voice and data communications. All you need is access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and you can use the phone as you would a traditional IP phone for office work.