Table of Contents
- What Is Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
- Understanding Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- Important Providers
- How Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Works
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- VoIP Services
- What Is a Simple Definition of VoIP?
- What Is Mobile VoIP?
- What Does SIP Mean on VoIP Phones?
- What Does Non-Fixed VoIP Mean?
What Is Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
Let me explain VoIP directly: it's a technology that lets you make voice calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines. Voice-over-Internet Protocol converts the voice signal from old-school phones into a digital signal that travels through the internet, not analog lines.
Key Takeaways
- VoIP lets you make calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a standard phone line.
- It converts voice signals into digital data that travels over the internet rather than analog lines.
- Calls are basically free wherever the internet is available.
- The traditional phone industry took a big hit from VoIP, with many users ditching it as services became obsolete.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, VoIP became crucial for remote work replacing office setups.
Understanding Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)
You should know that VoIP technology enables 'telephone calls' via internet connections, not analog lines, making them effectively free where internet access exists. It transformed the telecom industry by rendering traditional lines and services nearly obsolete and slashing demand for them.
As internet access spread, VoIP became common for both personal and business use.
Important Providers
In 2022, PCMag listed top business VoIP providers like Intermedia, RingCentral, 8x8, Vonage, Dialpad, Microsoft Skype, Ooma, Mitel, Freshdesk Contact Center, and Line2.
How Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Works
Here's how it functions: VoIP converts your voice audio into data packets that travel over the internet, just like text or images. These sound packets move almost instantly through public and private networks from start to end. Any landline or mobile connected to the internet can handle VoIP calls, and you can even use computers with mics, speakers, or headsets.
Since calls go over the internet, they're prone to the same lags as other data when bandwidth is low or overloaded.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)
VoIP cuts voice communication costs to nearly zero for personal and business use. Many providers bundle it free with broadband or cable TV to attract customers—it's low extra cost for them and nothing for you, so everyone wins.
It also enables affordable or free video calls, conferences, and webinars for all users, not just big companies. Before, these were pricey, but now even freelancers can afford them.
The downside is potential lagging or clumping. Sound travels in packets, so there's slight delay—usually unnoticeable. But high internet usage can cause jerky audio. Some services fail during power outages without backups, and certain 9-1-1 systems can't locate VoIP calls accurately.
VoIP Services
The first VoIP service launched in 1995 by VocalTech with InternetPhone—no video, and both parties needed the same software.
Early versions had poor quality with distortions and drops, but improvements came, especially with Skype in 2003, offering free calls, video, landline connections, and better sound.
The COVID-19 pandemic boosted VoIP further as remote work surged, making tools like Zoom essential for teleconferencing in workplaces.
What Is a Simple Definition of VoIP?
VoIP is technology for speaking over an internet connection, like a regular phone call, but at much lower cost than traditional networks, especially long-distance—though bandwidth limits can affect it.
What Is Mobile VoIP?
Mobile VoIP, or mVoIP, extends VoIP to handheld devices using protocols for audio over WiFi or LTE, cheaper than traditional calls without wires.
What Does SIP Mean on VoIP Phones?
SIP, session initiation protocol, manages multimedia like calls and video in VoIP—often confused with VoIP itself, but it's distinct.
What Does Non-Fixed VoIP Mean?
Non-fixed VoIP is a phone number not tied to a physical address, useful for remote workers or call centers, but also exploitable by scammers faking local presence.
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