VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), sometimes called Voice over Broadband, or Internet telephony, is simply a way to use your existing broadband connection to place voice calls over the Internet.

VoIP was developed in order to provide access to voice communication in any place around the world.

How is the VoIP call made?

A voice signal from a VoIP phone (or an older phone connected through an adapter) is passed through a VoIP device that converts the regular telephone voice signal to a digital one so it can use a broadband internet connection where it travels to the destination equipment. The digital signal is then converted back to the original voice call.

In other words, when the originator calls a number the VoIP adapter logs on to the routing server - which looks up the destination IP number that's associated with the dialled phone number - and it makes the connection. If the destination number isn't using VoIP, and doesn't have the phone number tied in with an IP number, then it is recognised that the destination number is a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) phone and the call is re-routed.

Advantages of VoIP

• Connection of remote workers to enable calls to and from the office at no extra cost
• Integration of IP applications with telephones
• Connecting sites together at no extra call cost
• Easier system administration and better control of your communications