Put simply VoIP (Voice over IP) also known as IP telephony is the transmission of a telephone call over IP (computer) based networks instead of traditional telephone networks.
The Internet Protocol (IP) was originally designed for data networking, however due to the success of IP becoming a world standard for data networking it has led to it being adapted to carry telephone calls (Voice over IP or VoIP).
VoIP Definition:
Voice over IP, or VoIP, is the technology used to transmit voice conversations over an internal or external data network using IP packets (digital form); without loss in functionality, reliability or quality; and in compliance with the International Telecommunications Union specifications. The term is also used to refer to the hardware and software used to carry such calls over the network.
How is a Voice over IP call made?
A voice signal from a Voice over IP phone (or an older phone connected through a suitable VoIP 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 Voice over IP (VoIP) phone 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 routed through the PSTN.
More VoIP (or Voice over IP)
