VOIP (or VoIP) stands for ‘ Voice over Internet Protocol’. In the simplest terms, this means – being able to make and receive telephone calls through your internet connection. Think Skype Call, WhatsApp Call and Messenger Call, all excellent types of communication.

How VOIP works:

  • VOIP technology converts telephony analog audio signal into digital data, compressing the information into data packets, for fast, information dense, instant transmission. Analog audio is what you hear when you talk over the phone, whether through a telephone line, or a cellular device. Digital data is what is uploaded and downloaded when you connect to the internet.
  • VOIP uses the same protocols that the Internet uses to send and receive information. Data packets are transmitted via an IP network, i.e. over the internet. It is therefore sometimes referred to as IP telephony (IPT). However, VOIP technology does not always require a computer or smartphone.
  • VOIP phones (also called SIP phones or IP phones) to connect directly to the internet.
  • A VOIP adapter (also called an ATAVOIP or ATA) can be fitted to an ordinary telephone to connect it to the internet and convert analog to digital and vice versa.

The advantages of VOIP:

Costs: Public VOIP applications, like WhatsApp and Skype, offer free telephone calls. In the case of Skype, charges are only incurred (and need to be pre-purchased) when calls go to a normal telephony receiver. This makes these applications ideal for International calls. You only need a computer or smartphone – with a good internet connection, and data.

Quality: VOIP calls offer better quality thanks to the faster transmission of data packets. Calls connect instantly, are clearer and free of ‘feedback’ and signal delay.

Convenience: You can set up your own VOIP system for free calls to and from anywhere in the world. You can even set up a full call centre run on VoIP. 

Private VOIP – Types of VOIP Services:

1. Cloud Hosted VoIP
2. On site VoIP:

  • Full VoIP system
  • Hybrid Telephony/VoIP

The basic principles of VoIP are simple. However, it gets a little more complicated when it comes to the VoIP systems. Your VoIP service provider can help you set up the most cost-effective and cost-saving VOIP system for your office – with the right VoIP equipment, accessories (such as headsets), and capabilities for your business.