what is voice over ip

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the Internet instead of the traditional landline Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) . VoIP converts voice into digital data packets, compresses them, and sends them over the internet. The VoIP service provider sets up the call, and the conversation is exchanged using small data packets. VoIP can allow users to make calls directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. Some VoIP services only work over a computer or a special VoIP phone, while others allow users to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. VoIP can reduce network infrastructure costs and enable providers to deliver voice services over broadband and private networks. VoIP has many advantages over traditional phone service, including lower cost, better scalability, and more features.