VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which is a technology that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP converts your voice to a digital file, compresses it, and sends it over the internet. The VoIP service provider sets up the call, and for phone calls, the conversation is exchanged using small data packets. The internet can send these data packets around the world in less than a second.
Some key features of VoIP include:
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Packet switching: VoIP uses the ‘packet switching’ method, which means that data is only sent when needed. A brief, instant connection is created each time you speak, and the connection doesn’t need to go both ways all the time. Plus, packets of data are sent efficiently, and they can use many different paths through the internet. The packages are then put back together when they reach their destination.
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Scalability: Another advantage of VoIP is higher scalability. Whether you’re hiring more staff or opening a new branch, VoIP can easily accommodate your growing business needs.
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Unified communications: VoIP provides a framework for consolidation of all modern communications technologies using a single unified communications system. This can be particularly useful for businesses so teams dont have to work with multiple different applications to communicate with one another effectively. VoIP creates this network by enabling users to make calls and hold web conferences from a computer, smartphone, other mobile devices, special VoIP phones and WebRTC-enabled browsers.
VoIP is available on many personal computers and other internet access devices, and it provides a significant upgrade from an analog phone system. You used to need expensive, proprietary equipment to use VoIP, but today, VoIP is built upon open standards such as.
