What is VoIP?

VoIP was originally developed in 1995 by VocalTec Communications, and has soared in popularity in recent years thanks to the stability and reliability of up-to-date broadband connectivity and the mass shift to remote and hybrid working brought about by the pandemic. It’s now the number one choice for most modern businesses when upgrading their phone systems.

How Does VoIP Work?

VoIP is a phone system that uses the internet to make and receive phone calls, rather than the regular landline network. Traditional phone systems carry voice signals using analog phone lines, which requires legacy technologies such as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), both of which are set to be decommissioned.

VoIP, on the other hand, converts your voice into digital signals, which are then sent to a business phone service provider using your internet connection before it’s routed to your customer’s phone. This process happens nearly instantly which is why VoIP sound quality is often better than traditional phone calls.

What is a VoIP Phone?

A VoIP phone is a dedicated piece of office hardware that uses IP technology to transmit calls. While it might look and perform like a traditional telephone, a VoIP phone makes calls over the internet - converting your voice into packed data that is pushed out over the internet and played back for the other person to hear.

Unlike legacy phone hardware, a VoIP phone will work no matter where you are, and as long as you have internet, you’ll be able to make and receive calls. You don’t need a physical phone in order to make calls either, as these can also be made via an app installed on your smartphone or computer.

What Are Examples of VoIP?

There are numerous examples of VoIP, including Unified Communications (UC), Over the Top Communications applications such as Skype, Voice over Wi-Fi, Voice of LTE, and SIP Trunking.

Unified communications (UC) is a term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools, such as voice calling, video conferencing on Zoom and Microsoft Teams, instant messaging (IM), and content sharing, into a single, streamlined interface, with the goal of improving user experience (UX) and productivity.

SIP Trunking, on the other hand, is a digital alternative to the analog phone. This technology allows organizations to connect multiple channels directly to an IP-enabled Private Branch Exchange (PBX), enabling employees to make long-distance phone calls via the internet.

What is SIP Trunking? >

What is a VoIP Number?

A VoIP number is simply a conventional telephone number that is assigned to a user, rather than a specific telephone line. Virtual telephone numbers look and work the same as any other number, and take the form of a string of digitals that can be entered on the dial pad to connect a call.

Why Use a VoIP Provider?

A VoIP provider is an entity that offers VoIP services directly to consumers or businesses, and if you want to enjoy all of the benefits that the technology has to offer, it’s crucial that you have one for your business.

A VoIP provider will help you ensure that your employees understand how to use the technology, and will ensure you’re on the right plan for you and your business. Most modern VoIP providers will also offer additional benefits beyond VoIP, such as entire business communications solutions that enable your business to send files over the internet, manage and route all incoming calls, and host and join video conferences no matter where you are.

What are VoIP benefits?

• Cost savings: One of the biggest advantages of VoIP is that it’s far more affordable than traditional telephony. Most VoIP providers will offer unlimited domestic calls for free while offering deals on international calls that make calling abroad cheaper than if using a legacy phone system. VoIP is also cheaper when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

• Flexibility: Most businesses have embraced a hybrid way of working, which means employees no longer have to be in an office on a full-time basis. VoIP supports this new way of working as it doesn’t require you to be sat by your desk phone in order to make and receive calls. Rather, you can make and receive calls wherever you are using your laptop, smartphone, or tablet device, which also makes it a great solution for frequent travelers.

• Improved scalability: VoIP has the added benefit of being able to grow with your business. If you’re expanding your team or opening a new office, you can add new members to your VoIP system with just a few clicks. This can also save costs on having to buy new equipment, as you can simply have new employees install an app on their phones.

• Advanced features: VoIP offers much more functionality than traditional phone systems. For example, most VoIP providers make it easy to set up conference calls, offer a virtual receptionist and call waiting, and enable you to add video conferencing support.