What is voice over IP? (VoIP)

What is VoIP? Voice over IP (VoIP) is a relatively new way to make phone calls which cost less and include clever, flexible features. Whenever you use the internet to call friends, family and colleagues, you're using VoIP. At Vonage, we've put this technology into your regular telephone by linking your phone system with your broadband connection.

VoIP is also commonly known as a broadband phone, internet telephony or IP telephony.

What is voice over IP? (VoIP)

What is VoIP? Voice over IP (VoIP) is a relatively new way to make phone calls which cost less and include clever, flexible features. Whenever you use the internet to call friends, family and colleagues, you're using VoIP. At Vonage, we've put this technology into your regular telephone by linking your phone system with your broadband connection.

VoIP is also commonly known as a broadband phone, internet telephony or IP telephony.

How does VoIP work?

How does VoIP work

In order to make a call via the Internet, VoIP converts your voice into digital data and sends it to your conversational partner using an Internet connection - all at lightning speed. Your contact doesn't need to be using VoIP to talk to you, your VoIP phone system can get in touch with people who are using any device, from smartphones to phone boxes, making it one of the most efficient and flexible telephone systems.

TDM

Why is it better than TDM?

TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) is the common system at work in most traditional telephones. It's served us well for decades, but now there's a far cheaper and much more flexible system available. Unlike TDM, VoIP doesn't require costly line rental, is quick and simple to set up and can be very cheap to make calls with.

What are the different kinds of VoIP?

Computer VoIP - calls to your Vonage UK business landline number ring on your mobile at no extra charge.

IP Phones - These are specialised phones, which look like regular handsets but plug directly into router. This style of VoIP is a little old hat but still available.

ATA - Analogue Telephone Adaptors (ATAs) are what we use to deliver accessible VoIP to individuals and businesses. They wirelessly connect your analogue phone to your router, turning your plain old phone system into a VoIP phone system pretty much instantaneously.

FlexibleSavings

Low-cost, flexible calls & even better features

Traditional phones do come with some features, from "hold" options to three-way calls. VoIP offers even better features with easy-to-use systems that help you make use of them; from receiving calls on one phone when you've set up multiple localised numbers, low cost callsto easily setting up call forwarding. This makes VoIP one of the most flexible telephone systems available.

But one of the biggest benefits is the cost. If you're calling another VoIP user, for instance, there's no charge - you only need to cover the cost of your existing broadband connection.

If you're not sure about exactly how VoIP works, we've created this handy guide to explain it all in clear and simple English.

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What is VoIP

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How VoIP works

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Using VoIP

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How to switch to VoIP

How does VoIP work?

VoIP is a communication system that works by converting your voice into digital data and sending it through your internet connection. So, instead of your voice passing down a phone line, it passes through your router. All this is done at incredible speed and it doesn't matter if the person you are speaking to is using a VoIP or regular phone, the voice data is transferred back into recognisable speech, often through a private branch exchange system (PBX).

In case you're still not sure, here is a handy VoIP diagram that describes how VoIP technology works at its most basic level.

How VoIP works

Dial the number

Your voice is turned into digital packets

Connect with a system to your destination and convert the data into voice

A similar process occurs in the other direction

How does VoIP PBX work?

A normal PBX is the system that connects telephone extensions to the public switchboard. VoIP gateways can be combined with this to allow PBX functionality to make normal phone calls through your internet connection. This means you can take advantage of a single network for both voice and data.

The benefits of how VoIP works

Of course, all of this is only necessary if it's better than your existing system. But don't worry because this is where VoIP really shines. Because your calls are transferred through your internet connection, there is no line rental and call costs are extremely low and even free. You can even use VoIP to make international calls, so it could help you to significantly save on communication expenses.

How VoIP features work for small businesses

Features for small businesses

As well as just saving on costs, VoIP has a number of other big advantages for small businesses. Here's our top five.

Mobile clients - you'll have the ability to make and receive VoIP calls through your mobile phone. You don't need to be in the office to stay in touch and can manage your VoIP service on the move.

Desktop clients - the desktop VoIP service is integrated with your email so when you receive an incoming call, it pops up with the caller's details from your contact directory. You'll also have the ability to simply click and call contacts, plus you can see if colleagues on the internal directory are available.

Voicemail to email - a transcription service turns your voicemail into text and sends it directly to your phone.

Coaching tools - you can sit in on employees calls and offer advice without clients being able to hear you, providing an invaluable training tool.

Auto attendant - calls can be answered and callers can engage with an automated menu to avoid using extensions or receptionists.