What Is VoIP?

Before answering the question 'what is VoIP', let's briefly mention the abbreviation for VoIP. It's short for Voice over Internet Protocol, a communication technology that allows you send and receive data, voice and video calls via the Internet. VoIP is pronounced as V O Y P.

Wikipedia explains VoIP as:

"Voice over IP commonly refers to the communication protocols, technologies, methodologies, and transmission techniques involved in the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. Other terms commonly associated with VoIP are IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband (VoBB), broadband telephony, IP communications, and broadband phone."

What is VoIP FAQs

Is there a difference between IP Telephony and VoIP?

Yes, there's a slight technical difference.

IP Telephony is when you make an on-site Internet phone call within your LAN (local area network) at home or work. For example, when calling to your co-worker or manager.

VoIP is when you make a call to an off-site location or WAN (Wide Area Network). For instance, when you call to your family, friend and co-worker at branch office in different city or across the continent.

How Does VoIP Work?

I have created a page called how does VoIP work and it explains with diagrams how the technology works. You can also watch the tutorial below.

What do I need?

You need the follow basic requirements:

Internet access : such as dial-up, broadband Internet (DSL or Cable), dedicated network (ISDN, BRI, PRI, VPN) etc...

a Software and a VoIP hardware

VoIP Service Provider

Tip: to enjoy VoIP call quality make sure you have a good Internet connection. A single VoIP line requires about 18.3 Kbps download and upload speed. The link VoIP speed test can help you to find out your Internet speed.