Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

You have heard about it, but what exactly is VoIP? Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an acronym that describes the proven technology to let anyone place phone calls over an internet connection. Simply put, consumers and businesses over the years have shifted from traditional phone lines and prefer using VoIP phone services because it offers so many more capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

There are some unique and powerful cloud features that simply are not available to standard phone services. It has the ability for Auto-Attendant (or automated attendant) which is a voice menu system that allows callers to be transferred to the correct extension without going through an operator or receptionist. Other features include call recording, custom caller identification, voicemail to e-mail, and so much more. Let us not forget that it enables you to have the ability to receive calls and work from anywhere.

So how exactly does VoIP work? It begins with your phone connecting to your switch or router via your Local Area Network (LAN). When you go to dial a telephone number, your IP tells your VoIP service provider to call the other party. The VoIP service then proceeds to establish the call and exchange data packets from your IP phone. And then finally, the VoIP phone converts these digital signals back into the sound you can hear. This process enables Voice of Internet Protocol to completely bypass the telephone company. You can imagine the benefits of that!

And when you start thinking about the potential of some of the cloud-based features like call routing, voicemail, and conference calls; you can see the advantages. If you stop and think about it, VoIP systems have the ability to act as their own full-service phone companies that are completely under your control.

For most people, VoIP is the clear-cut winner over old analog landlines. VoIP without a doubt offers the best value, cost savings, and without a doubt the most useful modern-day features. After making the switch to VoIP, you will not ever think about your old phone service again.