What is VoIP?

How does VoIP work?

Let's take a look at what happens when you make or receive a call on a VoIP phone.

When you speak into a VoIP-enabled device, such as a computer or IP phone, your voice is captured by a microphone and converted into a digital format. This process is called analog-to-digital conversion.

The digital voice data is divided into small packets. Each packet contains a portion of the voice data, as well as additional information such as the sender's and receiver's IP addresses.

The packets are then transmitted over the internet. They are sent individually and can take different paths to reach the destination.

Along the way, routers and switches on the internet analyse the destination IP address and forward the packets towards their intended recipient. This process continues until all the packets reach the recipient's network.

Once the packets arrive at the destination network, they are reassembled into the original voice data in the correct order.

The digital voice data is converted back into analog signals, which can be played through speakers or headphones to recreate the original sound.

The process described above occurs in both directions, allowing two VoIP-enabled devices to communicate with each other in real-time. VoIP also integrates with traditional telephony systems, allowing calls to be made between VoIP and regular phone lines.

Why should I use VoIP?

VoIP offers several advantages over traditional phone lines:

1. Cost savings

   VoIP typically costs less than traditional phone lines, especially for long-distance and international calls. Since VoIP uses the internet for transmission, there are no separate charges for voice and data services.

2. Flexibility and scalability

   VoIP is highly flexible and scalable. It can be used on various devices such as computers, smartphones, and dedicated VoIP phones, allowing users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. It also makes it easy to add or remove lines and extensions as needed, without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.

3. Feature rich

   VoIP systems provide a wide range of features that enhance communication and productivity. These include voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting, conference calling, caller ID, and more. We've written a guide to the flexible routing options available with the Voipfone Cloud PBX.

4. Integrations

   VoIP can be integrated with other applications and systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, email, and instant messaging, to enhance communication and streamline workflows. This integration enables features like click-to-call and screen popping, where relevant customer information is displayed when receiving a call.

5. Portability

   With VoIP, phone numbers are not tied to physical locations. Users can keep their phone numbers when moving or travelling, as long as they have access to an internet connection. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for remote workers and businesses with multiple locations.

What equipment do I need?

To make VoIP calls, you typically need the following:

• Internet connection

  A reliable broadband internet connection is necessary to transmit voice data packets for VoIP calls. Voipfone broadband is engineered to work perfectly with our voice service, and because our broadband connects you directly into our telephone network we're totally in control of its performance.

• VoIP device

  You can use various devices to make VoIP calls, such as:
  
  • A computer with a microphone and speakers or a headset. You can use softphone applications or VoIP client software installed on your computer.
  • A smartphone or tablet with a VoIP app installed. Our free softphone app turns your mobile into an extension of our PBX so you can home-work or office-work wherever you are.
  • A dedicated VoIP phone. We offer a range of VoIP telephones and VoIP adapters designed for making and receiving VoIP calls. All our VoIP telephones and adapters are pre-configured with UK ring and dial tones, our own optimum network settings and your user account details - so you can just plug them into your home or office network and and start making calls straight away.

• VoIP Service Provider

  We offer ready-made plans starting from as little as £5.00 per user per month, or you can take complete control over your plan with Voipfone Flex for just £1.50 for a phone extension. You're not tied down to a contract so you are free to change plan every month. No site visits, no installation, no maintenance - just sign up and go.

VoIP is for everyone

VoIP isn't just for big offices, and at Voipfone we provide our business quality digital VoIP phone services at the same great prices to residential customers too!

The old copper telephone network is being replaced with optical fibres and soon everyone will be using VoIP. Future-proof your communications and upgrade to Voipfone today.