VoIP

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows users to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. VoIP converts voice signals into digital signals that are sent over the Internet, allowing users to make and receive phone calls from any device with an Internet connection.

A VoIP call is set up and controlled by a signaling protocol like SIP, which handles the "ringing" and connection before any audio flows. BSG covers this in more depth in Voice Bot vs. Chatbot: Selecting the Ideal Conversational AI for Your Business.

How does it work?

VoIP works by converting analog audio signals into digital data packets. The data packets are then sent over the Internet Protocol (IP) network to the receiving device, where they are converted back into analog audio signals. The audio signals are then sent to the recipient’s phone or computer. VoIP can be used to make voice calls between two people or to make conference calls with multiple people.

What are its benefits?

VoIP offers many benefits over traditional phone systems, including lower costs, increased call quality and features, and portability. VoIP calls are typically cheaper than traditional phone calls, and VoIP services often offer additional features like voicemail, call forwarding, and conference calling.

VoIP services are also easily portable, allowing users to make and receive calls on any device with an Internet connection. Finally, VoIP services often offer higher call quality than traditional phone systems, since they transmit data over the Internet instead of over copper wires.