What is VoIP and How Does It Work?

The days of relying solely on a landline or mobile network to make phone calls have long since passed. In today's lightning-fast world, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has replaced traditional telephone service as the preferred method of contact. Yet, what exactly is VoIP and how does it differ from more conventional phone systems?

In this article, we'll delve deep into VoIP technology and discuss how it's changing the way people talk to one another.

The definition and history of VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is a method of transmitting audio and video across a network, hence the name. To put it plainly, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a method of making and receiving phone calls via the internet rather than traditional phone lines. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is an efficient and adaptable replacement for conventional phone lines, as it converts audio into digital data that can be sent over the internet.

The first VoIP application wasn't created until the 1990s, although the idea of sending voice over the internet dates back to the early days of the internet in the 1970s. The first commercial VoIP software, which enabled users to make audio calls over the internet using a computer and a headset, was developed in 1995 by the Israeli company VocalTec Communications.

There was a considerable improvement in VoIP systems' quality and dependability throughout the succeeding decade, thanks to developments in internet and networking technology. VoIP was first adopted by businesses in the early 2000s as a more cost-effective alternative to traditional phone lines, and by the mid-2000s, consumer-oriented VoIP services like Skype had grown increasingly popular.

As time has progressed, VoIP has grown in popularity and is now used in nearly all kinds of modern communication, from desktop computers to mobile devices. The future of VoIP is bright, with advancements like 5G networks and cloud-based solutions promising to push the boundaries of what is now achievable with internet connectivity and capacity.

Do people still use VoIP?

You may be wondering if people still use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) nowadays despite the fact that the technology has been around for decades. With VoIP continuing to be a favourite among both enterprises and consumers, the answer is an emphatic yes.

A CAGR of 12.5% is forecasted for the worldwide VoIP market between 2021 and 2028, suggesting that the market will continue to expand in the years ahead. The rising popularity of mobile devices and cloud-based services, as well as the increasing demand for cost-effective communication solutions, are all contributing to this expansion.

The scalability, adaptability, and low cost of VoIP have made it a popular choice for businesses. Business VoIP systems are very adaptable and may be combined with a wide variety of other corporate applications to improve efficiency in a variety of settings. As a result of its widespread availability, VoIP is a great option for organisations with dispersed or mobile staff.

In addition to businesses, consumers have shown a lot of interest in voice over IP (VoIP) technology thanks to the availability of low- or no-cost international calling options provided by platforms like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom. In fact, Statista predicts that there will be 1.5 billion VoIP users worldwide by the year 2022.

VoIP technology has grown in popularity as a modern, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to traditional phone lines, albeit the latter still have their uses in some fields and contexts. The use of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is expected to increase in the next years as internet access and bandwidth continue to advance.

Is VoIP better than landline?

Whether VoIP or a landline is preferable depends heavily on the user's individual requirements and use case. Yet, many companies and individuals are beginning to see VoIP as a more viable option due to its many advantages.

The lower price point of VoIP compared to traditional landline lines is a major benefit. As there is no need for costly gear or long-distance charges, VoIP technology is typically much more cost-effective than conventional landline phone systems. In addition, many VoIP service providers offer adaptable pricing structures and a wide range of capabilities, so that companies can select and pay for exactly the services they require.

VoIP also offers flexibility, which is a major benefit. Because VoIP allows users to make and receive calls from any location with an internet connection, it is a great option for mobile teams and employees. In addition, unlike standard landline systems, VoIP technology allows for a variety of high-end capabilities including call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and video conferencing.

VoIP technology provides a more affordable, flexible, and feature-rich communication solution for many organisations and consumers than traditional landlines do.

VoIP Calling

Do you keep getting calls from unknown numbers? This could be down to VoIP Calling. We've written a guide on this.

How does VoIP work?

In its most fundamental form, VoIP entails the digitization of analogue speech signals so that they can be transferred digitally over the internet. The following are the actions taken to complete this process:

1. When a person talks into a VoIP phone or microphone, the analogue signal is transformed into a digital one. An ADC is used to sample the sound wave and then convert it into a string of binary integers for digital processing.
2. The packetization process involves dividing the digitalized voice stream into smaller pieces before sending them over the internet. Among the data contained in such packets are the IP addresses of both the sender and the recipient, as well as a timestamp.
3. Once the data packets are prepared, a protocol like IP is used to send them across the internet (IP). Packets can arrive out of order or not at all if they take detours or are lost along the way.
4. Once at their final destination, the packets are reassembled in their proper sequence and transformed back into an analogue signal. Typically, this is accomplished with the aid of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which recreates the original audio waveform.

Despite its seeming complexity, this operation completes in a millisecond, enabling true real-time audio communication across the web. As more people have access to high-speed internet and VoIP technology develops, VoIP systems become a more viable option for today's demanding communication requirements.

How does VoIP work if internet is down?

The requirement for a constant internet connection is often cited as a disadvantage of VoIP technology. Calls made or received using a VoIP system may be disrupted if the underlying internet connection is down. Businesses and individuals can protect themselves against the consequences of a temporary loss of internet access in a number of ways.

If you want to ensure that your internet modem and VoIP equipment continue to function in the event of a power loss, one alternative is to invest in a backup power supply, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). In the event of a blackout, this can allow you continue making and receiving calls.

An other solution would be to employ a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system with redundancy features. This means that the VoIP system will immediately transition to a secondary internet connection, such as a cellular network or a different ISP, if the primary connection fails.

Finally, in the event of an internet interruption, some VoIP systems allow calls to be forwarded to a conventional landline or mobile phone. This can offer a level of redundancy and guarantee that you can continue communicating in the event that your primary method of doing so fails.

Despite the fact that VoIP technology necessitates a stable internet connection, there are a number of measures that companies and individuals can take to continue communicating in the event of an internet outage. If you anticipate and prepare for any disruptions to your internet connection, you can keep your organization's ability to communicate operating at a high level even if the network goes down temporarily.

How much does VoIP cost?

VoIP's lower price tag compared to landlines is a major selling point for the technology. The price tag on a VoIP system, however, can fluctuate greatly based on variables including the size of your business, the services you require, and the VoIP service provider you go with.

The majority of VoIP service providers offer a variety of price options to meet the demands of businesses of varying sizes and scopes. Monthly user fees are the standard for VoIP pricing, with additional fees for things like faxing and international calling.

VoIP plans range in price from as little as a few pounds per user per month to as much as £50 or more per person per month for more sophisticated features like video conferencing and call recording. Some VoIP providers may also tack on fees for equipment, set up, and troubleshooting.

Although Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems can be more cost-effective than traditional landline systems, there may be additional expenses related to providing a stable internet connection and a safe network. But in the long run, the savings and adaptability of a VoIP system convince many companies that it was money well spent.

In order to calculate how much a VoIP system will actually cost your company, you will need to assess your current and future communication demands and compare various service providers' rates. You can maximise your return on investment (ROI) by doing your homework and choosing a plan that is specifically designed to meet your needs.

Is VoIP cheaper than a landline?

When compared to traditional landline phone systems, VoIP technology can save you a lot of money. Because VoIP eliminates the need for costly hardware and long-distance charges, it is often much more cost-effective than traditional landline systems.

When compared to traditional landline systems, VoIP offers significant cost savings because calls may be made via the internet utilising a computer, mobile device, or VoIP phone. In addition, many VoIP service providers offer adaptable pricing structures and a wide range of capabilities, so that companies can select and pay for exactly the services they require.

A VoIP system can save money and provide flexibility, but it requires a stable internet connection and careful network management, both of which can add to the cost. Nonetheless, many firms find that these are good investments in the long term. VoIP technology can enable businesses of all sizes communicate with their clients and consumers at a lower cost and with more ease.

Benefits of using VoIP

Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has several advantages for both professional and personal use. Some of the main benefits are as follows:

• VoIP is more cost-effective than conventional landline systems because it eliminates the need for costly gear and long-distance charges.
• VoIP's scalability and the ease with which calls can be placed from anyplace with an internet connection make it a great option for mobile teams and employees.
• Call forwarding, voicemail to email, and video conferencing are just a few examples of the advanced functionality made possible by VoIP systems that aren't available on standard landline telephones.
• VoIP systems are highly integratable with a wide variety of business applications, streamlining communication and collaboration across a variety of channels.
• VoIP allows you to carry your phone number and communication setup with you wherever you go, as long as you have an internet connection.
• With VoIP technology, international calls can be made for next to nothing, making it a great option for organisations and individuals with worldwide clientele.

Because of its many advantages, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is quickly becoming the norm for all kinds of contemporary communication. Businesses and people alike can take use of VoIP's adaptability, scalability, and reduced overhead to maintain connections and improve communication.

Continue reading The Benefits of using VoIP

The common use cases of VoIP

Business phone systems, video conferencing platforms, and mobile apps are just a few examples of how VoIP technology has become deeply embedded in today's communication infrastructure. Some of VoIP's most prevalent applications include the following:

• Call routing, call recording, and automated attendants are just a few of the services that VoIP phone systems provide organisations, allowing them to save money while maintaining a high level of adaptability.
• Work from anywhere with a phone and an internet connection by using VoIP. This technology is perfect for remote teams and scattered workforces.
• Webinars and other online meetings can be held in a virtual setting using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, which offers tools like whiteboarding, breakout rooms, and screen sharing.
• Many popular apps for smartphones and tablets now support audio and video calls using Internet Protocol (IP) networks.
• VoIP services such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom are becoming increasingly popular for personal usage since they allow users to make international voice and video calls for free or at very low rates.

There is a wide range of common scenarios in which VoIP technology is used, from professional to private settings. Future years will certainly bring even more creative VoIP applications as the technology develops and improves.

Conclusion

Looking for a VoIP service provider? Read our Best VoIP Service Providers comparison

VoIP technology has changed the way we talk to one another by providing an affordable, adaptable, and feature-rich substitute for landline telephones. If you own a business and want to improve your employees' ability to communicate and work together, or if you're just an individual in search of a cutting-edge, low-cost method of making and receiving phone calls, VoIP could be the answer you've been waiting for.

We have covered every aspect of VoIP in this essay, from its fundamentals to its more complex capabilities and everyday applications. We've gone through the upsides of VoIP, such as its low price, adaptability, and high-tech extras, as well as some of the possible downsides, such the requirement for a stable internet connection.

VoIP technology is set to become even more integral to our everyday lives as the global population continues to expand and the demand for dependable communication solutions rises. In order to keep up with the ever-evolving business landscape, it's important to be well-versed on the most recent developments in VoIP technology.