Technology/Functionality

Discover the most frequently asked Phone system questions

How does VoIP work?

VoIP works by converting analogue signals, like voice, into digital ones so they can be transferred using the internet rather than plain old telephone system lines. When either of the two correspondents in a conversation are not connected directly to the internet but to the traditional telephone line, these signals are once again converted, back to an analogue signal.

Indeed, when the correspondent is connected to the traditional phone line, VoIP works by converting the signal again to make what is known as the “last mile”.

 

But signals can either travel over the public internet or through a private circuit. In the latter configuration, VoIP works by bypassing the “last mile” to provide a fully digital service.

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As far as the user is concerned, VoIP works by installing a very simple equipment. Compatible desk phones are very similar to traditional phones, and even the latter can be used if a converter is installed. No special operations are required to use VoIP phones.

 

Users who prefer soft phones will have to install appropriate software, and get a USB or bluetooth-connected headset.

 

Users also need a broadband internet connection, fast enough to allow multiple conversations to take place on the same line, at the same time. A QoS (Quality of Service) modem will be useful to prioritise calls over other data transmissions.

 

In an enterprise telephone network, users will need to install an on-site IP PBX phone system, routers, and SIP trunking VoIP Service. Or they can simply subscribe to a hosted IP PBX service.

 

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