What is VoIP ?

VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) is a general term for technologies that deliver voice calls over IP networks such as the Internet, rather than the public switched telephone network.

VoIP systems use different audio codecs to encode speech as digital audio, allowing transmission over the Internet.

VoIP is used both by software applications, such as Skype, and dedicated VoIP hardware routers/phones that provide voice/fax service over an existing Internet connection.

Because of the bandwidth efficiency and lower cost, VoIP technology is becoming more popular for both residential and business use.

Note: Other terms synonymous with VoIP are IP telephony, Internet telephony, and broadband phones.