What Is VoIP? 5 Things You Need to Know

If you have access to the internet, then you have access to Voice over IP telephony. But what exactly is VoIP, and do you even need it?

1. WHAT IS VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice Over IP, a technology that allows you to send and receive voice communications as well as other multimedia messages through the internet. 

2. HOW DOES VoIP WORK?

Voice over IP uses the power of the internet to streamline your telecommunication services. VoIP works by turning analog audio signals and turning them into data packages that can then be transmitted over the internet and then decoded back into audio signals for the person at the other end of the line. 

VoIP is available on devices that can access the internet, including smartphones, personal computers, and tablets. VoIP is also able to function wirelessly - you can use VoIP outside of the office, through your cell data, or by connecting to a hotspot.

Traditionally, VoIP was first developed as an alternative to traditional analog phone private branch exchange technology, meaning that it was voice-only for a while. However, through VoIP, you can now harness an internet connection to send phone calls, share files, do video chatting, and communicate with text messages through the internet instead of having to rely on a landline or other single-use technology. 

3. WHAT'S THE VoIP DEPLOYMENT PROCESS LIKE?

The VoIP deployment process is relatively pain-free, and, depending on the service that you use, can even be done remotely through simply downloading an app to your computer. 

More involved processes might require the installation of an adapter to your existing phone line sockets to ensure that it’s fully compatible with VoIP’s internet-based features.

4. TOP VoIP FEATURES

VoIP makes the bonus features that telecom companies offer easily available. With voice over IP systems hosted in the cloud, your video conferencing, messaging, and phone communications can be consolidated and streamlined. 

VoIP is a growing technology that is constantly evolving, but we’ll narrow down some of the key features VoIP provides that you can't really get with traditional telephony:

You can forward your calls to your phone, tablet, and laptop. You'll no longer be tied to the desk and be able to be more productive while on the move. You’ll even be able to get texts, faxes, voicemail, and files straight to you, wherever you are.

VoIP boasts call recording, call logs, and time logging so that you can keep better track of how your time is spent.

With VoIP, you can add extra phones to your business without having to add extra physical lines. You no longer have to pay your telecom company for the new lines and then have to wait ages for the installation. 

This easy scalability is also helpful when it comes to optics. Say you want a phone number in a certain area code to better appeal to local clients - VoIP can get you that without requiring you to have an office in that area.

5. IS VoIP A GOOD FIT FOR ME?

VoIP is one of the more affordable telecommunication tech options and is more flexible in terms of installation and execution. It works well in small and large organizations alike, it works in every field, and location-wise, it’s great for both on-site offices and with most remote workers.

All you really need to properly use VoIP is a good broadband connection - by that, I mean the quality of VoIP communications is reliant on the quality and stability of your internet connection. 

VoIP is a flexible tool that can be used successfully in most organizations, but if your business is in a very remote location and struggles with a poor internet connection or perhaps no internet at all, then VoIP may not be a good fit for you. 

Ultimately, VoIP is a tool that will help optimize the way you run your business so that you can spend more time with your clients. If you want to learn more, please reach out and

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